Friday, February 15, 2008

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

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