BRACELETS

BRACELETS

A charm bracelet can be worn as casual jewelry or for formal occasions, depending on the style of the bracelet. They can be worn by anyone but are especially popular with pre teen and teen aged girls. Friends enjoy wearing matching charms or charms split in half with each friend wearing a half, to signify the close friendship. Girls might wear the initials of a special boyfriend or have his picture in a tiny charm frame. A charm bracelet might have all matching charms or charms that are all similar, such as state flags, tiny furniture, people, sports insignia, pets, or travel remembrances. Conversely, charm bracelets may have all differing charms of various shapes and sizes.Charms are wonderful gifts for the owner of a charm bracelet. Charms can be giving to acknowledge milestones such as a birthday, Christmas, graduation, prom, wedding, or giving birth to a baby. When in doubt about what type of charm to give your special someone, consider giving her a new charm bracelet to begin collecting a second set of charms. charm bracelet is a simple chain link bracelet with links large enough on which to attach the charms. Charms are small decorative pendants made in a variety of shapes, colors and designs, often signifying a special event or relationship. Charms might include, but are not limited to jewels, miniature animals, signs such as hearts or stars, tiny photo frames, initials of the wearer and her friends, or special engraved charms from loved ones. A charm bracelet can hold charms of all types, representing gifts, friendships, or special occasions.The history of charm bracelets goes back to ancient times when charms were worn to please the gods, to ward off evil spirits, or to gain entry into the afterlife. During the middle ages, charms were worn by knights to signify rank and family origin. Queen Victoria is responsible for giving charms the decorative and stylish purpose they bear today. Her bracelets showed the world that a charm bracelet could be worn for fashion rather than superstition.
Memory wire bracelets may be slipped on over the knuckles, or the wire may be spread apart so the bracelet can be wrapped around your wrist. Memory bracelets can be worn on the wrist, upper arm or ankle. Wider coils of memory wire that is, wire that has been coiled and trained to a larger circumference are available to make memory necklaces with..The phrase memory bracelet can refer to two quite different types of bracelets, one which features a memento of a loved one, and the other which can 'remember' its own shape.The first type of memory bracelet is similar to a locket. The bracelet, which can take any form, whether a metal chain or a beaded strap, includes a small picture frame, into which you can insert a small photograph of your child, boyfriend, husband or other object of affection. Basically, anyone whose photo you want literally on hand at all times is a suitable candidate for being enshrined in a memory bracelet. Memory bracelets can range from simple 'gold tone' chains with plastic 'gold look' frames, to elaborate and costly affairs with precious metals and semi precious gemstones.The other type of memory bracelet is one made with 'memory wire'. This type of jewelry making wire is sold in coils and will always snap back into its original coil shape after being contorted into other shapes. A typical bracelet made with memory wire might be beaded with semi precious gemstones such as polished amethyst, quartz and citrine, all along the length of the wire.Memory wire doesn't require fastenings or findings; you don't need to add closures to a bracelet made of memory wire. Simply turn the wire back in on itself and tuck it inside the drilled hole on the last bead. A memory bracelet can have as many coils of spiral as you want to wear. A small memory bracelet might wrap twice around the wrist, but if you have the beads for it and don't mind the weight, you can make a memory bracelet that will wrap three, four or even more times around your wrist.
Bracelets are often more appropriate for casual dress occasions than a matching set of diamond stud earrings and a pendant The plain truth is stylish wristbands come in so many styles and wonderful materials that they truly are the most versatile type of jewelry a person can own Just think about it How many types of bracelets have you seen Probably far more than you realize Lets explore a few of the most popular styles from the most casual to the most elegant Silicone rubber wristbands became the hot fad around 2002 First popularized by sports fans Lance Armstrong Live Strong wristbands were a must have item for teens and twentysomethings The fad quickly morphed into all sorts of message bands meant to spark awareness of different causes and philosophies There were pink bands for breast cancer awareness red bands for AIDs awareness and the list goes on For a time it was common to see someone wearing four or more bands at a time in a rainbow of colors Then as all fads must this one began to fade in popularity although you do still see people wearing one or two from time to time

Friendship Wristbands

This is another style that is very popular with youths Friendship wristbands are usually made from braided embroidery thread by one party and given as a token of friendship to another Friends often exchange bands and collect them tying them to their wrists and wearing them until they wear out and fall off

Leather Wristbands

Leather wristbands come in a variety of styles Straight leather bands in many widths are worn by both men and women The leather may be hammered with an intricate design embellished with studs or as was so popular in the 1970s feature the wearers name
Some of the most elaborate leather bands are made from thin strips of leather or suede that have been braided or knotted macramestyle into fascinating works of art


Bangles have enjoyed continuous popularity no matter what other styles of bracelets have moved in and out of the spotlight These collections of thin chunky or mixed wrist cuffs often number ten or more Some styles come fixed with a connecting band while others are left to float freely around the wrist and lower arms They might be made from plastic metal or beads but the one thing all bangles have in common is a sense of freedom and fun. A glass bangle might be beautiful, particularly one made of strands of colored glass fused together, but be wary. A door closing too soon or a sudden jar from a car door and you might be looking at shards embedded in your wrist. Stick with Lucite or acrylic if you like the clear bangle concept.A bangle can be plain, just a ring of plastic, gold or other material, or carved into interesting shapes, or bejeweled and faceted. Bangles are never out of fashion, so a large collection of bangles in different materials, colors and styles can serve you well for many years. Anyone still have their Speidel Idents These were extremely popular in the late 70s and early 80s You could purchase them already engraved or have them personalized with your own or someone elses name
Identification wristbands are still popular today but theyve also moved into another field being used as medicalert bands to identify the wearer as having a medical condition such as diabetes

Charm Bracelets

Italian charms are currently white hot in popularity Rectangular charms in countless varieties snap on to a set of expandable links to create oneofakind custom wristbands Traditional charm bands are also a collectors dream This style employs a chain link wristband that holds individual charms that hook on to the links Each charm chosen is supposed to have some personal meaning for the person choosing it and the charms dont necessarily need to match each other Its all part of the fun

Tennis Bracelets
This rather elegant wristband was brought into style accidentally by tennis great Chris Evert when the diamond wristband she was wearing broke during a match The signature feature of this style is a set of inline gem stones set in a precious metal The bands are thin and elegant and have the unique ability to look at home with a ball gown or a pair of jeans and a Tshirt Many wristbands are adjustable and will accommodate most wrist sizes however some styles do require you to measure your wrist in order to get the best fit The process is simple Use a flexible measuring tape to measure the distance around your wrist just above your wrist bone then add one half of an inch to your total This will give you a comfortable size measurement to guide your future purchases

Byzantine Gold Chains

Byzantine Gold Chains

Byzantine gold chains make striking bracelets and necklaces Today we sometimes use the adjective byzantine to mean something thats complicated which suits the description of byzantine gold chains perfectly Byzantine as a synonym for complicated comes from the politics of the Byzantine Empire while byzantine chain comes from a form of armor from the Empire which perhaps was necessary because of those politics Essentially the chain consists of a series of round rings woven together in an intricate pattern In small sizes the effect is a very subtle texturing while in larger sizes it has a genuinely dramatic flair. Byzantine gold chains are very ornate therefore they usually work best on very simple backgrounds like solids rather than on patterns or prints However they can also create a very rich effect on a cable knit sweater or other textured background because the patterns complement one another
Most byzantine gold chains look best in medium lengths from about 20 to 26 inches If you go much shorter than that it can sometimes make your neck look short and if you go much longer it can draw attention away from your face However if you pick a fairly small width below four millimeters a long style can work just fine A large byzantine gold chain is usually best as a single focal piece perhaps with a matching bracelet For earrings simple studs or those that dont dangle more than a millimeter or two below the earlobe work best Do remember however that your own personal style is the best guide You can look wonderful wearing a byzantine gold chain along with other gold chains if you carry the style with confidence and flair Byzantine gold chains are quite heavy for their length so theyre one of the more expensive chains However because the design has such a heavy sturdy look you may be able to wear a narrower length than you would with a lighter design like a Figaro chain or simple chain link
You can also use a different karat weight to bring the price down Picking 10 karats instead of 18 can reduce the price almost by half 18 karat gold is 75 percent gold while 10 karat is just over 40 percent Byzantine gold chains are available from brickandmortar and online jewelry stores though you may have to look harder or have your jeweler special order rose gold or particularly short or long lengths or small or large widths.Any time you buy gold from an unknown seller be careful A good first step for online auctions like eBay is to look for or request a closeup of the quality mark a stamp by the manufacturer that indicates the gold content either in karats or parts per thousand Of course these can be faked but its a good first step You may want to get the piece tested after it arrives A reputable jeweler can do this for a small fee Never buy gold jewelry from anybody you cant track down afterwards such as somebody selling gold chains on the street or the throngs that meet tourists coming off cruise ships

PENDANTS

PENDANTS

While a gold or silver chain can be lovely on its own beautiful pendants can add a special something to the look Not only can they spice up a gold chain but they can create a focal point for an outfit They are very versatile and can be used with different types of necklaces to achieve different looks For example a person might choose to wear one with a gold chain on one day and a leather cord the next She can vary the length and the size of her necklaces to compliment different outfits With so many styles to choose from one can select pendants to express individuality or simply tie an outfit together A pendant is a piece of jewelery that hangs from something else usually a necklace but sometimes a bracelet or even earrings They have been around for thousands of years and ancient artwork shows early Egyptians Greeks and Romans all proudly sporting necklaces with dramatic pendants Even the cavemen used a form of pendant when they tied pretty shells or stones on cords and fastened them around their necks In the Middle Ages people often wore reliquaries which were designed to hold sacred relics on cords around their necks or other types of devotional jewelry They lost popularity around the 17th century and werent frequently worn again until the 19th century when they came back in style
Materials
Pendants are available in all sorts of materials including
Gold
Platinum
Sterling silver
White gold
Black hills gold
Gold plate
Silver plate
Pendants as Gifts

Pendants make wonderful gifts for birthdays holidays and special events like graduations confirmations and bat mitzvahs They are available for all budgets and tastes from small simple inexpensive gold initials to costly diamond and gemstone encrusted pieces When presented as a gift they are often given together with a gold or silver chain
Religous
There are a wide variety of religious pendants that can be used to honor and acknowledge a persons religion These include crosses the star of David the Virgin Mary all sorts of saints and more These religious symbols can be simple or adorned with embellishments like golden flowers gems and enamel Many jewelry stores carry religious jewelry as well as religious specialty shops A wide variety of religious jewelry is available online
Pendants can be used to honor ones cultural heritage as well A pretty claddagh the traditional Irish symbol for friendship love and loyalty would be a wonderful gift for a person of Irish descent Colorful enamel pieces in the shape of a countrys flag Germany or Puerto Rico for example are popular Again the internet is a great source for this type of jewelry offering many more choices than the typical local jewelry shop
Pendants can be used to express ones interests and personality An artist might appreciate a splashy geometric one while a pianist might choose to sport one shaped like a musical halfnote A mother might wear a charm in the shape of a child and a doting Black Lab owner could proudly display a dog at the end of her chain There are volleyballs horses scissors and thread books birds cats something for everyone

Lockets
Lockets are some of the most popular examples of this type of jewelry Heartshaped lockets are particularly common but lockets come in all sorts of shapes including ovals and circles People like to put a picture of a loved one in the locket or sometimes a picture of themselves as children Some put a lock of hair from a loved one in the locket They have long been considered romantic gifts and are often given for Valentines Day birthdays or for anniversaries

BANGLES

BANGLES

A bangle is a type of bracelet that is formed as a single ring. It typically has no opening and is put on by compressing the hand, thumb to little finger, and slipping the bracelet over the wrist. The width of the hand keeps the bangle from falling off.Bangles are probably the oldest form of jewelry, and can be made out of any material that can hold a stiff form: wood, plastic, paper mache and of course, precious metals such as gold. In some primitive societies, the family's wealth was stored and transported as bangles and necklaces worn by the women. The more gold bangles you could stack up your arm, the higher status you could be presumed to hold. A bangle can be worn alone or in large clattering groups. The word bangle itself can mean 'simple adornment' or 'cheap trinket' depending upon the context; for instance, "Her simple twin set and single gold bangle completed the ivy league look" versus "Plastic dimestore bangles adorned her sunburned wrists, clattering as she played inexpertly with her cigarette holder."If wearing several bangles, combine styles with care. A gold bangle among wooden ones can look startling, or simply confused. A wooden bangle, perhaps stained with leopard spots, can go with a funky or ethnic look, but might jar if worn with Harris tweed.Bangles are commonly referred to as bangle bracelets However there are some jewelry purists that do differentiate between the two Bangles are rigid and generally circular in shape They slip over the hand onto the wrist making proper sizing very important to the jewelry maker Bangles are usually solid although some are made with a hinged clasp Bracelets are flexible and almost always have a clasp A brangle is a bangle that is semi rigid They are often handcrafted of wire or thin sterling silver Handmade bangles are made to be worn and enjoyed Wear a single one or wear several at a time Thin bangle bracelets are often sold in sets of two four or six Try wearing several sets at the same time When bangle bracelets are worn in groups they make a clinking sound when you move your arm The sound of glass bangles coming together has been compared to the gentle sounds of wind chimes which many wearers find to be relaxing Jewelry artists fashion each creation with passion for their craft and the hopes that their works will be worn and enjoyed for many years to come .

Jewelry artists of today create tomorrows heirlooms of precious gold by crafting beautiful one of a kind bangles From classic sleek finishes to delicate filigree designs the gold is carefully hammered and shaped by skilled hands Depending upon the style the artist creates texture and design by carving braiding or weaving the metal into the desired pattern Many handmade bangle bracelets have precious and semiprecious gemstones incorporated into their design Artists often use more then one type of metal in the creation of a bangle including
Gold
Silver
Copper
Bronze
Brass
Handmade Wooden Bangles

The detailed craftsmanship involved in making a bangle bracelet is not limited to metal Jewelry makers also work with other materials in their craft Exotic woods from India are popular for bangles because of their rich grain patterns Wooden bangles are carefully hand carved into intricate detailed designs including floral patterns abstract designs and faceted diamond cuts Often different types of wood or metal are used to create inlaid bangles that are exquisite in their beauty Hand etched brass designs in various shapes are another popular wooden bangle style

Glass artists create glass bangle bracelets that are delicate and skillfully crafted One method is to use dichroic glass which is made by applying metallic film directly on to the glass This provides the glass an extraordinary metallic shimmering effect Other jewelry makers that work with glass apply colored glass in various colors and designs to thin metal bangles creating an elegant look of an all glass bangle

Artists that work with other materials also create bangles unique in design and craftsmanship For example jewelry designers that work with polymar clay are able to create bangles that mimic the look of snake skin by using different colors of clay and gold leaf Bangle bracelets are also carved from ox and stag horn by carvers trained in this ancient craft

TIE CLIPS

TIE CLIPS

Tie clips appeared on the menswear scene in the 20th century and caught on because of their practicality Just as the name implies a tie clip is a small clip that attaches horizontally to a necktie and secures it to the wearers shirt so that it will stay straight giving a pulledtogether appearance They are sometimes referred to as tie bars They are typically made of metal and are often decorated with gems engraved initials a club or society emblem or some other adornment In the office at banquets weddings and more a tie helps a man look professional and neat Though usually the focal point of a mans attire the tie can become a nuisance when it shifts about and hangs into sauces at the dinner table Thats where a tie clip comes in handy The clip keeps the tie attached to the shirt beneath it so that it does not flop about distracting the wearer and becoming soiled While most men will wear a tie at some point it is generally men who wear a necktie frequently that use tie clips They are particularly popular with men whose jobs require them to move and bend frequently such as dentists and doctors examining their patients or servers in upscale restaurants leaning over to deliver a plate full of food

Tie clips should not be confused with tie pins which serve the same purpose but are constructed differently A tie pin pierces the tie fits through a buttonhole of the shirt below and has a backing to secure it much like an earring While tie pins also keep a tie in place many men prefer clips since they are reluctant to repeatedly poke holes through their expensive or favorite ties A clip holds the tie still and is less likely to damage the fabric of the tie allowing men to enjoy their favorite ties longer

Types of Tie Clips
There are different types of clips for different occasions When a dressier more upscale look is called for high end clips made with high quality materials are in order For an even more pulled together look find tie clips with a set of matching cuff links For everyday a more casual clip or even fun novelty clips will do the trick

A tie clip is a fantastic gift for a man who wears neckties often Keep the personality of the man in mind when searching for the perfect clip A flashier man might like a jewel encrusted clip while a man who prefers classic styles will appreciate a simple clip in silver or gold and an unconventional sort could go for something with a superhero or some other fun character on it Also keep the mans interests in mind A guy who is crazy about football might be delighted to receive a clip with his favorite teams logo Archeologists have found early versions of bangles in excavations of the Indus Valley Civilization which dates back to 2500 1750 B C Made from gold silver stone shell copper and fired ceramic the unearthed bangles from ancient times give us a sense of the ancient jewelry fashion Also excavated was a female figure made of solid bronze showing bangles covering her entire arm Throughout the centuries bangles have been worn by all types of people from royalty to the poor