Bracelets are fabulous fashion accessories. It's so easy to express your personal style when you have plenty of bracelets to mix and match with your fashions. When the clink-clink of an armful of bangles reminds you that, really, you need to buy more bracelets, you'll find many, many styles. This bracelet buying guide offers tips for buying the bracelets you'll love.
Part of the fun of wearing jewelry is experimenting with different styles; however, there are a few classic bracelet designs that enhance any wardrobe. Use these styles as the foundation of your bracelet collection.
Must have
Every woman needs a nice set of two or three gold bangles in her jewelry wardrobe. Shiny, versatile and elegant at the same time, gold bangles complement fine clothes and enhance casual fashions. Collect extra gold and silver bangles and over time you'll have enough to mix and match to suit your mood.
Special occasions
Consider investing in a spectacular bracelet to wear for special occasions. The style will depend on your preference for your other fine jewelry but will likely be diamond or pearl, maybe both. Diamond bracelets catch the light every time you move your arm and match well with diamond earrings. A cultured pearl bracelet completes a suite of pearl jewelry or is a fitting alternative to the pearl strand necklace.
Gifts
The diamond tennis bracelet makes a wonderful jewelry gift; it is beautiful and always fashionable. Like the fine gold chain, a diamond tennis bracelet can be worn with almost any clothing style. The design is simple--just a row of diamonds set in gold or platinum links--yet there are many variations available. Other thoughtful gifts include a birthstone bracelet or a sterling silver bracelet with an engraved heart tag.
Old and new
For classic style, choose a men's yellow gold bracelet or sterling silver bracelet in one of the traditional chain styles. A snappy dresser will also want a men's bracelet in one of the "new" jewelry metals of titanium, tungsten carbide and stainless steel. These materials, also known as alternative metals, are becoming the new standard in men's jewelry.
Classic chains for bracelets
Link bracelets feature the same attractive chain patterns used in necklaces. There are many chain patterns available, but two in particular are common in men's jewelry: the curb chain and the Figaro chain. Curb chains have round or oval links with beveled sides and lie flat. Figaro chains have a pattern of three short links followed by one long link.
Gifts
For the man who includes jewelry in his fashion, a men's bracelet is stylish gift. Personalize the gift by choosing an ID tag bracelet for him and having the tag engraved. When the occasion calls for more glamour, present him with one of the many attractive diamond bracelets designed for men.
The wear and tear on bracelets is often greater than on other jewelry pieces, due to the constant movement of hands, and bracelets need sturdy clasps to keep them in place.
What are the standard lengths for bracelets?
How do I remove a bangle that fits too tightly?
Oops, that cute little silver bangle slid onto your hand so easily, but now you can't take it off. Before you harm yourself or the bracelet, try this method:
How should a bracelet fit?
A great bracelet fits loosely so it moves a little, but not loose enough to slide off the hand.
Proportion: Remember proportion when choosing a new bracelet. A bulky bangle can overwhelm a petite wrist, while a dainty chain makes little impact on a larger wrist. Of course, bracelets come in so many great sizes and styles that you can find bangles, cuffs and chains that fit perfectly.
Charm her
Do you know a young woman who is celebrating a special event? A Sweet 16 birthday, graduation or any other celebration calls for a gift of keepsake jewelry, and a charm bracelet made just for her will delight any gal. Here are few tips for creating a charm bracelet she'll treasure:
A new bracelet
The classic charm bracelet features a chain with a fringe of dangling charms. For a gift, choose a gold or silver bracelet and one or two charms to get her started. Over time, she'll add more charms.
An existing bracelet
If the gift recipient already has a charm bracelet, add a special gold or sterling silver charm to her collection. Some gold charms even feature sparkling diamonds.
Sharing the fun
Enlist the help of friends and family members when creating the bracelet. Have children, parents, siblings or friends choose extra charms for the gift. Just remember to leave enough room for the recipient to add a few charms of her own.
Fashion first
Make bracelets your preferred fashion jewelry. Everyone needs fine jewelry, but sometimes a bold and bright bangle adds the perfect finishing touch to your outfit. Whenever you're buying bracelets, keep these ideas in mind:
Color
Gemstones add brilliant color to jewelry, and bracelets feature almost every stone imaginable. For fun and casual fashion accessories, choose some bracelets with crystals and glass beads of various hues.
Texture
The texture adds a lot to the look of jewelry, so experiment with different materials like resin, plastic and leather. Bracelets made of fabric, wood and copper resemble traditional folk arts and are often handmade items.
Art
There are many ways to design bracelets; maybe that is why they are so popular in world jewelry. If you want to see original jewelry created by skilled artisans from around the world, be sure to browse the Worldstock Store at Overstock.com. We take pride in offering these unique products to our customers.
