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!