Did you know the history of bracelets is as old as 5000 BCE? The earliest bracelets were made of materials like wood, pebbles, bones and feathers. The term “bracelet” comes from the Greek word brachile, meaning “of the arm”. Bracelets have had several historical, cultural and religious connotations across the world. For example, in India wearing a certain set of red bangles represents marital status or in Greece, wearing a red and white string bracelet is believed to provide protection from the scorching Greek sun. Bracelets come in a variety of styles depending upon their material, design and significance. Find a few popular types of bracelets listed below.
BANGLES: A bangle is a metal band that is slid over the hand and has no opening or clasp of any sort. Bangles have a rigid and strong circumference; however, they sit loosely on the arm and are mobile. They are usually worn in multiple numbers and make a tinkling sound when they clash against one another. For this very reason, they are statement pieces and never go unnoticed.
TENNIS BRACELETS: Tennis bracelets consist of a string of diamonds attached to form a beautiful ornament. They get their name from the structure of a tennis racket that resembles their design and also because a similar bracelet was Chris Evert, 18-time tennis champion’s favorite bracelet. It famously fell onto the tennis court in the 1978 US Open and they stopped playing to find it. An elegant choice for all occasions, tennis bracelets may feature other gemstones.
CHAIN BRACELETS: A chain bracelet is a go-to and chic accessory that one can wear daily to vamp up any outfit. It is made with gold or silver loops that are chained together. Chain bracelets may be loose or tight around the wrist depending on the preference of the wearer. They may be chunky and bold or thin and dainty and are a staple in one’s jewelry collection.
CUFFS: Cuffs are unisex bracelets that exude a lot of power. They are rigid, wide and cover a considerable area of the wrist. They may be made up of gold, silver, steel or even leather. They are different from other bracelets as they are the only ones that consist of an opening without any lock or clasp. Cuffs are the perfect statement piece to elevate one’s outfit.
CHARM BRACELETS: Charm bracelets are a very popular category of bracelets and have been in vogue since the 20th century. They are also called ‘keepsake bracelets’ and serve as memorable souvenirs and thoughtful gifts. Each charm typically has a personal significance to the wearer. There are a lot of charms available for the wearer to choose from to match their personality, interests and aesthetic.
BRAIDED BRACELETS: Braided bracelets look vibrant and exude joyfulness. They are ideal to pair with summer outfits. They are light and comfortable on the arm as they are made with strands of fabric or wires of metal weaved together. Contributing a stylish yet comfortable component to any look, braided bracelets have become very popular and can be found in a variety of designs and colors.
PEARL BRACELETS: As their name suggests, pearl bracelets consist of a chain of pearls and may or may not contain a pendant or a charm. Classy and luxurious, pearl bracelets add a touch of timeless elegance. They are popular for formal occasions such as weddings but can also be worn effortlessly with casual wear.
HOLOLITH BRACELETS: These bracelets are carved and cut from a single piece of stone. They are usually made with jade but are also available in plastic and glass. Glass hololiths are fragile and must be handled with extreme care. Hololith bracelets look charming and add a bold statement to every outfit.
