8 Best Charm-and-coin Conversion Ideas Travel Creators Love
“These little coins turned my boring tote into a travel diary—I get compliments everywhere,” a fellow traveler told me on a train platform, and I couldn’t agree more.
Why charm-and-coin conversions matter for travel creators (and stylish women)
I’ve followed top travel YouTubers for years, and they always treat small accessories like storytelling devices. They don’t just accessorize; they convert everyday bags and jewelry into conversation pieces. Charm-and-coin conversions are perfect: compact, visual, tactile, and packed with personality. They take up almost no space in your carry-on, yet they add texture, history, and color to outfits. Want to turn a plain leather crossbody into a showpiece? A few thoughtfully chosen charms and a coin converter can do that.
How I pick charm-and-coin conversion pieces (advice from creators)
I choose pieces based on durability, aesthetic cohesion, and storytelling potential. Top YouTubers recommend prioritizing solid metals (like sterling silver and brass) if you travel a lot, enamel for color that lasts, and secure clasps that won’t open when you toss a bag into an overhead bin. I also look for pieces that are light so they don’t drag down delicate straps, and that come in sizes from dainty (10–14 mm) to statement (25–35 mm) so I can mix and match.
1) Pandora Moments Dangle Charm Holder (official Pandora store)
I first saw this used by a popular travel channel to clip a few coins and mini-charms onto their camera bag strap. It’s simple, sleek, and made specifically to convert charms into wearable or bag-ready displays.
- Product: Pandora Moments Dangle Charm Holder (SKU depends on region)
- Materials: Sterling silver (925), sometimes with clasp options in Pandora Rose (14k rose gold-plated)
- Dimensions: Ring diameter ~15 mm; dangle length ~35 mm
- Colors/finish: Polished silver or rose finish; some limited editions with cubic zirconia accents
This charm holder has a hinged clasp that opens easily but locks securely. I like how the polished sterling silver reflects light against canvas backpacks—gives a subtle highlight when I walk. The piece is rated for standard Pandora threaded charms and small coin pendants, making it versatile. One travel creator I follow clipped three travel-coin replicas and a tiny enamel airplane; the result looked effortless and curated.
Benefits I noticed: it’s lightweight, low profile, and built to take travel wear-and-tear. For safety, use a tiny split-ring adapter for non-threaded coins.
Personal note: I clipped a Moroccan dirham coin replica and a mini tassel. It added both texture and a soft pop of color to my black crossbody strap.
Buying tip: Confirm you’re buying the genuine Pandora Moments holder if you want threading compatibility. If you prefer a clasp-heavy approach, look for the rose-plated version for warmer tones.
2) Gorjana Power Gem Tag Charm (gorjana)
This charm is a favorite among travel vloggers who like subtle gemstone accents that still read luxe on camera.
- Product: Gorjana Power Gem Tag Charm
- Materials: 14k gold vermeil over sterling silver with a small faceted gemstone
- Dimensions: Tag ~18 x 10 mm; jump ring ~5 mm
- Colors: Available in gold, rose gold, and with stones like turquoise, labradorite, or opal
The tag has a small drilled hole and a secure jump ring for quick attachment to zipper pulls, bag hardware, or bracelet chains. I love the tiny gemstone that catches sunlight; it photographs beautifully in outdoor travel shots. The warm gold vermeil blends with tan leather and rattan, while labradorite adds an iridescent sheen on moody, seaside edits.
Creator endorsement: A widely-followed travel couple used this on their passport cover and raved about how the gem made location shots feel custom and intentional.
Practical insight: The gold vermeil will wear with heavy abrasion, so keep it off areas where it rubs against rough fabrics. If you travel to humid climates, dry it gently after use to maintain luster.
3) Alex and Ani Travelers Collection Coin Charm (Alex and Ani)
Alex and Ani’s charm approach is inherently travel-friendly; their coin charms have symbolism and are designed to be added to bangles, cords, or bag hardware.
- Product: Alex and Ani Traveler’s Coin Charm (various designs, e.g., “Adventure Awaits”)
- Materials: Recycled brass with Rhodium plating or gold tone; some come with enamel accents
- Dimensions: Coin diameter ~20–25 mm; bail/jump ring integrated
- Finish: Antiqued or polished with enamel text/illustrations
These charms feel vintage, like a keepsake found at a market. The integrated bail makes it easy to thread through leather handles or onto removable keychain rings. I’ve seen creators use these to theme their outfits—one city-based YouTuber matched an “Adventure Awaits” coin to every airport day, photographing it against ticket stubs and maps.
Style note: The antiqued finish pairs well with denim jackets and worn leather backpacks; the enamel versions look crisp against white linen.
Buying advice: If you want a charm that tells a story, pick an inscription or icon that matches your travel vibe—compass, palm tree, or camera.
4) L.L.Bean Leather Coin Pouch with Split Ring (L.L.Bean)
Sometimes coin conversion is about function as much as style. L.L.Bean’s small leather coin pouch is a simple way to keep small foreign coins, charms, and micro-souvenirs safe and presentable.
- Product: L.L.Bean Leather Coin Pouch with Split Ring
- Materials: Full-grain leather; brass hardware
- Dimensions: ~3.5″ (9 cm) diameter; pouch depth ~0.75″ (2 cm)
- Colors: Saddle brown, black, dark tan
This pouch zips shut and has a brass split ring that clips to backpack loops or belt D-rings. I keep a handful of coins and a tiny charm inside; when I want to “convert” it to an external display, I link the pouch’s split ring to a decorative carabiner so the entire pouch becomes a statement accessory on my bag.
Creator take: A minimalist packing YouTuber recommended this as a dual-purpose item: storage inside, and style outside.
Tactile feel: The full-grain leather softens with use and develops a patina that tells where you’ve been. It’s understated, tactile, and practical.
Practical tip: If you want the pouch to function as a hanging display, affix a small charm to the zipper pull—instant texture and motion when you walk.
5) VINTAGE-INSPIRED Coin Pendants — Etsy finds (examples: “Sterling Silver Coin Pendant” listings)
I often recommend a good curated Etsy coin pendant as a conversion hero. Many travel creators hunt for authentic vintage coin pendants with drilled holes or custom bezels.
- Product example: Sterling Silver Coin Pendant (artisan listing)
- Materials: Sterling silver base, often bezel-set; sometimes with hammered texture
- Typical sizes: 16–30 mm diameter depending on original coin
- Colors: Naturally silver; many with antiqued finish or mixed metals
I bought a small silver coin pendant carved from a 1960s European coin—drilled and set into a fine silver bezel. It has a matte patina and soft edge wear that reads like a little travel relic. Creators love these because no two are identical; each pendant tells a micro-story.
Why it works: On camera, these pendant coins give close-up interest in B-roll—spinning between fingers, clinking against zippers, reflecting sun. They’re lightweight and attach easily to necklaces, bag clips, or hat bands.
Buying advice: Ask the seller for exact dimensions and hole size; if you plan to attach with a jump ring, make sure the hole is at least 2–3 mm. Confirm the coin’s metal if you have sensitivities.
6) Tiny Token Enamel Charms — Kate Spade New York
Bright, playful enamel charms are a go-to for creators making colorful, upbeat travel edits. Kate Spade’s small token charms are stylish and add instant personality.
- Product: Kate Spade New York Small Enamel Charm (varies by collection)
- Materials: Enamel over gold-tone metal; lobster clasp/jump ring
- Dimensions: Generally 15–22 mm across
- Colors: High-gloss enamel in bold hues—coral, mint, navy, black; gold trim
These feel luxe on camera because of the high-gloss enamel and crisp color blocking. I clipped one to my beach tote and it popped beautifully in sunlight shots, giving my neutral straw bag an editorial edge.
Style and feel: The enamel is smooth and glossy, with gold edges that catch studio lighting. They’re ideal for daytime travel looks and pair especially well with straw hats and linen dresses.
Durability note: The enamel finish can chip if knocked against rough metal. Use them on fabric or leather loops rather than places where metal rubs metal.
7) Me&Ro Convertible Charm Hoop (Me&Ro)
Me&Ro makes convertible jewelry that creators love because it’s built to switch between necklace, bracelet, and bag charm duty without extra tools.
- Product: Me&Ro Convertible Charm Hoop (specific pieces like the “Large Sparkle Circle”)
- Materials: 14k gold-filled or sterling silver versions
- Dimensions: Hoop diameter varies (18–35 mm); charm hang length varies
- Colors: Classic gold and silver finishes; occasional pavé options
This hoop opens and closes with a hidden mechanism that’s secure but easy to manipulate. I’ve used the small hoop to attach a commemorative coin and a tiny pearl to my camera strap, changing it out between shoots.
Why creators prefer it: Seamless transition between jewelry and bag hardware means you can take your charms from wrist to strap in seconds. The gold-filled option holds up to sweat and humidity better than surface plating.
Practical guide: If you’ll be using it daily, choose the gold-filled version for longevity and tarnish resistance.
8) Miansai S-hook Coin Converter (Miansai)
Miansai is known for modern, utilitarian hardware that looks great on camera. Their S-hook converters are minimal and durable, ideal for converting coins or charm clusters into bag accents.
- Product: Miansai S-Hook (available in multiple sizes)
- Materials: Stainless steel or 14k gold-plated brass
- Dimensions: S-hook length ~25–40 mm depending on size; thickness ~1.5–3 mm
- Finishes: Brushed stainless, polished gold, black PVD
The S-hook is simple: thread coins or charms onto the hook, then clip onto a D-ring or strap. It gives an industrial-chic look—perfect for leather camera bags, moto jackets, or chunky travel backpacks. One camera-centric YouTuber used a black PVD S-hook with a vintage coin and a resin charm; the contrast between matte metal and glossy resin read great on-screen.
Styling tip: Use a thinner S-hook for dainty charms and a beefier one for clusters; the hook’s openness allows natural movement, creating satisfying clinks in B-roll.
Durability note: Stainless steel is nearly indestructible; gold-plated versions will eventually show wear at high-contact points.
What to Look For: Practical buying criteria
When picking pieces for charm-and-coin conversions, I follow a simple checklist that many top travel creators also swear by.
- Material durability: Choose sterling silver, stainless steel, or gold-filled for items you’ll touch daily. Plated metals can look great initially but wear faster.
- Clasp security: Hinged clasps, lobster clasps, and threaded rings reduce the chance of losing charms. Test clasps before sealing with a tape test (wrap with painter’s tape, pull gently).
- Weight: Keep charms under ~10–15 grams each for delicate straps. Statement coins can be heavier, but avoid continual strain on thin leather.
- Size and scale: Mix 10–14 mm dainty charms with 20–30 mm coins for balanced composition. Too many large coins can look clumsy.
- Finish cohesion: Match warm metals with warm leather or straw, and cool metals with black, gray, or navy fabrics for cohesive visuals.
- Attachment method: Prefer integrated bails, threaded charms, or secure split rings. If a charm has a drilled hole, ensure the hole diameter fits your intended hardware.
- Multi-functionality: Convertible pieces that switch from pendant to bag charm are higher value for travel; they reduce pack bulk.
- Ease of cleaning: Choose pieces you can wipe or use a polishing cloth on quickly—no fuss in hotel rooms.
Personal test cases: How I used these pieces on trips
I want to share three short stories from my own travels to show how these conversions work practically.
- Tuscany weekend: I clipped the Pandora Moments Dangle Charm Holder with a tiny gold-plated coin and an enamel lemon to my straw tote. The lemon reflected warm light and tied into every citrus market shot. It didn’t add bulk and breathed life into neutral outfits.
- Morocco market day: I kept an L.L.Bean Leather Coin Pouch on a carabiner outside my backpack. The worn leather and a small vintage coin pendant from Etsy made me feel like I’d been part of the medina for years. The pouch’s split ring kept tiny baubles secure.
- Island hopping: I used a Gorjana Power Gem Tag on my passport cover and a Miansai S-hook with a cluster of resin charms on my beach bag strap. The gem caught sun in drone B-roll and gave landing clips a little sparkle.
FAQ — Answers I give friends and readers
Q: Can I attach real foreign coins to my jewelry? A: Yes, provided you follow laws—some countries prohibit altering currency. For travel nostalgia, many creators prefer replicas or coins purchased as pendants. If you use real coins, drill or bezel them discretely and seal with a protective setting.
Q: Will these charms damage my bags? A: Heavy or jagged charms can abrade delicate leather. Use leather-safe split rings or place charms on exterior hardware away from friction zones. For expensive bags, clip charms to straps where they’re less likely to rub.
Q: How do I prevent charms from falling off? A: Use secure clasps—closed jump rings, threaded holders, or tiny cable crimps. Test by tugging gently before travel.
Q: Are fine metals a good choice for travel? A: Yes, especially sterling silver, 14k gold fill, and stainless steel. They resist tarnish and impurities you’ll encounter on the road.
Q: How do I clean my travel charms? A: Quick wipe with a microfiber cloth usually suffices. For sterling silver, a small silver polishing cloth works. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for enameled items.
Mixing and matching: Styling formulas that work
I follow three simple formulas when converting charms for travel looks. They’re quick to execute and camera-ready.
- Minimalist everyday: One small coin pendant (18–20 mm) + one enamel pop charm on a slim gold hoop. Pair with structured crossbody and neutral tones.
- Boho market run: Leather coin pouch + two mismatched vintage coins + a fabric tassel. Pair with linen, rattan, and textured straw hats.
- Camera-ready: Me&Ro convertible hoop with a mother-of-pearl coin + Gorjana gem on passport + Miansai S-hook cluster on camera bag. Pair with crisp white shirts and utility jackets—good for on-location shoots.
These formulas balance weight, texture, and color to create layered detail without clutter.
How creators photograph charm conversions (practical B-roll tips)
I’ve learned a lot watching filming setups. Here are camera-friendly moves you can recreate.
- Macro details: Show the charm spinning slowly on its clasp. Use natural side light to reveal texture.
- Motion shots: Walk with the charm dangling near the frame edge—those satisfying jingles and motion blur read very cinematic.
- Flat-lay: Arrange coin pouch, passport with gem tag, and a map. Use warm-toned props for cozy looks, cool tones for minimalist imagery.
- Texture combos: Photograph charms on suede, denim, and rattan to show contrast.
Care and packing: Keeping charm conversions safe on the road
- Pack in a small zip pouch with anti-tarnish paper for silver.
- Use silicone caps on open hooks to prevent accidental snags.
- For multipart clusters, store them nested in soft fabric to prevent scratching.
- Bring a tiny jewelry screwdriver or split-ring tool for adjustments.
Where to buy — trusted sources recommended by creators
- Pandora: Official stores and pandora.net for threading compatibility and guarantee.
- Gorjana: gorjana.com for gemstone tags and consistent quality.
- Alex and Ani: alexandani.com for symbolic travel coins and bracelets.
- L.L.Bean: llbean.com for durable leather coin pouches.
- Etsy: individual artisan shops for unique vintage coin pendants—always check reviews and request exact measurements.
- Kate Spade New York: katespade.com for playful enamel charms.
- Me&Ro: meandrojewelry.com for convertible gold-filled pieces.
- Miansai: miansai.com for hardware-forward, modern hooks.
When ordering: check exact dimensions, materials listed, and seller return policies. If shipping overseas, verify customs rules for precious metals.
My top picks for different budgets
- Under $30: Kate Spade Small Enamel Charm — bold color, glossy finish, instant upgrade.
- $30–$80: Gorjana Power Gem Tag — gemstone detail without heavy price tag.
- $80–$200: Pandora Moments Holder in sterling silver — classic, thread-compatible, and durable.
- $200+: Me&Ro convertible pieces or 14k gold-filled Miansai hardware — investment pieces that travel well.
Final styling checklist (quick, actionable)
- Choose two metals max per look.
- Keep total charm weight under 40–50 grams on a single strap.
- Place charms where they’ll move (zippers, handles), not where they’ll rub continuously.
- Keep one sentimental or storytelling coin in every cluster—this keeps your look personal.
- Photograph your charms on someone first to check how they read on camera and in movement.
Closing thoughts (from one traveler to another)
I’ve spent years watching creators and testing pieces through airports, ferry rides, and desert bazaars. The best charm-and-coin conversions feel like curated detours—small details that reveal places you’ve been and people you’ve met. They don’t need to be expensive. They need to be intentional, durable enough to survive a trip, and pretty enough to make you smile when you catch the glint of a tiny coin mid-walk.
If you want, tell me the color palette and bag you travel with and I’ll suggest a three-piece charm cluster that fits your style, budget, and filming needs.