In an increasingly digitized world, it’s become all the more important to hang on to cherished objects. For Alex Costigan, one such object was a charm bracelet that she carefully crafted while growing up with her mother and grandmother—each charm representing a memory of the places they had traveled and activities they did together.

Little did she know that this tradition would go on to inspire her future career and mission to create meaningful stories through jewelry.

Costigan started Charm City Links & Co. in 2022, after first stumbling upon the concept of permanent jewelry while visiting New York City. Unlike traditional jewelry, which can be removed with a clasp, Costigan’s creations can be continuously worn without tarnishing—though she does offer clasp options for those not ready to make the commitment.

She started her business by doing pop-ups in Maryland, D.C., Virginia, and Delaware before opening a permanent storefront in Catonsville. In business since April, the newly renovated space offers several styles of chains in sterling silver, 14K gold, and some gold-filled options.

“The best way I can describe it is it’s an adult friendship bracelet,” says Costigan. “People get permanent jewelry for so many reasons, whether it’s to signify a life event or achievement, as a symbol of love and friendship, or because they just like the aesthetic. It’s nice to have a permanent reminder of specific parts of our story.”

The store is also home to the area’s first charm bar, where customers can pick from nearly 1,000 charms specific to their personality and interests—think initials, food, animals, zodiac signs, and more.

“It’s really fun to see people’s choices and hear the stories behind them,” says Costigan. “It’s just another way for people to interact and spend time together.”

In addition, the Charm City Links space is available for private parties and Costigan also collects vintage pieces that she gathers herself from gold brokers, pawn shops, and estate sales that can be repurposed for a custom design.

“Vintage jewelry comes with its own story,” says Costigan. “I like that we can give it new life and new purpose versus being thrown into a melter and lost forever.”

By preserving vintage jewelry and allowing shoppers to customize their creations, Costigan is helping shoppers build meaningful memories, one charm at a time.