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Ultimate Guide To Bracelet Styles

Bracelets are one of the most popular types of jewellery for both men and women, largely due to their stylish appearance and versatility. Whether you opt for a classic yellow gold bracelet or a white gold piece, you’ll be able to pair it with a wide range of other accessories. There are plenty of different styles of bracelets to choose from too, so you can add a flashy finishing touch whether you're dressed for day-to-day activities or heading out for a special occasion.

To help you learn more about how bracelets came to be so popular and how to choose the perfect one for you, we’re taking a magnifying glass to gold bracelets in this ultimate guide.

The History Of Bracelets

Bracelets have been around for a long time, supposedly since 5000 BCE, which is the earliest this type of jewellery is known to have been used. More specifically, this has been traced back to ancient Egypt, where it’s believed that the people of this time wore bracelets made from gold simply as a fashion accessory and not with any religious or cultural connotations. That said, bracelets have taken on many different meanings and uses over the years.

For the ancient Greeks, bracelets made of leather were commonly worn during battle, as part of their armour to protect their wrists. The use of bracelets as a fashion accessory persisted, though, becoming a popular part of the culture in countries around the world, such as Africa and India. As they were introduced into cultures in these places, they were often used to symbolise religious or personal beliefs.

So, What Do Bracelets Symbolise?

Like with most pieces of jewellery, the way bracelets are worn has changed over the years, including how different cultures wear them. Bracelets, for example, have been said to protect against evil spirits and bring positivity into the life of the wearer. They have also been worn with more literal meaning, such as to display marital status or as a gift given at a proposal or wedding to symbolise commitment to a partner.

Bracelets have also been used to host charms or small pendants, each of which are often gifted by a friend or a family member with a specific sentiment behind it. For some, especially those with children, charm bracelets can be a beautiful piece of jewellery when they become adorned with charms gifted by those closest to them.

It is also believed that the wrist that you wear your bracelet on can have some significance too. Supposedly, if you wear a bracelet on your left wrist, it represents healing and receiving, and if it’s on your right wrist, it shows power and giving. 

Top Men's Bracelet Styles

Bracelets have been a popular jewellery accessory for men throughout history which, as a result, has led to many different styles being created. From thinner styles to chunkier bold designs, there are a wide variety of men's bracelet styles to choose from that will suit work, casual and social attire.

Here are just some of the most popular styles of men’s bracelets:

Bangles

Solid gold bangles available in both closed and open styles, with gemstones encrusted on the surface.

Belcher Bracelets

Unmistakably masculine and drenched in history, relating to famous fighter James ‘Jem’ Belcher, belcher bracelets are recognisable by their classic ‘D’ shaped links.

Curb bracelets

For those who like a heavier look, the curb bracelet is perfect, as it features large links that are tightly locked together.

Rope bracelets

Offering a more unique look, rope bracelets are aptly named as the links are woven together, just as threads of a rope are.

Miami Cuban bracelets

Similar to curb style, Miami Cuban bracelets offer a chunkier look, with the large links each placed closely together.

How To Wear A Men's Bracelet

There are many different ways a man can effortlessly style his bracelet to perfectly accentuate his outfit. With men’s bracelets, opting for just one bracelet instead of multiple will do the trick. Regardless of whether it’s a chunky heavy bracelet or a much thinner style, a single bracelet can add gravitas to a man’s outfit without even trying.

One of the most important factors to focus on when wearing a bracelet is not necessarily the outfit as a whole but instead the other pieces of jewellery it is being paired with. For example, if you’re opting for a yellow gold bracelet to wear with rings and chains which are also made from yellow gold, it’s a risk that this may look overpowering. Instead, you may want to try and balance the colours of gold more evenly with white gold rings or chains.

Top Women's Bracelet Styles

Bracelets are a staple of women’s fashion accessories and can look stunning whether paired with an elegant dress or a relaxed pair of jeans and a casual top. With so many different styles on offer, there’s plenty of choice for everyday wear, a high-class social event or simply an evening meal out.

Here are a few of the most popular women’s bracelet styles:

Bangles

From classic, simple bangle styles to gemstone-laden rose gold bangles, there is a diverse range of bangles to suit a variety of occasions.

Belcher bracelets

Make a statement with a bold belcher bracelet or opt for a more delicate look with a gem-set butterfly bracelet.

Curb bracelets

Curb bracelets can become a beautiful piece of sentimental jewellery, especially when engraved on a design ID style or has a padlock charm symbolising long-lasting love.

Rope Bracelets

Perfect for a more subtle look, rope bracelets are much thinner than other bracelet styles and feature unique links.

Fancy design bracelets

Blending a variety of gold types including yellow, white and rose gold, our fancy design bracelets will set you apart from the crowd at every event.

How To Wear Bracelets For Women

Whether you opt for simple style or a more creative look, women’s bracelets can look remarkable when worn with a range of outfits and other jewellery. A curb bracelet with a unique charm can pair well with most everyday outfits, whilst a rose gold bangle, for example, can elevate an extravagant dress and shower you in a glamorous glow.

Styling multiple bracelets together adds an extra layer of style too, as white, yellow and rose gold jewellery coordinated together can look extremely elegant. Similarly, layering bracelets to accentuate other pieces of jewellery, such as a stand-out engagement ring or timeless necklace can give you a celebrity look.

How To Choose The Right Bracelet Style 

When finding the perfect bracelet, there are a few factors you’ll need to consider when shopping around. Weighing up (literally) each of these aspects will help you make a more informed choice and ensure you end up with a jewellery piece you can treasure for years to come.

Wearability

Firstly, you’ll need to find a bracelet type which is suitable for the amount you would like to wear it, whether you’re looking for an everyday bracelet or an occasion bracelet. If you plan to wear it regularly, opting for a slightly chunkier more durable design is a safe bet. Thinner bracelets are perfect for special occasions and won’t be too overpowering when paired with other jewellery pieces.

Style

Once you’ve decided on how often you plan to wear your bracelet, this will help you narrow down which style of bracelet to choose. Whether you choose a chunkier Miami Cuban bracelet or a thinner rope bracelet, you’ll have a much better idea of what you’re looking for.

Size

Often, you won’t want a bracelet that fits too tightly around your wrist. Instead, find one that’s a little larger than the circumference of your wrist. To get this right, you’ll need to measure your wrist to make sure you’re choosing the right size.

Weight

A considerable weight is often a testament to the bracelet's durability, with some of the larger pieces looking as though they could survive 12 rounds on the wrist of Mike Tyson in his prime. If you see yourself as a heavyweight in the jewellery game, a large, chunky bracelet could be the perfect piece for you. 

How To Find The Right Fit For Your Bracelet

To measure your wrist to find the right bracelet size, you can use either a tape measure for an accurate reading or you can use a strip of paper by wrapping it around your wrist and using a pen to mark where it overlaps. Once you’ve made the mark, simply measure the distance using a ruler.

Once you’ve got a good idea of your wrist size, you can use this measurement to choose a bracelet that will sit comfortably on your wrist. This will help you find one that is slack enough to sit comfortably without being so loose it falls off. 

Can Bracelets Be Resized?

Bracelets can easily be resized by simply removing links to shorten the length of the chain and then reattaching the clasp. This method will also make sure that no damage or cutting marks are left on your bracelet.

Don’t worry if your bracelet is too tight and you may need a little extra wiggle room. Depending on how much you need your bracelets to be resized, the jeweller may be able to fit a new clasp, to offer more length. 

What Is The Difference Between A Bracelet And Bangle?

Although they may all seem very similar, bracelets and bangles are technically different. The main difference between them is that a bangle is rigid, whereas a bracelet is typically more flexible as they are crafted from a series of links. Bangles also tend to be closed, with no opening section, unlike bracelets which often have a clasp so they can be easily put on and removed. 

What Is A Tennis Bracelet?

A tennis bracelet is a specific style of bracelet that got its name after it flew off the wrist of - you guessed it - a tennis player. The man’s name was Chris Evert and the bracelet itself features a series of small diamonds placed in a row closely together, with white gold holding it in place. Any bracelet made in this style has become known as a tennis bracelet. Since its rise in popularity, it’s become a common accessory to be worn off the grass even if it does make you feel like you’re on centre court.

Bracelet FAQs 

To help you understand bracelets a little better, we’re answering some of the most frequently asked questions about the jewellery piece.

Which wrists do bracelets go on?

The wrist you wear your bracelet on is completely up to you. If you’re part of a culture where the wrist has relevance, then you may wish to wear it on the side that showcases your beliefs. Otherwise, you may choose to wear your bracelet on a certain wrist based on which other jewellery pieces you’re wearing.

Do men wear bracelets?

Men have worn bracelets for decades, whether as a fashion accessory or part of protective armour. These days, bracelets are one of the most popular accessories for men and are commonly worn in yellow, white and rose gold metals.

Can you wear a watch and a bracelet?

Bracelets and watches are a great accessory pairing, although it’s recommended that they are worn on opposite wrists. Wearing them together can unbalance the style and detract from the beauty of a striking bracelet.

Should bracelets be worn loose?

Generally, bracelets are worn loose enough that they can slide a short distance up and down the wrist, just like bangles. Some wearers prefer them much tighter though and choose to have little room between the surface of their wrist and the bracelet itself.

Which bracelet style is your favourite? Let us know on Facebook or Instagram! For more guides and insight like this, why not check out the Hatton Jewellers blog?