[ STYLE FILE ]

CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM Kristen Takehara models some of the Italian charm bracelets available at Charm Links at Ala Moana Center.

Life’s a charm

Denise Masunaga's Ala Moana Center kiosk
adds a local flavor to an Italian jewelry trend

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By Nancy Arcayna
narcayna@starbulletin.com

Dangling charm bracelets are whimsical and dainty relics of childhood, but a bit clunky once one reaches adulthood. How can you say sophisticate when you're jingling and jangling all over the place?

One option is the Italian charm bracelet.

Denise Masunaga has brought the treasures to Honolulu, through her Ala Moana Center kiosk, Charm Links, located between Macy's and Shirokiya.

There, shoppers will find tiny stainless-steel links adorned with soldered 18-karat gold charms. Some are simple, while others are decorated with crystals and cubic zirconias. The charms connect together, similar to a stretch watchband that slips over the hand to fit snug around the wrist.

Masunaga remembered seeing the colorful wrist wraps in Italy 10 years ago. "Back then, everyone was wearing them in Italy -- they were really popular with guys."

After two Stockton sisters introduced the trend in sunny California, Masunaga decided to sell a few charms at her Sacramento store. "We started out with one little display tray in our jewelry case -- now it's huge," she said.

Shoppers' requests for palm trees and other charms to remind them of their travels to Hawaii provided the inspiration Masunaga needed to open a shop in the islands.

Charms were a big hit for Mother's Day, she said. Husbands would bring the kids in, and they would all pick out a charm for mom.

"They are great gifts for special occasions because you can personalize them," Masunaga said. "We even have graduation caps for the year 2002."

And all the charms are interchangeable. "The bracelets fit anywhere from a tiny baby to a very large man," Masunaga said. "You just need to add or remove the detachable links."

The base bracelet costs $6 to $8. Charms range from $18 to $54 each, with 80 percent of the charms running about $18. The average person needs to add three to four charms to the base bracelet to make it fit.

Sidney Croteau, a tourist from Redmond, Wash., is one recipient of a Mother's Day charm bracelet. Her daughter chose the word "mom" and a teddy bear charm because Croteau collects them.

Croteau's son chose a running-shoe charm because it is also one of her hobbies, and her husband's selection was an ice cream cone, something they enjoyed on one of their first dates.

Now, Croteau was at the kiosk on her own, purchasing a pineapple charm to remind her of the family's trip to Hawaii.

Other imprints include zodiac signs, international flags, animals, hearts, flowers, foods, kid memorabilia and even simple initials.

"The American flag is among the top 20 best sellers," Masunaga said. Occupations, sports and hobbies are also available.

The idea is to personalize the jewelry so it can be passed down from generation to generation. "That's why it's so popular," said Masunaga. "Younger boys collect the sports charms, and they are just as excited about it as the girls."

All of the charms come directly from Italy and are stamped with the name of their maker, among them Zoppini, Passavitti, Ryry, Boxing and If.

Style and comfort are not the only reasons people of all ages are attracted to the bracelets.

"People love to create their own bracelet, be able to tell their own story," said Masunaga, who added customers often stop by to show her their bracelets and explain the meaning behind each charm.

"By the time they leave, I feel like I know them so well. The bracelet can say whatever you want."

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