Most of the charms are actually buttons(with the loops snipped off) that are sold in little themed sets at many craft stores. I've had them for a while. My New Year's resolution is to use up what I have so I have room for new, so out they came, and now they're gone. My 75 year old(young) aunt in Florida got this one. The fish and the starfish are the only ones that are metal. Thanks, Debbie