Origin

Cultural significance

The history of Egyptian bracelets is as old as 5000 BC. Starting with materials like bones, stones and woods to serve religious and spiritual interests. From the National Geographic Society, the Scarab Bracelet is one of the most recognized symbols of ancient Egypt. The scarab represented rebirth and regeneration. Carved scarabs were worn as jewelry and wrapped into the linen bandages of mummies. Myth told of the scarab god, Khepri, pushing the sun across the sky.

In Bulgaria there is a tradition called Martenitsa which sometimes involves tying a red and white string around the wrist to please Baba Marta to make spring come sooner.

In some parts of India, the number and type of bangles worn by a woman denotes her marital status.

Taken in the plural, bracelets is often used as slang for handcuffs.

Sports bracelets

Charm bracelet

Bangles

main: Bangle Bracelets that are in solid form, usually some metal, are referred to as bangles or bangle bracelets. They can be smooth, textured or set with stones. In India, glass bangles are common. Made from ordinary glass that is about 1/4 - 1/8 inch in width, they are worn in groups so that arm movement causes them to make a pleasant sound rather like the clinking of wind chimes.

Slap bracelets

In the late 1980s & early 1990's, "slap bracelets" -- flat, felt-covered metal strips that curved around one's wrist when gently hit against it -- were a popular fad. Often adorned with neon colors and vivid graphics, these bracelets could be found at inexpensive retailers. A rumor emerged that "slap bracelets" caused injury and thus fell out of style.

Beaded bracelet

Bracelets made from beads are fairly common in Southwestern American Indian jewelry lore. They are often multi-colored however frequently have a predominance of turquoise.

Link bracelets

Bracelets made from connecting or linking various or similar components or jewelry findings. Link bracelets can be made of a variety of materials included metals and gemstones.