Meanings and Uses of Bracelets

Bracelets are flexible rings that encircle the wrist, usually with multiple strands. Throughout history, various cultures have created bracelets of all shapes and sizes.

Gifting a loved one with a beautiful bracelet or bangle gives them the opportunity to add to their collection for years to come. Take the occasion, their style, and the look you want into consideration when selecting a piece.

History

Bracelets, cylindrical-shaped ornaments worn encircling the wrist or upper arm, have been in continuous use for millennia. They can be found in a variety of materials and have many uses and meanings, both functional and decorative, for both men and women. Symbols of love and faith, status and wealth, protection and even weapons have been attached to bracelets throughout history.

During the first half of the 20th century, bracelets obtained new forms and designers started to experiment with materials (plastic, leather, silicone, glass, fresh flowers) as well as with jewelry combinations. During this period, Coco Chanel was one of the most prominent wearers of bracelets and her style became iconic.

In the modern era, bracelets have evolved from utilitarian accessories into popular fashion jewellery. Their popularity has been enhanced by a desire for unique styles and the availability of high-quality, yet affordable, jewellery.

There have been several lasting innovations in bracelet design. For instance, in the 20th century, silver became a popular material for link bracelets, cuffs and bangles because it was less expensive than gold. jewelry wholesale In addition, in the 1930s, bakelite and Lucite bracelets gained popularity due to their sleek designs and geometric shapes.

In 1938, Van Cleef & Arpels introduced a new type of setting for gemstones in bracelets which eradicated the need for prongs and allowed for more flexible designs. Today, a range of metals and other materials are used to create bracelets including the traditional precious metals such as gold and silver, as well as plastic and other more sustainable materials like bamboo and wood.

Materials

Bracelets can be made from a wide variety of materials. Many are forged from metal and come in both rigid and flexible styles. Other bracelets are carved from stone, wood or other natural materials. Some are embellished with gemstones or other precious materials.

Bangle bracelets are generally circular and slip easily over the wrist. They can be crafted from gold, silver or other metals, as well as from a range of stones such as diamonds, sapphires and amber. Other gemstones often used in bracelets include chalcedony, carnelian and jasper. In addition, natural elements like agate and turquoise are also popular with bracelet-makers.

For a beaded bracelet, you’ll need basic jewelry-making supplies. These include a clasp, beads, beading wire and crimp beads. The latter are used to separate the beads from the clasp, while securing them in place. You’ll also want a tape measure to measure your wrist and add 1 in (2.5 cm) for the length of the bracelet, and scissors for cutting beading thread and cord.

In ancient cultures, bracelets were often made of leather, rattan or other natural materials like shells and feathers. In the modern world, bracelets are increasingly being used as personal talismans with deep meaning and purpose. Atlas aims to reconnect bracelets with this foundational role while adding modern style and design innovation.

Styles

A bracelet’s style is a way to express personality and taste. It can be a bold statement or a simple elegance. For a casual look, you might choose woven bracelets with beads and natural materials. Alternatively, you can go more sophisticated with a silver-plated bracelet with precious stones.

In the 1920s, Art Deco bracelets embraced modernity and glamour. They gold plated necklace were often embellished with geometric designs and celebrated new technologies, such as the machine age. Exotic creations from the Near and Far East added a sense of sophistication. More recently, the styles of bracelets have become more diverse with new materials and techniques. Bracelets incorporating charms that represent travel experiences have regained popularity.

Choosing the right bracelet depends on the occasion and wrist size. A bracelet should fit the wrist comfortably and not be too tight. A clasp is essential to ensure that the bracelet does not fall off. If you want a bracelet for everyday wear, select one with a solid hinged design.

A cuff bracelet is wider than other bracelet styles and can be crafted from metal or sturdy plastic material. It hugs the arm or wrist slightly and can be completely rigid or have a built-in ‘guide bars’ that are suitable for engraving.

Symbolism

Bracelets are both jewelry and accessories, but they can also be a way of adding meaning and significance to an outfit. Bracelets are often used to symbolize health, luck, strength, and power. Some are worn to commemorate a special event or person. Others are used to communicate medical or personal information, such as allergy bracelets and hospital patient identification tags. Bracelets can also be used to express support for a cause or to show solidarity with a particular group.

Symbolism is a powerful tool that can be used in writing to convey ideas and emotions to your readers. It can help your reader to connect with the world of your story in new ways and to understand complex themes that would be difficult to explain using just words. Symbols can also be used to add a deeper level of depth to your characters and to the setting of your story.

Symbols are images that represent an idea or an object. They can be anything from a letter to an action, and they are often easy for your reader to recognize and understand. For example, your reader might be familiar with the Rosie the Riveter poster of a woman flexing her muscles. This is an iconic cultural symbol that has been repurposed for contexts as diverse as banking and the Covid-19 pandemic.