How Bracelets Have Evolved Over Time
A bracelet is an easy way to accent and personalise your outfit. Bracelets can be made from a variety of natural and man-made materials.
They can be used to symbolise wealth or status, as a mark of love and friendship or to express cultural identity. They also have healing properties and can provide spiritual protection.
History
Symbols of friendship and solidarity, bracelets have been worn for thousands of years. They are one of the oldest types of jewellery, evolving out of fundamental adornment and ritual needs of early humans, then becoming more decorative as they were worn for status. The earliest bracelets were created from natural materials like reeds, animal skins and shells. Archeologists have found evidence of people wearing them for adornment as far back as 7,000 years ago in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia and China. Throughout the years, they evolved into more elaborate and precious items made from gems and metals to reflect social standing.
During the 20th century, manufacturing allowed for the production of bracelets in designs never before available to consumers. Ornate styles from the 19th century gave way to clean lines of the Art Deco period. Designers cleverly catered to teenagers in the 1930s by adding Bakelite and plastic to their jewellery, creating a popular craze for bangle bracelets.
Today, we see a return to the use of bracelets for adornment and protection. We Custom fashion accessories are re-engaging with the deep meaning and purpose that these adornments have served, bringing them into our lives as a way to enliven and enrich our spirits. Atlas is about a return to these ancient techniques and the depth of meaning once embodied in bracelets, while incorporating the innovation and style that have come with modern times.
Materials
There are a variety of materials that can be used to make bracelets. These include gold, silver, leather, wood, and beads. The choice of material depends on the style and function of the bracelet. Bracelets made of natural wood are a popular choice for their boho-style appeal. They can be woven or solid and are available in a wide range of colors. They can also be infused with essential oils to add a fresh scent.
In addition to wood, metal is another common material for bracelets. Metal bracelets can be forged and hammered, or they can be cast. Some metal bracelets feature a clasp or hinge, while others are rigid bangles that can be worn alone.
The type of metal used for bracelets should be chosen carefully, as it is necessary to maintain the structural integrity of the piece. For this reason, it is best to use a metal that ranks at least 6 or 7 on the Mohs scale. This will prevent the bracelet from bending or becoming damaged.
Bracelets can also be crafted from a variety of other materials, including plastic and leather. In recent years, avant-garde artist-jewelers have started using bracelets as talismans that carry complex personal, emotional and energetic meaning and purpose. In fact, some bracelets can even emit light and sound. This trend has sparked a resurgence of traditional hand-crafted bracelets that embody the ancient art of symbolism and storytelling.
Styles
Throughout the years, bracelets have become a fashionable accessory. From simple bangles to intricate pieces that are embellished with charms and gemstones, there’s a style for every taste. You can choose between a sleek minimalist style or go all out with a beaded bracelet that symbolizes your cause. A hematite bracelet can even help reduce anxiety and stress.
A woven or braided bracelet creates a unique look by using strands of fabric, leather, or pliable metals to form a bracelet. These bracelets often skip the clasp and are ideal for bohemian-inspired outfits. They can also be worn with other natural and organic jewelry like necklaces or rings. A Viking bracelet is a great way to express your inner strength. It can be worn for historical reenactments or themed events, and goes well with rugged clothing styles.
There are many different styles of bracelets, each with its own history and meaning. Some of them are a sign of nobility and high rank, while others represent a particular subculture or culture. For example, a leather cuff was once used by Greek soldiers as part of their uniform and is now associated with a punk fashion aesthetic.
When choosing a bracelet, consider your personal style and the deeper meaning behind each material. For example, hematite is considered a grounding stone that helps you stay grounded and focused. Atlas uses symbolic Enamel Painted Bracelet combinations of organic materials that embody each piece with a deeper meaning.
Functions
Bracelets can serve many functions in addition to decoration and personal adornment. They can hold charms or beads to signify an event or sentiment, and can also mark medical information, such as allergy bracelets or hospital patient-identification tags. Bracelets can even be used to track the location of an object or person.
The designs of bracelets have mirrored the changes in society throughout history, from simple sawing of a clamshell to the skilled metalwork of China and India. Today, bracelets are fabricated by braiding, knotting, twisting, and wrapping threads of cotton, silk, wool or metallic fibers. The newest bracelets are made of soft or hard glass (such as borosilicate), which can be cast or free-formed and decorated with micro-electronic components to produce movement, light and sound.
Jewelry has always been a way to communicate ideas and values, from a man’s love for his wife to a woman’s reverence for her ancestors. Jewelry can also be symbolic, expressing power and wealth. For example, red gemstone bracelets are often worn to bring luck. Similarly, magnetic hematite bracelets are believed to have healing powers when worn around the wrist. They are thought to reduce physical and mental fatigue, dispel negative energy, and strengthen one’s self-confidence. They are also said to attract abundance, while keeping the wearer grounded and balanced. They also purify and protect the heart chakra.
