In late 2012, I received an email encouraging me to consider creating a Les Miserables Bracelet. I was hesitant. Would this really fit with the collection? I had made a Phantom of the Opera Bracelet, but at least that was still a little bit about opera. Would people really want this, if I took the time to distill it’s 1500 pages?

I had no idea really, that the response would be so huge. People connect with this story on a very deep level. As a friend explained to me: Les Miserables shows you every kind of love that can be imagined; love for another person, love for a son or daughter, love for one's country, love for a friend, unrequited love, and love simply just to love. And the best part is anyone can relate to one of those "loves".

Now, when I come across the question “what book has changed your life” I always know the answer right away - Les Miserables. Scroll down to follow along and see how beads and charms tell the story of Victor Hugo’s Novel.

Les Mis Bracelet is the Frosting on the Cake! - "I wore my new Les Mis bracelet to 5 performances of the Amarillo Opera's production of Les Mis! The charms reminded me of the plot as I immersed myself into the beauty of the music of this show! My son and several friends were in the production, making it even better! Many compliments came my way, when people saw my bracelet at the gala reception after the Saturday night performance. I have 4 opera bracelets now and love them all! I also gifted one to my son's girlfriend, also a member of the opera chorus. She loved it too! I highly recommend this jewelry!" - Gail

Bitter and desperate, ex-convict Valjean (grey bead) is given shelter by the compassionate Bishop Myriel. At night, he steals the Bishop’s silverware, but is quickly caught by the police (round blue bead). 

A white cat’s eye bead symbolizes the bishop, who somehow sees potential in Valjean. I often use cat’s eye beads to indicate vision of some kind. The Bishop convinces the police that he has actually given Valjean the silverware and pretends that Valjean has forgotten the matching silver candlesticks. Thus saving Valjean from returning to prison, he claims Valjean’s life for God (cross bead).

A silver bead now represents Valjean in his new life. Tiny silver hearts along the bracelet symbolize the acts of compassion which now form his life. Valjean takes on a new identity and eventually becomes the mayor of the town.

One day, when he saves Fauchelevent (green bead) from being crushed, his strength makes police inspector Javert suspicious of his identity. A large double cone bead indicates Valjean’s massive physical strength. A square bead symbolizes the relentless Javert who has very firm inflexible ideas that form his life and philosophy.

Evocative & stunning! - "After receiving the "Valjean's Transformation" bracelet as a Christmas gift and falling completely in love with it, I persuaded my lovely family to buy me the "Les Miserables" bracelet as an early birthday present and I am so glad I did! It is special and evocative and perfectly represents Victor Hugo's epic story. I visited Broadway to see Alfie Boe [my favourite Jean Valjean] reprise the role, and my bracelets will be a lasting reminder of the wonderful time I had in NYC - thank you so much for creating something so special and meaningful." - Pat

Fantine is fired from her job when it is revealed she has an illegitimate child. She is desperate, ill and now impoverished. A gold bead symbolizes the blond Fantine. A blue heart with a teardrop represents her sadness and loss of hope. Gold “coins” are the money she must have to care for her child.

When she is harassed in the street by Javert, Valjean intercedes and sends her to a hospital (act of compassion-silver heart).

Valjean reveals his true identity (original grey bead) to save an innocent man who will be imprisoned in his place (silver heart). 

He is pursued by Javert to Fantine's deathbed where Valjean vows to care for and protect her daughter, Cosette (small pink bead).

For a granddaughter - "The bracelet will be a Christmas gift for a granddaughter who will be in a Les Miserables production in February. I'm sure she will be pleased with it. I appreciate the exceptional customer service I have received from Opera Bracelets. I will recommend this site to others."

Escaping Javert, Valjean witnesses Cosette's cruel life at the Thénardier's inn where Cosette is treated as a slave. Black beads represent the corrupt and twisted pair. 

The Thendier’s children refuse to let Cosettte play with their doll. Angry at their treatment of her, Valjean buys Cosette an expensive doll to incite the envy of the cruel children. He reveals he has come from Fantine and will pay to take Cosette away with him.

Javert continues to pursue them… they run into Fauchelevent who now works at a convent (cross bead). He returns Valjean’s prior kindness to him by offering them sanctuary. 

Valjean becomes the convent gardener (leaf bead) and Cosette joins the convent school where she grows up in peace. The small pink bead that represents Cosette transitions to a larger pink bead indicating the passage of time. A cameo indicates the now grown up and beautiful Cosette.

My Daughter Couldn't Have Been More Thrilled - "We gave this as a gift to my daughter for her birthday. She has been involved in musical theater since an early age, even directing in college. Les Mis is the show that the family shares a love for and we have seen in numerous time. She not only loved the bracelet for the way it looks but also for the story behind each bead and charm. She can't wait to show it to her theater-loving friends." - Iline

Student Marius loves Cosette... Eponine loves Marius. So much so, that after much travail she gets him Cosette’s address. Marius is a purple crystal indicating his more aristocratic background. Tiny hearts symbolize the blossoming of love.

Marius and Cosette meet and fall in love (larger red heart).

During a night of political unrest, Eponine saves Marius’s life by placing her hand over the barrel of the gun aimed at him and is fatally wounded. She confesses her love for him as she dies.

Valjean saves the ambushed Javert’s life by pretending to kill him… Marius is injured and Valjean also saves his life, returning him to his family home (silver hearts/acts of compassion).

Javert is unable to deal with the conflict between his duty to apprehend a criminal and the mercy Valjean has shown him. He drowns himself in the Seine River (Black disc= death).

Marius slowly recovers to marry Cosette (entwined hearts charm).

When they learn of Valjean's criminal past they are horrified, but it is later revealed that it was Valjean who saved Marius the night of the rebellion. All are reconciled and Valjean dies content knowing Marius and Cosette are united in Love.