Bracelets are charming way to raise funds for charities

Charms and charm bracelets are in the front ranks of the jewelry arena these days. People magazine called them "the jewelry craze that has the stars all keyed up."
Jeff Prine, editor of Lustre magazine, says in these tough times people want to spend money on something meaningful -- charms, hearts and crosses.
Such emotional consumerism may be a success factor in a new jewelry collection called True Hearts, offered by actress Rita Wilson and designer Cathy Waterman.
The line, which includes gold and silver charms, rings, earrings and pendants, is being sold on the Home Shopping Network.
Net profits will be donated to women's and children's charities.
Prices range from $29 for charm bracelets to more than $300 for a replica of a lariat necklace given to Wilson by her husband, Tom Hanks. A group of $59.95 pendants is embellished with the pair's "favorite things."
On another front, charms are also available at www.trulycharming.-com, a Web site created by a Pennsylvania mother of three with a long career in the accessories industry. Charms, necklaces and bracelets range from $35 to $110 and may also be purchased at Neiman Marcus (www.neimanmarcus.com) and from the catalog.