How to Build a Charm Necklace: A Guide to Personalised Jewellery
There’s something so nostalgic and heartwarming about a charm necklace. It’s like wearing a little scrapbook of your life—your favourite moments, your personal symbols, your story, all tucked into a single piece of jewellery. And the best part? You can start building it anytime, and it grows with you.
When I discovered Charmed by Orla Lily, I felt like I’d stepped into a treasure trove. It’s a carefully curated collection that makes creating your own charm necklace feel effortless—but still personal and meaningful. Whether you’re just starting out or adding to an existing chain, here’s how to build a charm necklace that’s totally you.
Start with a Base Chain You’ll Love Wearing Daily
The first step is choosing your base. This is the necklace you’ll be adding your charms to, so it needs to feel right—comfortable, flattering, and versatile.
Orla Lily has a few fab options. The Charlotte Link Necklace is one of those pieces that feels classic but not too “done”. If you prefer something chunkier with a little more edge, the Lily Link Necklace is great for layering or for a bolder look. And if you’re buying for a younger person—or just prefer a more petite chain—the Kali Link Necklace is a perfect fit. It sits beautifully on smaller necks and works just as well for children building their own charm collection.
A little tip: go for a mid-length chain (not too short, not too long). It gives you the flexibility to style your charms where they sit nicely and are visible without overwhelming your outfit.
Choose Charms That Actually Mean Something
This is where the fun starts. You’re not just picking things that look cute (although they are very cute), you’re curating tiny reminders of who you are and what matters to you. Think of it like journalling in jewellery form.
Here are a few ideas to get the ball rolling:
-
Initials or letters: The Twist Letter Charm is a sleek way to wear your own initial—or someone special’s.
-
Symbols: The Evil Eye Charm adds a protective touch, and the design is subtle enough to go with everything.
-
Hearts: A classic for a reason. There’s something timeless about heart details, and Orla Lily has a few variations, from dainty to statement-making.
-
One-offs: Maybe something like the Cowboy Boot Charm if you’ve got a free-spirited side, or just love western boots (no judgement—I do too).
You don’t have to overthink it. Start with 2–3 charms that represent you right now, and you can build it up slowly.
Build As You Go (It’s a Journey, Not a Race)
Your charm necklace doesn’t have to be “done” in one go. Actually, it’s more meaningful when you collect your charms over time. Maybe one to celebrate a new job, another for a friendship that’s stood the test of time, or something for your birthday or a solo trip you finally took.
My current necklace has about ten charms, and I actually switch them up depending on my mood or outfit. Because they clip on and off so easily, I can totally personalise my necklace from home. Some days I’ll go for something minimal—just a single letter charm and a heart. Other days I’ll layer on four or five for a more eclectic vibe. I love that I can make it feel fresh without needing a whole new piece of jewellery.
Mix Styles, But Keep a Theme
Charms don’t have to “match”, but they should feel like they belong together. A good rule of thumb is to stick to one metal tone—like all gold or all silver—especially at the start. It helps your necklace feel cohesive.
You can mix charm sizes for a playful look, or keep everything delicate for a more elegant vibe. If you like symmetry, try placing a larger charm in the centre and smaller ones on either side. Or go totally asymmetric for that “cool girl who just threw this on” effect (even if you planned it).
A Few Extra Tips Before You Start
-
If you’re gifting a charm necklace, pick one charm to start with that represents the person—and include a note about adding more over time. It’s such a thoughtful present that keeps on giving.
-
Don’t be afraid to swap charms out now and then. Your story can evolve, and your necklace can too.
-
If you’re layering with other necklaces, try different chain lengths to avoid tangling. I usually do a charm necklace mid-length, with a shorter choker or a longer pendant above or below.
-
For kids or tweens who want to join in (or if you just have a slimmer neckline), the Kali Link Necklace is a really lovely option. It’s slightly smaller but still super chic.
Creating a charm necklace is such a feel-good way to express yourself. With the Charmed by Orla Lily collection, it’s easy to start small and build something truly unique over time. Whether it’s for yourself, your best friend, or your mini-me, there’s something really powerful about wearing your story around your neck.
So go ahead—start with one charm. Let it grow. And let your necklace evolve with you, one memory at a time.
Ready to build your own? Explore the full charm collection here.