When it comes to fine jewelry, bracelets always make great gifts. Even if just spoiling yourself, you can’t go wrong with a beautiful bracelet to add to your collection. What makes arm candy so appealing is that it can be enjoyed in a completely different way than necklaces or earrings – after all, you can see a bracelet you’re wearing much more easily than other jewelry!
Bracelets are perfect for layering, stacking, and changing up day-to-day. They come in various styles, materials, and sizes that need to be considered when making your purchase. Read on to learn all about the gift-giving basics, types of bracelets, and where to purchase them.
Types of Bracelets
Before we dive into the things to consider before purchasing a bracelet, it’s helpful to know the most commonly worn bracelets and styles. Not all bracelets are created equal, and especially when it comes to fine jewelry, and some different types of bracelets are better for certain occasions.
Bangle
Traditionally rigid and lacking a clasp closure, bangle bracelets are ring-shaped and simply slide over the wrist to wear. They are usually solid metal and can sometimes feature a hinge to allow the wearer to easily put it on their wrist.
Bead
Beaded bracelets are versatile pieces. Made of many different materials such as gemstones, glass, and wood, to name a few, beaded bracelets can be easily customized or stacked to match your style. Beaded bracelets are great for a casual look.
Chain
These bracelets are typically made of metal links connected together to form a chain. With various chain types, thicknesses, and materials to choose from, you can easily express your style with a chain bracelet.
Charm
Perhaps one of the most customizable of the bracelet styles is the charm bracelet. These linked bracelets feature charms that adorn the length of the bracelet. Each charm can represent a different life moment, person, place, or other sentimental memory.
Cuff
Cuff bracelets are a type of bangle bracelet that are partially open on one side, allowing for easy on/off. Cuffs tend to be wide and chunky, featuring a wide array of textures, patterns, or precious stones. Slimmer cuffs can provide a dainty or elegant touch as well.
Link
From thick and heavy to slim and subtle, link bracelets can be dressed down or up to complement any outfit. Usually crafted in yellow or white gold, these bracelets are durable and up to daily wear.
Tennis
A timeless classic, tennis bracelets can be adorned with any gemstone but typically feature diamonds along its length. Elegant and versatile, it’s easy to create a simple yet fashion-forward look with either one or multiple layers for added interest.
Wrap
Wrap bracelets often have one clasp and wrap around the wrist multiple times, creating a layered look with only one bracelet. Similar to layering bracelets, a wrap adds a unique touch to any outfit with the addition of only one bracelet.
Material
Bracelets come in many forms. For example, “costume jewelry” is a fashion jewelry category that includes bracelets made with inexpensive materials or imitation gems. Fashion jewelry is affordable since the materials cost less. However, they can also be short-lived. Because of the lesser quality materials, fashion jewelry often breaks easily, dulls over time, and doesn’t hold its value.
Fine jewelry, on the other hand, is made with more durable metals and materials such as silver, gold, platinum, and can include genuine gemstones or diamonds that won’t lose their sparkle or value over time. A better long-term investment, fine jewelry is able to be remounted into another piece with skilled jewelers to help you out.
Purchasing Bracelets
Bracelets from Brittany’s Fine Jewelry make for treasured gifts on birthdays, holidays, and graduations. Celebrating a big promotion or anniversary? Browse our showroom for a quality piece of fine jewelry to last a lifetime. Our special gemstone and diamond bracelets are a unique way to commemorate the birth of a child or an important date such as a wedding or engagement. But before making your bracelet selections, consider the following.
The Right Choice
When purchasing a bracelet for yourself or a loved one, ensure that the bracelet is the proper size. Yes – bracelets come in different lengths, which is why it is important to either measure or bring a proper-fitting bracelet into our showroom for reference in finding the perfect gift. Also, consider the lifestyle of the intended wearer and consider what types of bracelets they usually wear. Do they prefer charm bracelets that can be easily added to or customized or would they rather have something more understated? Do they prefer to wear a different bracelet every day? Perhaps several fashion pieces would work best.
Considering day-to-day wear and tear is a must, as well. Do they often work at a desk? Repetitive bumping or resting one’s wrists on a desk may play into what sort of bracelet would be more comfortable for the wearer.
It’s a good idea to have a wide variety of bracelet styles in your jewelry wardrobe so you’ll be ready for any occasion. No matter the need, our expert jewelers can help identify the right bracelet for you.
When considering a purchase of a fine piece of jewelry such as a bracelet, be sure to visit a reputable jeweler with the knowledge and training to help you make an informed decision. At Brittany’s Fine Jewelry, you can see for yourself the quality and craftsmanship that every piece receives and how we pride ourselves on serving our clients with excellence and honesty.
Posted On October 5, 2021
