Sunday, July 31, 2011

Bracelets: Great Tools And Beautiful Charms

By Brittany Perry


A bracelet is an ornamental chain worn around the arm or wrist and is among one of the most important items in jewelry collection. It is similar with other articles of wrist jewelry such as arm band, armlet, bangle, circlet, manacle, ornament, trinket, and wristlet. There also are a number of different types of bracelets and these various types are grouped into various categories: depending on the material used, style, and the purpose of the bracelet.

Bracelets have always been in fashion among the various types of jewelry since ancient times. In Egypt, bracelets have been part of the Egyptians' religious and spiritual interests since 5000 BC. A very popular manifestation of this is the Scarab Bracelet that represents rebirth and regeneration and is one the most recognized symbols of ancient Egypt. In Latin America, on the other hand, bracelets called Azabache Bracelets are worn for protection against the evil eye-which was believed to have been a result of envious looks by others.

There are a number of different types of bracelets. These types are divided into categories that depend on various factors. First among these categories depend on the type of material used in the creation of the bracelet. Categorized this way, types of bracelets include gold, diamond, silver, and plastic bracelets. Crystal bracelets made from white, rose, rutilated, and smoky quartz, as well as yellow crystals and amethysts, are also included in this classification. Other types of this article of jewelry on this category are bracelets made from leather, pearl, cloth, hemp, rocks, woods, or shells.

The second factor that classifies bracelets is the style of the jewelry. On this category, types of bracelets include bangle bracelets, cuff bracelets, charm bracelets, chains and links, beaded bracelets, and identification bracelets. Bangle bracelets are the simplest and oldest style of bracelet that are designed with no opening and are formed as rings-i.e., they slip over the hand and fit loosely on the wrist. Cuff bracelets, on the other hand, are a style of bracelet that are wider than bangles and are fastened to the wrist with buttons, snaps, or clasps. Charm bracelets are styled with decorative pendants or trinkets that signifies an important aspect in the wearer's life while chains and links are a style of bracelet that are comprised of a series of connected links typically made from metal. Finally, beaded bracelets are those styled with beads that can be as simple as a strand of bead with a clasp and can also be as intricate as woven small seed beads while identification bracelets are those that include a plaque on which the owner's name in engraved.

The purpose that bracelets serve is also another factor used to enumerate the various types of bracelets. In this category are bracelets used for medical purposes, awareness programs, for making new friends, or for sports. Allergy bracelets and hospital patient-identification tags are examples of bracelets used for medical purposes while cancer awareness bracelets, typically made from rubber or plastic, are examples of bracelets designed for awareness programs. Friendship bracelets, on the other hand, are typically customized by the person who usually gives the item as a gift to friends. Finally, sports bracelets are designed with a symmetrical pattern of diamonds and an example of this are tennis bracelets.

Jewelry collection won't be complete without at least one bracelet. These pieces of jewelry are indeed a great fashion accessory yet are also an important tool that can be used for various purposes. As such, getting to know more about this piece of jewelry is a great factor that can aid in one's bracelet purchase decision.




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