The Fascinating History of Diamond Bracelets

THE BASICS---

A diamond bracelet adds a beautiful bit of bling and glitter to any wrist, but these pieces of jewelry are much more than just sparkly accessories. Diamond bracelets have a long and beautiful history and understanding more about them can help you better appreciate just how lovely they can be.

What You Need To Know---

About Bracelets:

Bracelets are jewelry circlets that are traditionally worn around the wrist, and may be solid or could have an opening that may or may not be closed with a clasp. Bracelets may be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, fabric, woven cords, leather, or beads, and may be decorated with gemstones, crystals, carvings, feathers, charms, or any other accents. The design of bracelets is nearly limitless, and there are different related styles such as anklets and cuffs that add even more variety to this versatile type of jewelry.

Ancient Bracelets:

Bracelets are one of the oldest forms of jewelry, and have been recorded as early as 40,000 BC or even earlier in cave paintings and archeological evidence. Nearly every ancient culture on every continent shows bracelets in their history, and bracelets have been known to represent spirituality, personal
status, wealth, religious affiliation, relationships, and more. Today, bracelets are also popular with alternative health practices, serve practical purposes as medical alert devices, and remain ever trendy as fashion accessories.

Gemstone Bracelets:

Raw crystals have been found as part of ancient bracelets, and polished precious and semi-precious gemstones have been used in bracelets for millennia. As cutting, polishing, and setting techniques have evolved, more gemstone bracelet designs have been created, and these accessories have become even more popular. Certain types of bracelets even have their own unique histories, including…

• Charm Bracelets

Attaching small charms to a bracelet is a form of amulet or talisman that has been popular for more than 70,000 years, with origins in Africa as well as other regions. Different charms represent luck, health, faith, and other traits, and in the 1920s and 1930s, it became popular to add diamond accents to different charms for additional sparkle.

• Cuff Bracelets

These thicker, rigid bracelets are ancient designs and have been found in Mayan, Incan, Grecian, Chinese, Egyptian, and other cultures at least 7,000 years ago. They are often elaborately carved, and may have gemstones, including diamonds, incorporated into their patterns. Cuffs may be worn on the wrist or the upper arm.

• Bangle Bracelets

These stiff bracelets originated in India and were formed from a variety of materials including metal, wood, glass, bone, and shells, often decorated with elaborate carvings. As early as 300 BC different gemstones, including diamonds, were studded into bangles for design accents, and diamond bangles remain a popular style trend today.

• Tennis Bracelets

First known as diamond line bracelets when they appeared in the 1920s, these simple but richly elegant bracelets became more popular in the 1970s. During the US Open tennis championship in 1978, Chris Evert was wearing a diamond line bracelet that broke, and her dismay at having broken her “tennis bracelet” gave rise to the style’s new and enduring name.

There are many other diamond bracelet designs found today, with a wide variety of clasp types, thicknesses, and gemstone designs. Bracelets have often evolved to mirror current fashion and jewelry trends, and it is possible to find gorgeous diamond and gemstone bracelets from all major eras, including Art Deco pieces that integrate colored gems and geometric patterns, Victorian bracelets with
more delicate nature-inspired designs, Edwardian bracelets with elaborate filigree details, and mid- century bracelets with sleek modern overtones.

Today’s Diamond Bracelets

Today’s diamond bracelets come in all conceivable styles and designs, from simple elegant styles to studded designs to bracelets encrusted with diamonds for the ultimate bling. Bracelets may incorporate multiple metals for a multi-colored, layered look, or they can be inspired by popular movies or celebrities’ favorite styles. Designs that feature hearts, waves, and odes to Mom are always popular, as are bolo-style slider clasps, classic tennis bracelets, and interchangeable styles that can be mixed and layered to create different looks. It is easy to find a diamond bracelet to match to your favorite pieces of jewelry or to pair with an engagement ring or wedding ring for a coordinated look, and you’ll always find occasions to wear this beautiful piece of diamond jewelry history, as a lovely diamond bracelet never goes out of style.

Antique Jewelry For Everyone:

No matter which era is your favorite, these time-honored pieces have a rich history and individualized character and will continue to have a timeless beauty and elegant appeal that is part of a legacy to pass on to future generations.

Find The Perfect Vintage Bracelet:

Antique diamond rings are prized not only for their beauty but also for their exquisite attention to detailing and design. If you’re looking for a ring with a sense of glamour, sophistication and vintage charm, explore our collection of antique and vintage diamond bracelets today!

Suzanne Sachs

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