Few jewelry experiences feel as personal as building a bracelet link by link. Nomination, an Italian brand founded in 1966, turns that into a craft with its composable charm system — over a hundred interchangeable tiles let you design a piece that’s uniquely yours. This guide covers the essentials: how the system works, where to buy in Ireland, and what makes it a thoughtful gift.
Origin: Handmade in Italy ·
Charm options: Hundreds of designs ·
Retail presence: Multiple stores in Ireland ·
Customization: Composable links and charms
Quick snapshot
- Nomination is an Italian brand (Nomination FAQ)
- Charms are handmade in Italy (Nomination FAQ)
- Available through authorized retailers (Fallers FAQ)
- Exact number of charm designs — catalogue changes regularly (Nomination FAQ)
- Future collection release dates are not publicly announced (John Greed blog)
- No significant timeline events; ongoing product availability (Nomination FAQ)
- Continue to expand retail partnerships in Ireland (Kilkenny Design)
The pattern from the snapshot is clear: confirmed facts outweigh uncertainties, and the brand’s Irish presence is stable.
| Label | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Nomination | Nomination FAQ |
| Country of Origin | Italy | Nomination FAQ |
| Founded | 1966 | Nomination FAQ |
| Materials | 18k gold, 9k rose gold, sterling silver | John Greed blog |
| Customization | Composable links and charms | John Greed blog |
| Retail Presence | Multiple stores in Ireland | Fallers FAQ |
| Price Range | €30–€500+ per charm | John Greed blog |
The table confirms Nomination’s position: Italian-made, precious-metal charms that cost from affordable to premium.
What is Charm Nomination?
Nomination’s modular bracelet is built from a base link chain and interchangeable “links” — small tiles that slide directly into the bracelet’s structure. Each link can be a charm, a solid metal segment, or a decorative tile, and you arrange them in any order you like. Nomination’s official FAQ calls it “a one-of-a-kind bracelet” because you control every position.
How does the modular system work?
The bracelet uses a hook-and-bar mechanism: each link has a tiny hook on one end and a bar on the other. To attach a charm, you separate two existing links, slide the new tile between them, and push the hook into the bar until it clicks. Nomination’s US blog explains that you “insert the new tile between previously separated links” using existing hooks. No tools are required — the assembly can be done by hand.
- Each hook-and-bar connection is secure but can be undone with gentle pressure.
- You can rearrange links at any time without damaging the bracelet.
- The system is designed for repeated swapping.
The implication: the mechanism trades quick assembly for a learning curve, but once mastered, it’s seamless.
What materials are used?
Nomination offers links in 18k yellow gold, 9k rose gold, and sterling silver, plus durable enamel and Swarovski crystal tiles. John Greed’s guide notes that the base bracelet is available in matching metal types, so you can mix metals on the same bracelet — a rare flexibility.
The modularity is both a strength and a constraint: you can design endlessly, but every link must be a Nomination tile — third-party charms won’t fit. That means your choices are limited to the brand’s catalogue, not the wider market.
How do I build my own Nomination bracelet?
Building a Nomination bracelet follows a clear sequence. Start with a base bracelet in your wrist size, then add charms one at a time. Here’s the step-by-step process based on official brand guidance and retailer advice.
How to choose the right base chain?
- Measure your wrist: Use a flexible tape or a piece of string. John Greed’s guide recommends adding 1–1.5cm to your wrist circumference for a comfortable fit.
- Select a size: SS Argento (Getting Started With Nomination) lists sample sizes: Junior 13cm (15 links), Small 15cm (17 links), Medium 17cm (19 links), Large 19cm (21 links).
- Pick metal: Match to your preferred charm metal or go mixed.
- Purchase a starter bracelet: Retailers like Kilkenny Design state that at least one charm from the same system must be added for every starter bracelet in the basket.
The catch: you cannot buy a bare bracelet — the one-charm rule is enforced by every retailer, so your first charm is mandatory.
How to add charms?
- Hold the bracelet and find the link where you want the charm to sit.
- Separate the two existing links by gently pulling them apart at the hook connection.
- Insert the new charm tile into the gap, aligning the hook of one link with the bar of the other.
- Push the hook forward until it clips into place — you’ll hear a soft click. A video guide shows this motion clearly.
- Repeat for each additional charm. You can work without a tool, though a small flathead tool can help if the fit is tight.
First-time buyers effectively choose a bracelet size and one mandatory charm to start. That charm becomes the anchor of the design; you can later swap blank links for new tiles as your collection grows.
Where can I buy Nomination charms in Ireland?
Ireland has several authorised Nomination stockists, both in-store and online. The brand’s own website also ships to Ireland with free delivery over €100.
Authorised retailers in Ireland
- Argento – Official partner for over 15 years, with locations nationwide and online at ssargento.co.uk.
- Fallers – Long-standing jeweller with stores across Ireland; their FAQ confirms the one-charm-per-bracelet policy.
- Kilkenny Design – Carries Nomination online and in their Kilkenny and Dublin shops.
- Matthew Stephens – Offers the full Nomination range online with click-and-collect.
- John Greed – UK-based but ships to Ireland; provides detailed assembly guides.
Online options
Nomination’s own Irish store offers the full catalogue with a Create Your Bracelet tool. You select base colour, wrist size, height, then drag and drop links into position before checking out. Free delivery applies to orders over €100.
For Irish shoppers, our guide to shopping in Ireland covers similar retailer networks — many of the same jewellers stock Nomination alongside other brands.
The catch: Online-only buyers miss the chance to test the bracelet feel. In-store visits let you see the enamel finish and try different link arrangements before committing.
What are the different types of Nomination charms?
Nomination organises its charms into categories that cater to different tastes and occasions. The core types cover letters, numbers, symbols, gemstones, enamel, and seasonal limited editions.
Charm categories: letters, numbers, symbols, gemstones
- Letter charms – Single initials or full words, often used for names.
- Number charms – Birthdays, anniversaries, lucky numbers.
- Symbol charms – Hearts, stars, crosses, claddagh, animals, and more.
- Gemstone charms – Set with Swarovski crystals or natural stones like amethyst and topaz.
- Enamel charms – Colourful designs with durable baked enamel, popular for sports, flags, or icons.
The implication: the range is broad enough to cover most personal stories, from initials to birthstones.
Seasonal and limited editions
Nomination releases special collections tied to holidays (Christmas, Mother’s Day) and cultural events. These runs are often limited in production and may not be restocked once sold. Nomination’s FAQ notes that new designs are added regularly, but exact release dates aren’t published in advance.
What this means: If you see a limited-edition charm that resonates, buy it when available — waiting could mean missing out.
Is Nomination a good investment for a personal gift?
Nomination bracelets are often given for milestones: godmother, birthday, anniversary, or a grad gift. The personalisation potential — initials, dates, symbols — makes each piece a wearable story.
Why Nomination is a popular gift choice?
- The receiver can add charms over time, making the bracelet a living gift.
- Italian craftsmanship gives it a luxury feel at a mid-range price point.
- Mixed-metal options suit different skin tones.
Our article on promise ring traditions touches on similar symbolic gifting — Nomination fits that same emotional space.
How to personalize a gift?
Start with a base bracelet in the recipient’s size, add an initial or date charm as the anchor, and include a few blank links to fill the gap. The recipient can later swap blanks for charms that reflect their own interests. SS Argento recommends 17 links plus 1 charm for an adult small size — a good starting point for a gift.
If you’re gifting to someone who doesn’t already own a Nomination bracelet, you must include a starter bracelet with at least one charm — the charm alone won’t fit any other brand’s chain. Check the recipient’s wrist size to avoid disappointment.
For godmother or close family, the personalisation extends to the charm engraving — Nomination offers engraving on select metal charms, making the gift truly one-of-a-kind.
Four sizes, one pattern: larger bracelets need more charms to look balanced, but you can always swap blank links later. SS Argento’s guide provides these sizes, confirming the proportional link counts.
Upsides
- Full creative control over layout and metals
- Handmade Italian quality at accessible prices
- Easy to add or rearrange charms without tools
- Mix gold, silver, and rose gold on one bracelet
- Wide range of designs for every taste
Downsides
- Starter bracelet must be purchased with at least one charm
- Charms can be expensive (€30–€500+)
- Compatibility is limited to Nomination system only
- Limited-edition charms may sell out fast
- No full catalogue of all designs available in one place
Building your Nomination bracelet step by step
The following steps combine official brand instructions and retailer advice to produce a repeatable method.
- Measure your wrist. Use a flexible tape. John Greed recommends adding 1–1.5 cm for comfort.
- Choose a base bracelet in your metal preference (yellow gold, rose gold, or silver) and the size that matches your wrist measurement plus the comfort allowance.
- Select your first charm. Retailers like Kilkenny Design require at least one charm per starter bracelet.
- Add the charm. Separate links at the chosen position, slide the charm tile in, and push the hook until it clicks. A video demonstration shows the hand movement.
- Check the fit. The bracelet should lie flat on your wrist without pinching. If it’s too tight, you may need a larger size or additional blanks for spacing.
- Enjoy and expand. As you collect more charms, swap blank links for new tiles.
The hook system is robust but requires some practice. First-timers sometimes struggle with the clicking mechanism — using a soft cloth to grip the links can make assembly smoother.
The trade-off: no tool needed, but the friction of hand-assembly means you might get slower as the bracelet gets fuller. Patience pays.
What we know for sure vs what’s still unclear
Confirmed facts
- Nomination is an Italian brand founded in 1966 (Nomination FAQ)
- Charms are handmade in Italy (Nomination FAQ)
- Available through authorised retailers like Fallers, Argento, and Kilkenny Design (Fallers FAQ)
- Starter bracelets require at least one charm per purchase (Kilkenny Design)
- Charms use a hook-and-bar assembly (Nomination blog)
What’s unclear
- Exact number of charm designs available globally (Nomination FAQ states “hundreds” but not an exact count)
- Future collection release dates (John Greed blog notes new designs appear without advance notice)
- Whether all retail partners carry the full catalogue in-store
Quotes: what retailers and the brand say
“Shop Nomination at Argento, official Nomination partner for 15+ years.”
— Argento website
“Build your Nomination Composable bracelet — full range of base links & charms.”
— Matthew Stephens, jeweller
“Getting Started With Nomination – The first step is selecting the perfect base bracelet. Measure your wrist to ensure a comfortable fit.”
— John Greed blog
“At least one charm from the same charm system must be added for every Nomination starter bracelet in the basket.”
— Kilkenny Design, Ireland
The pattern across retailers is clear: Nomination’s system is designed around a single charm per starter, encouraging collectors to begin with a meaningful tile.
Is Nomination right for you?
The modular system is perfect for someone who enjoys collaborative design — a bracelet that grows with life events, travels, or remembered dates. For Irish shoppers, the choice is straightforward: if you value Italian craftsmanship and want a bracelet you can personalise over years, Nomination delivers. The starting cost (bracelet + one charm around €80–€200) is reasonable for a quality piece. Like finding the right shoe store, picking the right jeweller matters — visit a local stockist to feel the weight of the links before committing. For the godmother gift buyer, the clear action is: buy a medium silver bracelet with a heart charm, include a blank link for future additions, and let the recipient build their own story.
youtube.com, youtube.com, kilkennydesign.com, policyreview.uk
Readers interested in the Italian bracelet system can find a complete guide to Italian charm bracelets that covers the basics and beyond.
Frequently asked questions
How do I clean my Nomination bracelet?
Use a soft cloth and mild soap with warm water. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners – they can damage enamel. Dry thoroughly after cleaning. (Nomination FAQ)
Can I return a Nomination charm?
Most retailers accept returns within 28 days if unused and in original packaging. Check each store’s policy – engraved charms are often non-returnable. (Fallers FAQ)
How long does shipping take for Nomination charms?
Nomination’s Irish site typically delivers within 2–5 working days. Express shipping is available at checkout. (Nomination FAQ)
Do Nomination charms fit any bracelet?
No. Nomination charms are designed exclusively for Nomination’s own link system. They will not fit Pandora, Trollbeads, or any other brand’s bracelet. (John Greed blog)
What is the difference between Nomination and Pandora?
Pandora uses a threaded charm system that screws onto a bracelet; Nomination uses a hook-and-bar mechanism where tiles sit between links. Nomination also allows mixing gold and silver on the same bracelet, while Pandora typically sticks to one metal type. (John Greed comparison)
Are Nomination charms genuine silver?
Yes. Nomination uses 925 sterling silver for its silver charms, stamped with the hallmark. Gold charms are 18k or 9k depending on the collection. (Nomination FAQ)
Can I engrave Nomination charms?
Select metal charms can be engraved – check with the retailer at purchase. Enamel and crystal charms cannot be engraved. (Kilkenny Design)
How many charms fit on a medium bracelet?
A medium bracelet has 19 links. If you replace all blank links with charms, you can fit 19 tiles. Most users keep 3–5 blanks for spacing. (SS Argento sizing)
Freddie Clarke is Senior Reporter at WordPatch.co.uk, covering writing, language, publishing, books, digital culture and entertainment stories for UK audiences.