Life is good. You settle into your new home with your partner and have just been given a promotion at work. You are striking up friendships which lead to invites to more social events and gatherings.
Your collection of outfits is growing, and you have decided that it’s time to spend some of your well-earned money by starting to purchase some quality items of jewellery. One of your colleagues has told you about the happy experiences they had when visiting antique shops and scooping rare items.
All You Need To Know About The History Of Bracelets
- It is believed that the wearing of bracelets becomes popular as a form of ritual adornment as far back as 5,000 BC.
- The word bracelet is derived from the Greek word brachial, meaning ‘of the arm’ and the Latin word brachium, simply meaning ‘arm’.
- Ancient Egyptians began wearing bracelets as a fashion item made of silver or gold and adorned with semi-precious stones, whereas Greek soldiers wore them made of metal and leather to offer protection, which became a part of military uniform popularised later by the Romans at a time when jewellery from the Mediterranean spread across Europe.
- In China early bracelets were made of jade before gold became popular both there and in India.
- The wearing of a bracelet was equally popular with men and women until the Middle Ages, when they were preferred mainly by women.
- As well as a being popular fashion accessory, the bracelet throughout history has been used to signify marital status or to guard against evil spirits and the harsh sun.
- Around the turn of the 17th century, the widespread wearing of bracelets came back into vogue with chain formed pieces becoming popular. The Victorian era saw the advent of charm bracelets.
- Among the variety of vintage bracelets for sale, Art Deco designs around the ‘roaring twenties’ were all the thing, with their clean lines and white metals. Plastics became fashionable a couple of decades on, as teenagers went for the bracelet look. Sterling silver bracelets or ones in gold-plated brass were the next trend followed by thin chains, slender bangles, wide cuffs, and beaded strands as men started wearing bracelets again towards the end of the 20th century.
- Silver has become the most popular material for bracelets since the turn of the millennium with new designs reflecting the era becoming fashionable.
A visit to a local museum will offer further insight to the history of jewellery.
How To Give Your Bracelet Loving Care
It is a sensible idea to remove your bracelet before going in the water. Take it off when applying creams or scents and remove it before physical activity. Each style of bracelet has different cleaning requirements dependent on the material, but the key is to be careful, avoid detergents and if you are unsure consult the experts. When damaged, fret not; send your item to a professional for repair and remodelling, if needed.
In Conclusion
Wearing a bracelet will make you look fashionable and classy. It offers opportunities with many outfits and can reflect different eras. It will certainly add to your aesthetic appearance and offer a conversation piece.
