|
Categories - Copywriting - Shopping - Free Online Business Help - Telecommunications
Services
Articles: Fashion - The
History of Bracelets
By Sher
Matsen
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!
Sher from Estate
Jewelry International has been serving customers for over 20 years,
providing fashion, jewelry, and wedding help. http://www.estatejewelryinternational.com/
|
