Which bracelet is right for you? A complete guide to bracelet designs
• Darren
Bracelets are a true jewellery staple. Both men and women have adorned them on their wrists in many designs and styles. Whether worn as accessories or as status symbols, bracelets have always made an impact.
When looking for a bracelet for yourself or a loved one, it's important to know the different types of bracelets and which suits you or your giftee best. Much like the people wearing them, each bracelet has its own style, purpose, history and significance.
Some exude glamour with diamonds, pearls, and all things alluring draped over them in stunning arrangements, while others offer subtle charm. Our guide will outline the key designs that have stood the test of time and help you understand which bracelet you need. Read on for a comprehensive look at the different types of bracelets.
Table of contents
- The design and cultural history of bracelets
- What are the most popular types of bracelets?
- How to style popular bracelets
- Bracelets at Francis & Gaye
The design and cultural history of bracelets
Bracelets have been a fixture of culture for longer than many things we enjoy today. In 2008, Russian archaeologists uncovered bone fragments in a Siberian cave. At the same level that the fragment was found, so was a collection of artefacts, including a bracelet. This bracelet was carbon-dated as far back as 40,000 BP (BBC, 2010).
The wearing of jewellery for accessorising, status or symbolic purposes goes back several thousand years, with ancient Egyptians and those in China credited with wearing bracelets. Before high-quality metals were readily available, many early bracelets were made from grass and other natural materials. The metals that were used at this time were mainly bronze and copper.
The end of the Bronze Age saw the beginning of gold and silver bracelets made by artisans. The ancient Chinese would also use gold,wood and jade. Much like other jewellery, bracelets began to appear more glamorous, with shells and stones adorning the wrists of those symbolising their wealth and power.
Religious texts offer the earliest recorded mentions of bracelets, as the Bible mentions three different bracelets. Men wore one, women wore one, and a third was intended to be worn by both sexes.
What are the most popular types of bracelets?
While bracelets began as humble adornments made from wood and grass, today, they come in various styles and designs, giving those looking to buy a new bracelet somewhat of a selection headache. This can be a good problem; many styles mean there's bound to be something for you. We've collected the most popular types of bracelets to give you a good starting point.
Chain bracelets
You'll surely have encountered a chain bracelet, even if you're a complete jewellery novice. The timeless classic comprises intertwining links, usually the same size and shape to create a consistent and defined piece. However, some designs go down a more contemporary route and feature links of different shapes and sizes.
Chain bracelets are commonly made of precious metals such as silver and gold, and the deeper meaning behind a chain bracelet is just as precious as its foundation. The overlapping and unbreakable links in a circular shape can represent eternal love. The never-ending shape cannot be broken; it's infinite. A chain bracelet is perfect if you're looking for a gift for your beloved or want to cement self-love.
Bangles
Another hugely popular type of bracelet is the bangle. Taking its name from the Hindu word bungri, which translates to glass, bangles are said to represent luck and security. Indians believe that clicking glass bangles against each other keeps away negative energy.
In Western fashion, bangles are typically made of metals, although other materials like glass, plastic and wood are sometimes used. Bangles come in open and closed styles, with the open designs either having an overlapping effect or a gap that breaks the circle.
Tennis bracelets
9ct White Gold 1ct Diamond Tennis Bracelet
A tennis bracelet is a thin piece of jewellery placed around the wrist with an elegant display of diamonds throughout. It gets its name from former American tennis player Chris Evert. Evert lost her diamond bracelet during a US Open match in 1987 and stopped playing until she found it on the court. It was Evert's lucky charm, and reporters would coin the term tennis bracelet in the match's aftermath.
With the match live on television, the tennis bracelet would become very popular with women and even be adorned by fellow tennis superstars such as Serena Williams. They're also known as eternity bracelets, and their popularity is largely due to their stylish versatility.
Pearl bracelets
A pearl bracelet is a sure way to exude class from your wrist. Class and status were intrinsically linked with pearls throughout history, so much so that Julius Caesar banned anyone not in the ruling class from wearing them.
Nowadays, pearls are much more accessible, but they still hold an essence of glamour. Pearl bracelets are either carefully knotted onto a circular bed individually or chains that alternate between metal and gem with each link. Pink and white pearls are often the most popular on bracelets, but darker tones can suit edgier aesthetics.
How to style popular bracelets
An important thing to note when buying a new bracelet is what will go best with it. Different types of bracelets can be styled in various ways depending on the season or social occasion.
A chain bracelet, for example, can be a bright addition to a casual outfit for a quick trip to the shops or a day in the office, but it can also complement evening attire such as a gown or a long dress. Lightweight chains tend to match up best when putting together more elegant outfits.
Versatility also applies to bangles. These bracelets are known to be ideal for stacking, which can bring an edge to a casual look, while a minimalist style choice would better suit a smarter fit. Whether it's a night on the town or just another manic Monday, bangles are a welcome addition.
Pearl and tennis bracelets are both ideal for formal occasions but can be dressed down seamlessly if done right. These designs are glamorous due to their gems, but their simple look can easily make a great accessory to a casual top and jeans.
Bracelets at Francis & Gaye
We're passionate about all jewellery at Francis & Gaye, especially making sure people choose jewellery they can care for and connect to. Bracelets represent this perfectly with their symbolic history and stunning variety of designs. There is a perfect piece for you or a loved one waiting to be picked up.
Choose Francis & Gaye to find the right bracelet for you and browse through other pieces of jewellery such as necklaces and rings to further build your collection.
