Bracelets – adornment for the wrist

Bracelets are an ornamental band or chain that encircles the wrist or arm; in other words bracelets are wrist ornaments. The use of bracelets are not only for ornamental purposes but also for more serious situations such as identification in hospitals as well as medic-alert bracelets for specification of allergies and medical conditions. The term for bracelets come from the Latin word “brachile” meaning arm . During ancient Greek and Roman times soldiers would wear leather straps with silver or gold embellishments on their arm. Women soon followed suit but instead of wearing the adornment on the arm they changed the position to the wrist.

The purpose of bracelets

In Latin America bracelets were worn to protect against the Mal de ojo – evil eye which is the result of excessive admiration or envious looks by others. In parts of India the number of bracelets that is worn by a woman will symbolize her marital status. The history of Egyptian bracelets dates back to 5000 BC which started with materials such as bones, stones and woods to serve religious and spiritual interests. The Scarab bracelets are one of the most recognized symbols of ancient Egypt. The scarabs represented rebirth and regeneration; carved scarabs were worn as jewellery as well as wrapped in the linen of mummies.

In today's day and age bracelets are more often than not worn for decorative purposes rather than spiritual and religious purposes although such instances still occur. With the exceeding popularity of precious metals such as gold and platinum as well as the popularity of precious stones such as diamonds and gemstones it is no wonder that bracelets have become an expensive jewellery item. Bracelets may have various meanings to the wearer which are generally represented through the type of bracelets that are available.

• Tennis bracelets are a thin in-line diamond bracelet that features a symmetrical pattern of diamonds. The name was adopted when tennis star Chris Evert interrupted a tennis match to collect the precious diamonds that had fallen when her bracelet broke. The incident sparked the name tennis bracelet for these bracelets.
• Charm bracelets are items of jewellery that is worn around the wrist and from the chain dangles trinkets, pendants or charms that signify memorable moments in the wearer's life.
• Italian charm bracelets are different from charm bracelets in the reason that these bracelets feature individual pieces that are soldered flat onto the surface of the link. Where as regular charm bracelets the charms dangle and the Italian version does not.
• Pearl bracelets are bracelets that are made from pearls that are strung together and due to the natural beauty of pearls and their exquisite shapes and colors they are a firm favorite for jewellery.

Factors to consider when buying bracelets

When considering which bracelets to buy there are certain factors to take into consideration to ensure that you get the highest quality and workmanship. A good design, proper mounting of gems and diamonds as well as a good metal weight are top priority when selecting bracelets. The links of bracelets are required to be strong and sturdy to avoid the bracelet from accidentally falling off. Bracelets are required to be strong and sturdy and the clasps are important as it could be costly to replace lost bracelets. A double locking mechanism is the best clasp option for bracelets as some jewellers use thin clasps as not to waste silver or gold on the clasp.

The right designer for bracelets

Barnes Jewellers is committed to providing high quality bracelets that make use of the highest workmanship. Barnes Jewellers manufacture unique bracelets using silver, gold platinum as well as palladium and can repair all jewellery. Should you have a specific set of earrings for which you would like a specific design for bracelets Barnes Jewellers can make this possible for you too. Barnes Jewellers enables you to receive professional and honest advice regarding the styles, metals and stones that will suit your skin tone as well as your personality.

Contact Barnes Jewellers to benefit from quality workmanship as well as unique and beautiful design for a variety of bracelets.