The History of Bracelets
Throughout history, bracelets have been worn to draw attention to the wrist and hands.silver and crystal bracelet Whether made of leather, cloth, beads, crystals, metal or shells bracelets are a statement piece that can be worn alone or layered with other jewellery. The beauty of bracelets is that they have evolved to reflect the styles and sentimentalities of the times.
From prehistoric times to modern day the bracelet has remained a favourite among both men and women.silver and crystal bracelet Whether they were designed to serve as protection from evil or as a sign of wealth or status, bracelets have been in constant demand throughout the ages.
Evidence of bracelets has been found in Egypt dating back as early as 5000 B.silver and crystal bracelet C and it was the nobility who favoured gold engraved with gemstones, whereas the average Egyptian wore copper and stone bracelets. In medieval times, men wore a range of bracelets with different materials such as leather and woven threads. In the 17th Century, the bracelet was revived in popularity with the Renaissance era.
The invention of the industrial revolution enabled the bracelet to be mass produced and as a result it became more affordable for many people.silver and crystal bracelet Suddenly the fine, handcrafted pieces reserved for royalty and the wealthy were available to everyone. This was a major milestone for the bracelet as we see it today.
It was during this time that the belcher link bracelet was introduced, with bars of silver locked together to form the shape of a bracelet.silver and crystal bracelet It was a very popular style of bracelet that is still in fashion today and is often paired with gemstones. Another important development in the design of bracelets was the mystery setting, a new type of stone-setting introduced by Van Cleef and Arpels in 1933 that eliminated the visible prongs and claws that held the stones in place.
As the 20th century progressed, the craze for bracelets continued to grow as designers explored new shapes and materials. Silver replaced gold as the most popular material in bracelets as it was less expensive than the precious metal and looked remarkably similar. It was also durable and hypoallergenic and as a result it became the choice material for a range of bracelets including link, bangle and belcher styles.
Quartz is the most common and varied mineral on earth and it has been used for healing and crystal therapy since ancient times. It is thought to be the most versatile of all crystals as it is known for dispelling negativity while encouraging positive thoughts and feelings. This crystal is also thought to help with depression, anxiety, and stress.
Navajo bracelets are crafted by Native Americans and are known for their intricate designs. These bracelets are usually thin bands of silver that have been stamped with various symbols and shapes, such as arrows, lizards, swastikas, thunderbirds and chevrons. Navajo bracelets are considered collector’s items and you can often find them being worn by locals and tourists in Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Whitehawk.