In a world where gifting can feel rushed, algorithm-driven, or overly transactional, there’s something refreshing about giving a piece of jewelry that requires some thought. A charm necklace asks you to consider the person: how they dress, what symbols matter to them, and what kind of jewelry they actually wear. It’s the difference between buying something and choosing something.
Not to mention charm necklaces are having a full-blown comeback—not the jangly, overloaded versions from middle school, but thoughtful, elevated combinations that feel intimate. The beauty of gifting charms is that they’re endlessly customizable: you can start small, add on over time, and build a piece that carries meaning in a way mass-market jewelry can’t. It’s a gift that grows, shifts, and evolves with the person wearing it. If you want to give charm jewelry that feels truly personal, follow this blueprint.
Think of it as a gift that keeps growing.
One of the best parts of charm necklaces is that they never have to be “done.” You can add charms for birthdays, trips, milestones, or just because. It becomes a collection of memories, not just a single gift. And because chains can be styled long, short, layered, or even charm-less, the value isn’t just emotional—it’s practical. The recipient gets a rotating jewelry wardrobe from a single starting point. Which brings us to our next point…
Start with the right base chain.
A charm necklace is only as good as the chain it hangs on. Choose a shape and length that feels wearable on its own so the recipient can style it multiple ways. The Marin Soiree Necklace by Thatch Jewelry is a great starting point—its delicate, elongated links give the perfect amount of edge while still feeling classic. If you want something bolder, a paperclip chain adds structure and visual interest, while a simple cable chain keeps things understated. Starting with a foundation that works solo gives the gift long-term versatility as you add on your charms.
Choose one charm that really means something.
Instead of overwhelming the necklace from the start, lead with one charm that feels intentional. It could be symbolic (a star, an evil eye, a birthstone), sentimental (an inside joke represented by a tiny object), or personal (an initial). The Be You Initial Charm is an easy crowd-pleaser—it’s simple, bold, and anchors the necklace with something that’s deeply personal but still stylish. Consider it this way—you want the first charm to feel like the thesis statement of the whole piece.
Bring in texture with beads or pops of color.
Once you have your grounding charm, adding texture is what makes the necklace feel layered and luxe. Beads are the easiest way to do this because they give dimension without making the necklace heavy. The Noir Bead Charm Set adds a moody, chic contrast to gold chains and plays well with more minimal charms. Mixing shapes, materials, and finishes is what makes charm necklaces feel modern—not matchy.
Know when to add hearts or initials (without going cheeseball).
Hearts and initials can be incredibly sweet—or a little too Hallmark—so the placement matters. A heart charm works beautifully when it’s an accent, not the whole story. Something like the Malene Heart Necklace (which Bethenny herself owns and loves) feels intentional because it’s sculptural and refined, not cutesy. Initials should also be supporting players: add them once the necklace has an anchor charm so they feel like part of the narrative, not like the jewelry equivalent of shouting someone's name.
If you’re gifting this to a partner, consider adding your initial on a separate charm so they can layer or remove it depending on the moment. For friends, siblings, or yourself, stick to an initial so the piece remains wearable with everything.
Mix, match, and let it evolve.
The most personal charm necklaces look effortless, not overly designed. Encourage the wearer to mix in their own pieces; maybe they already have a charm that belonged to their grandmother, or a pendant they bought on a trip. That’s the secret: the necklace becomes part curated, part collected, part spontaneous. The more they play, the more it becomes uniquely theirs.
A personal charm necklace isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention. Pick a chain that stands on its own. Start with one meaningful charm. Layer in texture. Add hearts and initials thoughtfully. And leave room for evolution. The most sentimental jewelry is the kind that never stops changing—and this is the gift that lets someone carry their story around their neck, one charm at a time.
This post was created in partnership with Thatch Jewelry, a brand we love to keep in our jewelry rotation. Use code BETHENNY15 for 15% off your order.
