Gold bracelets are a sure way to get yourself noticed in the world of fashion. Whether it be a 14k gold bracelet, gemstone studded tennis bracelet, or a chunky bangle, it has to match your style and your personality.
Did you know that the word “bracelet” comes from the Latin word “brachium” which means arm? Makes sense right? Gold bracelets have been donned for centuries with bracelets, in general, going back more than 7,000 years ago to ancient times!
Evolution of Men’s Jewelry
During ancient times, bracelets were created with whatever could be found such as grass, small tree limbs, and shells. As time passed, and technology evolved, bracelets started to be created using various metals like copper, bronze, and later silver and gold.
Bracelets would become more decorative and would be adorned with beautiful gems. Bracelets became a symbol of wealth and status in the eyes of society.
Depending on where in the world one lived, bracelets could signify different things. For some, it signifies faith or culture. Other areas believe that certain bracelets serve as protection to the wearer, and some signify a form of friendship or relationship.
As time and technology evolved, so did the styles of bracelets. Women’s bracelets became more stylish and included charms and engravings! Fast forward to the 20th century…gold bracelets and bracelets of other kinds became mass-produced and more affordable.
Types of Gold Bracelets
As society and technology change, so does the jewelry industry. There are many different types of bracelets that can be found in stores and online today. Additionally, there are many artisans who create handmade pieces that are unique and original (you can’t always find these in stores).
While the list of bracelet styles is lengthy, some common styles include cuffs, beaded, braided, stretch, chain/link, tennis, and bangle. You can also find bracelets made from silicone or plastic that often are worn in support of a cause or charity.
Medical bracelets, although not considered jewelry, are used for various conditions which are used as an alert for medical staff.
At the Gold and Diamond Room in Rochester, NY, you will find the most common styles of gold bracelets for both men and women. These styles include bangle bracelets, chain or link bracelets, charm bracelets, and tennis bracelets. Most often worn by women, we also have ankle bracelets.
Bangle Bracelets
The bangle style of bracelets has been popular for many years. Great for both men and women, these can come in various styles. A bangle bracelet is going to be circular in shape and is meant to slide over the hand and hang loosely on the wrist. Often, these styles of bracelets are worn together with multiple thin bracelets.
They can also be worn in combination with both thick and thin banded bracelets. Additionally, there is also a “hinged” bangle. This style will open and is more oval-shaped making it sit around the wrist more. A bangle style gold bracelet will most often have an engraved or etched design and sometimes might have gemstones embedded in the band.
Chain or Link Gold Bracelets
A chain or link style bracelet is extremely popular among men and women alike. It is common to find a Cuban link bracelet to match a Cuban link chain, and both can be found at the Gold and Diamond Room in Rochester, NY. Chain or link bracelets are made the same way a chain necklace is made, by linking pieces together in a shorter style.
This style of gold bracelet can be either a delicate small chain or be large and chunky. These styles of bracelets can be great paired with other styles or be worn on their own. Either choice will look great!
Charm Bracelets
A charm bracelet is more often a style of women’s bracelets. Charm bracelets can be made out of a variety of materials such as gold, silver, silicone, or leather braided bracelets. When the style of a charm bracelet first became popular, the bracelet was a chain or link style, and little charms would hook onto the individual links.
As the style has changed, charms can now slide on and off the bracelet or still hook on a single link. Charm bracelets are a great way to show off your personality! When looking for the perfect charm bracelet, you will find the option to buy a bracelet that already has some charms on it that can be added to, or you can find one without so you can make the bracelet completely customized.
Tennis Bracelets
Tennis bracelets are not just for women anymore. A tennis bracelet is a straight, thin chain design with individuals set stones. The bracelet can be set with rocks, shells, gemstones, or most commonly, diamonds. This style of bracelet will have a clasp and a safety clasp to ensure it does not come off the wrist. It is important to have a correct fitting tennis bracelet because if it is too big there is a chance for the bracelet to fall off or get caught on something and break.
Ankle Bracelets
An ankle bracelet is an additional way for many women to amp up their style. Ankle bracelets are often created in the same fashion as a regular bracelet and can often be interchanged.
Usually, an ankle bracelet will have more of a delicate design and will be more like a chain, link, or tennis style. There are some ankle bracelets where you may find a charm attached or even a handmade design.
Gold Bracelets or Watch?
Trying to settle the debate if you should wear a bracelet or a watch? What about both? It has become very stylish and popular to pair your favorite watch with a bracelet. While it can be difficult to decide which to wear, it all depends on the watch and the occasion. Some people have different watches to wear depending on the occasion, so pair your bracelet with that.
For more business-like situations, it is often recommended to have a smaller more sophisticated watch paired with a simpler style of bracelet. The key is to not take focus away from the watch. The last thing you want is to make your wrist look cluttered or too flashy. For a night out with the boys, go for the bigger watch and more prominent bracelets!
Should I Mix Metals?
Yes!! Go for it! Mixing metals such as yellow gold and rose gold bracelets is quite stylish. You can often find bracelets made of mixed metals that will complement each other. When mixing metals, be mindful of what you are pairing together.
For example, 24k gold should not be paired with a stainless-steel bracelet because the steel bracelet may scratch or damage the 24k gold bracelet.
Additionally, when pairing multiple bracelets together, try to keep the bracelets the same size. Don’t pair an overly chunky bracelet with a fine delicate one. This could cause tangling and damage to the finer bracelet.
Finally, when wearing your gold bracelets, let it be known who you are. As an additional way to show off your personality, why not be bold? Bracelets have evolved so much over time that you can easily match any bracelet to your individual style. Whether it be an intricately engraved bangle or a stunning tennis bracelet, you are sure to stand out in the crowd!