I have all of our first initials in beads. The silver ones with the gold letters. Then just recently i got a ladybird, turtle & giraffe to also represent my children. The animals themselves don't represent anything relating to my children but i chose them individualy to represent my children. I got my bracelet for my 30th birthday and a few of my girlfriends and family members chose beads that represent our friendships also. It's definately a very symbolic bracelet for me. It's totally full now can not fit another bead on it.