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