Bracelets are one of the most popular pieces of jewelry for both men and women. This has been true for millennia. This article briefly traces the long history of bracelets and how they have evolved and developed over the centuries.
The First Bracelets
Archaeologists have discovered the first bracelets from around 2500 BC. The earliest bracelets found were worn in South Mesopotamia. Sumerian women wore jewelry to display their husband's wealth—not just bracelets, but also anklets, necklaces, earrings, and rings. Bracelets were found in the tombs of the people of Ur. Royalty often took their jewelry and servants with them into the afterlife.
Ancient Egyptian Bracelets
Bracelets were very important in Ancient Egypt. Amulet bracelets first appeared during the time of the Pharaohs. Amulets date back to the Neolithic period. Men would carry pieces of wood or stone on their bodies to ward off enemies. These amulets were powerful protectors against harmful events. It wasn't until Ancient Egypt that these amulets were incorporated into fine jewelry like bracelets and necklaces, seen as a symbol of a person's wealth. The gods of a person's afterlife would be able to see this jewelry and understand their proper status.
Ancient Greek Bracelets
During the Greek period, bracelets became popular among men. Soldiers wore leather bands on their forearms for defense against opponents' weapons. Often decorated with silver and gold, and sometimes set with gemstones, they were called "Bracers," derived from the Latin Brachium, meaning "arm." When women realized how attractive these arm bands would look on their arms, they began wearing more delicate versions called "little arms"... or "Bracel-ets."
After the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD destroyed Pompeii, bracelets were hidden in the ruins. They were not discovered until the 19th century by modern archaeologists.
Roman Bracelet Fashion
Many design concepts for Roman bracelets also appeared on earrings and necklaces from the same period. Ball earrings were very popular, and ball bracelets paired wonderfully with them.
During Roman times, engraved bracelets and snake bracelets were especially trendy. Bracelets made of twisted metal coils with lion heads, as well as two-part bracelets with a pair of lion heads, were also popular.
The Heracles Knot bracelet is said to have originated in Roman times. Romans were highly creative in their jewelry making. However, they still continued to use Greek themes. Palms, fleeing hounds, and acanthus leaves, all derived from Greece, frequently appeared in Roman jewelry.
In Roman bracelets, stones and glass were often used. Gemstones were commonly set into human eyes or animals depicted on the pieces. Openwork bands intertwined with pearls mimicked a row of ivy. Many leaf and berry bracelets were inlaid with fine glass. The wealthiest women wore bracelets set with precious gemstones.
Medieval and Later Bracelets
The history of bracelets extends through the Middle Ages and the Baroque period of the 18th century. During the Georgian era, bracelets were very popular. There were many gold bracelets edged with pearls.
After the 1820s, bracelets and other jewelry were heavily set with coral. Ribbon bracelets and wide mesh gold ribbon bracelets were very fashionable. Geometric patterns were used to make bracelets. The use of gold was common.
Victorian Era Bracelets
In the Victorian era, women's clothing changed. Earrings became longer and dangling. These earrings permanently stretched the wearer's earlobes. Bracelets were often worn in pairs.
The Victorian era preferred jewelry that represented sentiment. Bracelets had lockets with photos or hair of loved ones. Much Victorian jewelry was full of secret concepts. Acrostic bracelets, where the first letter of each gemstone spelled out a term of friendship, were very popular. For example, a bracelet containing Lapis Lazuli would spell out "Love."
20th Century Bracelets
Throughout the early 20th century, fashion changed dramatically, and jewelry became an essential part of style. Bracelets of the time were often adorned with snake and lizard motifs. Other popular animals included birds, dragons, butterflies, bees, and peacocks.
A prominent symbol was the scarab, a symbol that dates back to Ancient Egypt. This reflected the fascination with the period following the discovery of King Tutankhamun's tomb.
It was a highly symbolic era, with a strong connection to nature. If no creature was on the jewelry, there would be flowers or buds.
Between 1910 and 1939, women's styles included sleeveless or short-sleeved dresses. The result was flexible armlets and bracelets for the upper arm. Gemstones and diamonds were often used to decorate these armbands.
Between 1940 and 1949, the designs of France's Van Cleef & Arpels significantly influenced American designers. Bracelets interspersed with hexagonal ribbons, with delicate jewels set in the center and secured with sturdy clasps, became part of the fashion. From 1950 to 1960, the lines of gold bracelets and necklaces were more austere. Bracelets made of gold mesh or twisted wire were popular.
From 1960 to 1970, bracelets became more flexible and were often paved with diamonds. Bangle bracelets were stiffer and often haphazardly set with diamonds.
In the 1970s, bracelets were more flexible, usually secured with small baguettes. Delicate and elegant bracelets were in vogue.
Since the 1980s, bracelet trends have continued to change. Bracelet styles have evolved into an expression of personal style rather than a passing fad. Gold, along with gemstones, has long been popular. On the other hand, sterling silver has gained increasing popularity and recognition for its adaptability and ease of wear, and its cost is lower than gold or platinum. In recent years, titanium bracelets have also seen a significant rise in popularity.
Bracelets Today
Today, a woman's fashion statement is all about her! What she likes and feels comfortable in. Therefore, your bracelet collection can be any style you choose. Wear delicate gold bracelets set with gemstones or a stack of chunky bangles. The latter has grown increasingly popular in recent years.
For thousands of years, bracelets have been made from a variety of materials such as iron, leather, copper, gold, beads, bone and teeth, silver, and gemstones.
As we have seen, bracelets have been popular since the dawn of civilization. Styles have varied with the clothing styles of the time. In cultures like Roman and Ancient Greek where people wore sleeveless or short-sleeved garments, both men and women enjoyed wearing bracelets on their upper and lower arms. People still enjoy wearing upper arm bracelets today, and modern fashion's more revealing styles are well-suited for wearing more jewelry.
Today, bracelets for men and women are made from diverse materials like precious metals including silver, gold, and platinum. Modern plastics and acrylics are used to create trendy and unique bracelets. In high-end jewelry, metals like titanium and zirconium are prized for their durability, lightweight nature, and hypoallergenic properties. Whatever your taste and budget, there is a wealth of bracelets and bangles to choose from.
Your fashion statement reflects who you are, so enjoy being yourself!
Your Story, Our Craft: Wear a Piece of History
From the amulets of ancient Egypt to the personalized charms of the Victorian era, bracelets have always been more than adornment—they are a deeply personal canvas for identity, belief, and connection.
At DX Bracelet, we honor this timeless legacy. We believe your bracelet should tell your story, crafted with the consciousness of today and designed to last for tomorrow.
Ready to find your chapter in this ongoing history?
👉 Explore our collection of handcrafted bracelets, where modern design meets meaningful detail. Discover your new favorite piece at https://dxbracelet.com/
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