Bracelets Through The Ages

The earliest bracelets date back to around 2500 BC and were those worn by the Sumerians in southern Mesopotamia. Bracelets, necklaces, anklets, finger rings and ear rings made the women of Sumer into show windows of their husband's prosperity. Bracelets were found in the tombs of Ur where it was customary to bury royalty with their jewellery and unfortunately their poor servants.

By about 2000 BC, in Ancient Egypt, bracelets emerged as major pieces of jewellery. Bracelets were found in the ruins from the Vesuvias eruption in Pompeii in 79 AD. It was during the age of the Egyptian Pharaohs that charm bracelets were first seen although charms themselves dated back as far as the Neolithic era when men would gather unusual bits of wood or pieces of stone which would be carried about their person in order to ward off their enemies. So these charms were considered ‘lucky charms’ and powerful protectors against evil. It wasn’t until the time of the Pharaohs though that these charms were incorporated into elaborate pieces of jewellery such as wrist and neck bracelets which were not only deemed to offer protection but were also a sign of how prosperous the person had been in life and after death would be an indicator to the Gods of this persons proper status in the after life.

In Grecian times bracelets were popular with men and soldiers wore defensive bands of leather, often decorated with gold, silver and or gemstones, on their forearms. They were known as ‘Bracels,’ from the Latin Brachium, meaning, ‘arm.’ When women caught on that these Bracels would look great on them, they started wearing smaller versions, called little Bracels...or ‘Bracel-ets.’

The history of bracelets stretches forward through the Middle Ages of medieval Europe through the Baroque period of the 18th century, and on right through to the present.

Throughout time, bracelets have been made from many different materials such as leather, iron, copper, beads, bone and teeth as well as precious metals and gemstone. Throughout the ages bracelets have always been popular and the styles seem to have varied according to dress styles. In cultures where people wore sleeveless or short sleeved attire such as the Romans and ancient Greeks, the wearing of bracelets both on the upper and lower arm became popular with both men and women. The wearing of upper arm bracelets is still popular today with modern fashionable skimpy clothing lending itself well to the wearing of more jewellery.

Today, bracelets are worn by both men and women in a variety of materials such as traditional precious metals like gold silver and platinum. Modern plastics and acrylics are now much used to make trendy, unusual bracelets as well as metals like titanium and zirconium which have become popular because they are hard wearing, very light and hypoallergenic. Whatever your tastes and whatever your budget, there is an enormous choice of bracelets and bangles to suit everyone.

Written by John Lewis

Bracelets From Then To Now

Bracelet popularity dates back to the Roman times and continues today.

Roman bracelets shared many of the design patterns of necklaces and earrings from that era. The ever popular ball earrings from that era were nicely matched with a ball style bracelet. Engraved bangles and snake bracelets were very popular during Roman times.

Bracelets made of twisted coil with lion head ends were common place, as were the two part bracelets ending with a pair of lion heads. The Heracles knot bracelet is recognized as a Roman era piece.

The Roman’s were very creative in the designing of their jewelry. However they still borrowed from Greek motifs. Palmettos, fleeing dogs and acanthus leaves, all of Greek origin, were often seen in the designing of Roman jewelry.

Stones and glass were often used in Roman bracelets. . Gem stones were commonly found set in eyes. Open bands were cut to represent a row of ivy and entwined with pearls.

Many of the leaf and berry bracelets were heavily adorned with decorative glass. The wealthier women could be seen wearing bracelets layered in bezel set emeralds.

During the Gerogiian times bracelets remained popular. Paris jewelers were known for their gold bracelets set with pearl edging. After the 1820s coral became the “in” fashion statement, so bracelets and other jewelry were heavily set with coral.

During the Gerogiian time it was very fashionable to wear many bracelets at once, including wide ribbon gold mesh bracelets, and silk ribbon bracelets. Gem and Diamond bracelets were designed in geometric patterns. Gold was heavily used during this era.

The Victorian era brought changes to the fashions of women, including jewelry styles. Earrings grew long and dangled, bracelets became rigid and were normally worn in pairs. The buckle bracelet became very fashionable.

The jewelry of the Victorian era expressed sentiment, and bracelets were no exception. Bracelets would contain lockets or charms with pictures or hair of a loved one, and engravings were common

Early Victorian jewelry enjoyed some mystic with hidden meanings being popular. The acrostic bracelets where the first letter of each gemstone spelled a word of friendship were very popular. For example a bracelet set with Lapis, Opal, Vermeil [hessonite garnet] and Emerald would spell Love.

The Art Nouveau period once again saw changes to fashion and jewelry. Chameleons and serpents entwined themselves around bracelets. The mystical Egyptian scarab was found on bracelets and rings.

Other popular creatures included dragonflies, butterflies, bees, peacocks, swans, and even bats. This was a very figural period attached to nature. If jewelry did not depict creatures it depicted flower blossoms or flower buds.

From 1910 to 1939 women’s fashions saw sleeveless or short sleeve dresses appear. The result was flexible bracelets and bangles worn on the upper arm. These arm bracelets were often adorned with gemstones or diamonds.

From 1940 to 1949 US designers were greatly influenced by the designs from the French house of Van Cleef & Arpels. Bracelets with ribbon of hexagon lines centered on fine gemstones fastened with heavy clasps became very vogue.

From 1950 to 1960 daytime saw simpler lines for not only gold bracelets but necklaces as well. Gold mesh or twisted wire bracelets were very popular.

From 1960 to 1970 bracelets became more flexible and were often set with gems. Bangles on the other hand became more rigid and were often seen set with random diamond placements.

From 1970 to 1979 bracelets were flexible and often set with tiny baguettes. Delicate and dainty bracelets were vogue.

From the 1980s to now bracelet fashions have been mixed and varied. Bracelet styles have become more of an individual fashion statement than a trend.

Gold has always remained popular as have gems, however sterling silver has become very popular and recognized for its versatility and wearability at affordable pricing. In the last few years we’ve also seen an increase in demand for titanium bracelets.

Today a women’s fashion statement is about her! What she likes, what she feels good in. So your bracelet wardrobe can be what ever you want. Wear a dainty gem set gold bracelet or an armful of clunky bracelets, which is very vogue this season.

Your fashion statement is about who you are, so feel free to be you!

By Sher Matsen

Magnetic Jewelry

In recent times, a number of alternative treatments to medical conditions have been developed, which are being used by a lot of people. One example of this is the introduction of eastern medical practices and medications to the West. Other examples include different types of therapy that do not use the traditional equipment and medications that Western medicine has developed. One such example is magnet therapy, which claims to be very effective in treating different kinds of pain on the different parts of the body.

How does magnet therapy work?

Magnet therapy works under the assumption that magnets are effective in dilating blood vessels that could lead to a better blood flow and other effects. Some of these effects include an increase in the oxygenation of the blood and the increased flushing out of harmful toxins from the body. It is then claimed that these effects alleviate pain because there are certain types of pain that are caused by the restriction of blood vessels such as headaches, and the accumulation of toxins on certain areas of the body. Usually, this type of therapy is administered by placing magnets on the areas in which a person is experiencing pain. However, this may not be always applicable as this therapy involves that a magnet be placed on an area for a long period of time, which busy people cannot afford to do.

Magnetic jewelry

In response to the need to have a way of placing a magnet on the area where there is pain, proponents of this therapy have developed magnetic jewelry, which people can wear on the area where they are experiencing pain. One example of this is a magnetic necklace, which is believed to be effective in alleviating certain types of pain that people may experience on their upper bodies, including migraines, headaches, neck pains, and back pains. In addition, magnetic bracelets are said to be effective in alleviating pain in the hands, arms and shoulders. Lastly, magnetic anklets are supposed to be able to help alleviate the pain that a person may be feeling on any part of his lower body, which includes his lower back, his knees and his feet.

One type of alternative therapy that has been developed recently is magnet therapy, which utilizes magnets to help alleviate different kinds of pain on the body. However, a new way of administering this therapy has also been developed so that people who use these magnets would be able to do the therapy for the whole day without having to stop working, which is to use magnetic jewelry.

By Alison Cole

Benefits of Magnetic Jewelry

Our Body and Electromagnetic Fields

Almost everyone made an electromagnet by wrapping a long wire around a nail and connecting it to a battery, but did you know that our bodies are also electromagnetic in nature? Electromagnetics is closely tied to the chemical balance of our body which can be either in a state of health or a state of dis-ease.

When our cells are damaged, there is a positive electrical charge at the site which affects the chemical and electrical balance of our body. This can cause us to feel pain. And because the human body is a wonderful healing machine, it sends a negative electrical charge to the damaged area to effect healing.

A natural way of helping our body's immune system is provided by the Earth's North Pole which is a geomagnetic north pole magnetic field. A negative magnetic field provides pain relief by oxygenating and alkalizing our body's defense systems. Negative magnetic fields also fight infection and inflammation by improving blood circulation so that more oxygen is carried to the cells in the body. Then toxic wasted are flushed out of the body more efficiently and our natural healing processes are enhanced.

Why Use Magnetic Therapy?

Research using magnets has shown therapeutic effects on the joints, nerves, tendons, and muscles as well as pain relief from work- and sports-related injuries. Magnets are effective in dilating blood vessels which could lead to a better blood flow, an increase in the oxygen level of our blood, and a more efficient flushing of harmful toxins from our body. These effects can alleviate certain types of pain such as headaches, which are caused by the restriction of blood vessels and the accumulation of toxins. This type of magnetic therapy is administered by placing magnets over the painful area. But many busy people do not have the time for this therapy because the magnet must stay in place for a long period of time.

Magnetic Jewelry

Magnetic jewelry addresses the need of placing a magnet over a painful area for a long period of time. Two examples are magnetic necklaces and magnetic bracelets. The necklace is believed to be effective is alleviating certain pain in our upper body including back pain, neck pain, headaches, and migraines. Bracelets can be effective in relieving shoulder, arm, and hand pain. Now people who cannot afford to devote a whole day to therapy can use magnetic jewelry.

By Maryanne Frabotta

Titanium Bracelets: Bracelets That Will Last a Lifetime

Have you been looking for the hottest new styles in bracelets? Then look no further than titanium. The titanium bracelet is fast becoming one of the most popular jewelry pieces on the market. And no wonder! Titanium bracelets are some of the most visually stunning bracelets in the world. And that’s not all! Titanium is stronger than steel, and less than a quarter of the weight of gold. When you buy a titanium bracelet you not only get an extremely beautiful piece of jewelry, you get a bracelet that will truly last a lifetime!

Why titanium bracelets are so special:

Perhaps the biggest reason for the rise in popularity of titanium bracelets is the beauty of titanium. Brilliantly white, with a rainbow of colors dancing across the surface, titanium is beyond compare. Nothing goes better with an elegant dinner jacket than a stunning titanium bracelet. But titanium is not just for formal occasions. Titanium bracelets go just as well with blue jeans and a T-shirt. Wear your titanium bracelet anywhere, and you are guaranteed to get compliments.

Titanium jewelry also has the advantage of being non-corrosive. Saltwater, chlorine, cleaning compounds; these things can seriously damage gold and platinum. With titanium jewelry you don’t have to worry about this. You no longer have to take your jewelry off just to do the dishes.

Titanium bracelets are perfect for people with sensitive skin. Many people are allergic to gold, silver, or platinum, or more commonly zinc or nickel, which are used as alloys in most jewelry. You don’t have to worry about this with a titanium bracelet, because titanium is hypoallergenic. This means that you will no longer have to deal with rashes and discolored skin from wearing your jewelry.

Another great thing about titanium bracelets is their strength. Titanium is stronger than steel! With gold, silver, and platinum you constantly have to worry about scratching your bracelets. Titanium, on the other hand, is very hard to scratch. You’ll also never have to worry about your titanium bracelet losing its luster, as you would with gold or platinum. Titanium bracelets will hold their polish for a lifetime

Probably the coolest thing about titanium bracelets, though, is that they are exotic. Everybody wears gold and platinum, but titanium is something different, something unique. A titanium bracelet is not a flashy gold or shiny silver, but a pure, brilliant white that will leave no one in doubt of who you are. Here is a good page to view the different styles available in titanium bracelets.

Where is the best place to purchase a titanium bracelet:

To get an idea of the different styles and prices that are available in titanium bracelets it is more convenient to view them online before shopping around at local jewelry stores.

Retail jewelers will sometimes carry a small selection of titanium bracelets, but you are more apt to find it online. Just type "titanium bracelet" into an Internet search engine like Google or Yahoo and you will find several reliable websites that specialize in titanium bracelets.

The cost of a titanium bracelet is dependent upon many variables. A titanium bracelet should cost about $160 to $200 depending on size.

Have it all with titanium:

Why sacrifice beauty for durability when you can have both with a titanium bracelet? With unmatched beauty, and unbeatable strength, it’s no wonder why titanium is becoming so popular. If you want an elegant bracelet that will last a lifetime then you need a titanium bracelet.

By Casey Buell

Valuable Tips to Buy Diamond Bracelets

There are numerous ways to manifest love. One of the most common ways is to present diamond gifts. Sometimes it's expressed thru diamond rings; sometimes thru diamond necklace; sometimes thru diamond earrings and sometimes thru diamond bracelet.

A bracelet is an ornament worn wrapped around the wrist. It is an article of jewelry may be made of cloth, metal, gem stone, diamonds and sometimes of rocks, wood, or shells. The bracelets are also used for medical and identification purposes.

Nike and Lance Armstrong popularized the recent use of sports bracelets through the Yellow Livestrong band. The sports bracelets are also known as 'baller id bands', 'wristbands' or 'baller bands'.

The bracelets that is in solid form, usually made of some metal, is referred to as bangle bracelet. The bracelets made of gold and silver are known as gold bracelet and silver bracelet respectively. Azabache Bracelets are part of Latin culture having great significance.

The diamond bracelets are very popular in the world. The in-line thin diamond bracelet that features a symmetrical pattern of diamonds is called a tennis bracelet. There's an interesting anecdote associated to the tennis bracelet. Chris Evert, the former World No.1 woman tennis player was playing in the U.S. Open in 1987. She was wearing an elegant, light in-line diamond bracelet, which accidentally broke and the match was interrupted to allow Chris to recover her precious diamonds.

The tennis bracelet incident sparked a new name for the item and sparked a huge jewelry trend. Tennis bracelets continued to be worn by various tennis stars like Serena Williams and Gabriela Sabatini. The diamond tennis bracelets are quite in vogue today. The charm bracelet is another bracelet all the rage.

By Sardool Sikandar

The Benefits of a Titanium Bracelet

Wearing jewelry is not an attractive idea for most men. they consider jewelry is so much a woman thing. Just take the case of my husband who never cares to wear any jewelry other than the ring I put on his finger at our wedding. The idea crossed my mind when I saw a titanium bracelet. It had an unmistakable masculine charm. I had no doubts about my husband fancying wearing it while we go out to our favorite music band. I was so delighted that I brought him a titanium bracelet when I saw a spontaneous smile.

My husband works in a sheet metal plant and spends most time operating dangerous machines. He has to roll his shirt sleeves tight up and has to remove even his wedding ring before starting his shift. To my delight, he wears the titanium bracelet before he leaves for his daily shift. He will be removing it from his wrist before he start his shift, even then he likes it so much that wears it during the to and fro journey.

The strength of a titanium bracelet is the thing that appeals to men. The one I bought for my husband has a brushed finish and there is no chance of sparkling or glittering. He says sparkling is very much feminine. He likes the masculine brushed finish of the titanium bracelet I gave him.

After presenting him with a titanium bracelet, we also together went shopping for a titanium ring and now we consider shopping for some titanium cufflinks and a necklace. Wonder again, I have never imagined him wearing a necklace. It may be his wish to find some match for his titanium bracelet.

By Morgan Hamilton