ALL IMAGES: Friend of Franki
Charm bracelets have made a comeback! After becoming super popular in the 1950s and 1960s, they’re back and cooler than ever in 2024, and we can’t get enough. The trend lets you to wear your heart on your sleeve, with each bracelet fully customisable to showcase your own unique personality.
After going viral on TikTok, heaps of places are launching their own charm bars, creating a fun experience for friends to enjoy together. One shop leading this trend in Adelaide is Friend of Franki, located on King William Road in Hyde Park.
Friend of Franki has embraced the charm bracelet phenomenon, although they didn’t expect it to take off quite so dramatically. They started offering charm bracelets about three months ago in July, but we were surprised by how quickly it gained popularity.
“We’d seen it popping off in Europe and America, and we always wanted to be somewhere that had experience based retail,” Friend of Franki Co-Owner Jacki says.
After going viral on TikTok, just a week or two after launching their charm bracelets, they now receive bookings around the clock.
Each charm at Friend of Franki tells a story. Customers receive cards with their pieces that read, “Every piece tells a story, and this one is yours.” People from all walks of life visit the shop with friends and family, creating memorable tokens of their relationships, no matter the distance.
“Our Charm Barn has seen friends from far & wide come to create a little emblem of their friendship. We have heard some of the most beautiful stories because of it,” Friend of Franki said.
Customers can create their own bracelets starting at $59, or necklaces from $79. You can make your creations in-store or online. From letters to little red chilis, cowboy hats, shells, and bows, the selection of charms is huge, and there’s truly something for everyone.
Friend of Franki has their own jewellery label called By Barny, which has been in development for about two years and is stocked by 10 retailers. The charms are a part of this brand.
This October, and this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Friend of Franki are supporting Breast Cancer Network Australia. For every customised charm jewellery piece that features a pink charm, they will donate $5 to BCNA. This includes pieces made at their in-house Charm Barn or created online.
If you’re looking for a cute and different activity to do with your friends, look no further than making your very own charm bracelets with your besties at Friend of Franki!
Friend of Franki
Where: 175 King William Road, Hyde Park
Instagram: @friendoffranki
For more on Friend of Franki’s charm bracelets, click here.