For the longest time, men and women alike have worn bracelets for aesthetic or cultural reasons. Today, they are mainly worn to make the wearer feel pretty and to make a fashion statement. These timeless pieces of jewelry have remained relevant for this long because there is a bracelet for every occasion. Also, the fact that you don't need any piercings to pull off a bracelet is a plus.
There are a lot of different types of bracelets. They can be categorized based on many factors, including the material used to wear them, the design style used in their creation, and the occasions or events they should ideally be worn at.
This article will cover everything you need to know about bracelets. It will also outline the various types of bracelets available to you to help you find that perfect bracelet, whether for yourself or for that special someone.
Table of Contents
📝Overview on the history of bracelets
The word "bracelet" is derived from the Latin word "brachium", which translates to "arm". The first bracelets were worn over 7,000 years ago. They were worn for aesthetic and ritualistic purposes. The first ones were made out of grasses and slim tree parts. The materials changed from between 2000–1400BC, where the Bronze Age made it possible to fashion bracelets out of gold, silver, and other metals.
In ancient Egypt, bracelets were a symbol of wealth and power. Greek soldiers wore them partly as their uniform and for protection. In ancient China, gold bracelets with intricate patterns of nature were highly valued.
During the 20th century, bracelets became easier to find and cheaper to buy. Plastic bracelets also hit the streets with a bang. Nowadays, bracelets are worn not only for beauty but also as a show of support for a movement or identity.
What are the materials for bracelets?
Today, bracelets can be made out of a wide variety of materials. In fact, most of the time, the price of the bracelet will depend on the quality of the material used to make it. Silver is a common material in the industry because it is cheaper than gold but still gives a long-lasting sparkle. A lot of people, especially men, also prefer silver-colored metals to yellow ones, and this is reflected in the jewelry they wear.
High-end pieces like tennis bracelets are made using materials like diamonds and pearls. Others are designed for people who embrace environmental conservation, and so feature recycled materials. Other bracelets like friendship bracelets are conventionally made from a special string.
10 top types of bracelets (with styling tips and places to buy)
Here are a few popular bracelet types that will pair beautifully with your outfits, or give the people you care about a reason to smile when they look at their wrist.😄
Bangle Bracelets
This type of bracelet is fashioned as one complete loop with no clasp or latch. For this reason, it can only be worn by slipping it over your hand. This is why it has to be loose.
Bangles can be used to compliment your looks differently. If you want to make your wrist appear smaller and your fingers longer, a larger bangle will help you do that. That said, don’t stack your bangles as this might distract from your outfit.
You should also make sure that your bangle of choice fits the occasion. Formal events will need smaller bangles. Informal settings, on the other hand, allow you to go all out on both the color and the size.
Since they are very common, you can get your bangles from any local jewelry store.
Cuff Bracelets
Cuff bracelets are a type of bangle featuring an opening with no clasp. They are very easy to put on because you don’t have to fiddle with one hand as you wear them. Interestingly, they were first worn by the Ancient Greeks for decoration.
Unlike bangles, cuffs are best worn close to the skin. They are also available in different lengths and materials which you can wear to achieve a certain look. Smaller cuffs are better suited to complete a simple look and larger ones are bolder and make a simple outfit more stylish.
Silver cuff bracelets pair exceptionally well with black outfits because of the contrast. They can also be layered with other accessories like a watch or a simple bracelet. A Bohemian vibe can also be achieved by pairing the cuff with some silver bracelets and boho knuckle rings.
For a more out-of-the-box look, wear your cuff bracelet on your upper arm with your summer dress.
Chain Bracelets
Chain bracelets get their name from how they are made: the body of the bracelet is made by linking metal loops to each other with a fastening clasp at the end.
If you are in the market for one of these, you have a wide range of options to choose from. Chain bracelets can be made using almost any type of metal. Gold and silver are the most durable options, though. You can easily find a favorite, quality, durable but stylish chain bracelet on Amazon.
Chain bracelets are very versatile.🎅🏻 They can be worn with almost any outfit. They are also gender-neutral, and their loops make it possible to convert them into charm bracelets by simply adding random charms to them.
Charm Bracelets
A charm bracelet is a simple bracelet that has small trinkets attached to it. They date back to the middle 20th century, during the second world war. Soldiers brought home little items made by the locals of the places they had been, which were put together in a chain. Before then, charm bracelets may have also been used as talismans to carry crystals that ward off bad luck.
There are lots of different types of charm bracelets. When it comes to the material they are made of, you can get silver, gold, leather, or woven bracelets. Charm bracelets stand out because you are the one choosing the things you put on the bracelet. This makes them the perfect accessory for you to show your personality. It also explains why charm bracelets come in all shapes and sizes.
Tennis Bracelets
These are bracelets that are fashioned out of diamonds alone. The jewels are attached using silver, white gold, or yellow gold. The bracelet can also be made out of other precious stones.
These beauties are not only elegant but they are also versatile and you can wear one to almost any occasion. They also pair fabulously with a wide range of outfits. Tennis bracelets are available in most jewelry outlets and online stores.
Beaded Bracelets
Beaded bracelets are usually made by passing a thread or elastic through some beads. The beads are usually made from plastic, glass, wood, crystals, or stones. They are easy to customize, which makes them a favorite among many.
Beads can also be worn in different ways and in different settings. They also look good when layered with other accessories and they can instantly give off a playful mood to a serious outfit.😊
Even when they're not complimenting your look, beaded bracelets can be used during meditation.
Friendship Bracelets
As the name suggests, these are bracelets that are exchanged by friends as a show of their friendship.👭🏻 They are usually made by weaving colorful strands of thread in a pattern. The origin of these bracelets can be traced back to the 70s.
These are a dainty and thoughtful gift to a friend, and you can always throw on a couple of charms! You should also note that when friendship bracelets get wet, they feel unpleasant. They also have a short lifespan so you might need to replace them often.
There are different types of friendship bracelets apart from the string ones. They can also be matching ones made from materials like gold, silver, and brass. As long as it serves as the purpose of connecting two friends, it is a friendship bracelet.
Affirmation Bracelets
These are bracelets that have a message written or engraved on them. This message is usually a positive word, quote, or phrase that is meant to encourage the wearer.
Since the message can be written on any of the types of bracelets, this doesn’t count as a type but as more of a bracelet style.
To get a bracelet tailored to your size and with an affirmation you love to recite, you can always look at online jewelry marketplaces like Etsy.
String Bracelets
These are almost similar to friendship bracelets. They are made by fastening strings together and making adjustment points at the ends.
There are different types of string bracelets. Some of them are made by tying pieces of waxed string together. Others are woven into a band-like strip and in other cases, the string has beads, crystals, or pendants looped into it.
Paracord Bracelets
Paracord bracelets are also called survival bracelets. They are made by weaving Paracord and secured with a buckle or sometimes a knot. There are different types of paracord bracelets depending on the purpose.
They are mostly worn by outdoor enthusiasts🧗 since the cord can be useful around a campsite. You can also loop in some beads or ornaments and wear it simply for aesthetic.
Other popular types of bracelets you should not miss
Slider Bracelets
This type gets its name from the method of securing the bracelet. It has a clasp that slides up and down the bracelet. These bracelets make it easy to adjust the bracelet to your comfort without taking it to get sized. Once you've found your fit, the clasp ensures that it stays at that size.
Wristwatch Bracelets
Wristwatch bracelets combine the best of both worlds: you get a bracelet that is also a watch. They feature “straps” made out of leather, silver, or any other material. They are great for breathing life into boring office outfits or spicing up dinner looks.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many different types of bracelets. There are even more ways to style them. The trick is finding that one bracelet type or that perfect combination of bracelets that works for you. With this guide, you should have no trouble choosing that perfect bracelet.😎
