Antique Bracelets and Bangles

There is an antique or vintage bracelet or bangle to match everyone’s personal style, each piece is unique and is the perfect complementary item of jewellery to highlight the most slender part of the female form- the wrist. An antique bracelet or bangle is both timeless and beautiful; it can make for a striking or subtle accessory to an outfit depending on what style and size you choose to wear. 

History of Bracelets and Bangles

The word bracelet comes from the Latin word ‘brachium,’ which translates to ‘of the arm.’ The practice of wearing decorative jewellery to adorn one’s arm dates back thousands of years. Originally materials used to make bracelets and bangles would have been wood, stone, bone, grass, shell, copper and bronze. Bracelets were synonymous with religion and spirituality. In Ancient Egypt bracelets and bangles were a sign of wealth and by 2000BC highly coveted. There is historical evidence bracelets and bangles were worn in China and Mesopotamia too.

Bangles and bracelets are generally pieces of jewellery associated with women as an accessory but in the Grecian period there was an increase of popularity in wearing them amongst men; leather, gold and silver were worn around their wrists and called ‘bracels’, women wore smaller forms of these ‘bracels’ and these were named ‘bracelets’. 
Bracelets enjoyed a revival in the 17th C in Europe when they became seen as a fashionable item; by the turn of the 19th C they were more and more stylish. 

 

Types and Styles of Antique Bracelets and Bangles

There are plenty of different designs, motifs, materials, sizes and ages of bracelets and bangles to choose from, including charm bracelets, cuff bracelets, chain bracelets and gate bracelets, to name but a few. A particular desirable antique bracelet to purchase is the diamond line bracelet, beautiful and a good investment piece it adds a touch of glamour to any outfit.

 

Victorian Bracelets and Bangles

Bracelets and bangles from this period are associated with romance, reflective of the relationship between Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Ranging from simple styles to very elaborate there is a vast selection. 

Jewellery of this time often featured precious and semi-precious gemstones, intricate designs and details, enamel and pearls. A Victorian bangle or bracelet was typically made from gold, sterling silver or gilt metal. Bangles tended to incorporate leaves and the design of a snake wrapped around ones wrist was symbolic of love. 

After the death of Prince Albert, bracelets and bangles took on a darker theme, with enamel, stones and gems veering towards a black theme, black onyx was a particularly popular addition to bracelets and bangles at the time. 

 

Charm bracelets

Charm bracelets gained popularity in the 19th C and early 20th C. In Victorian times women would wear charm bracelets often with family crests, lockets and cameo charms. During World War II soldiers would collect charms for their loved ones where they fought their battles and bring them home as gifts.

 

Art Deco bracelets and bangles

Bracelets and bangles from this period are more abstract, with geometric designs; bracelets began to be made from Bakelite around this time, a type of plastic. Blue and green enamel and the scarab beetle was a popular incorporation from the Art Deco era.

 

Retro bracelets and bangles

During this period enamel was still popular, these types of bracelet or bangle are rare and very valuable. The most common bracelets and bangles from this period were made from wood, plastic and Bakelite as metals were dedicated largely to the wartime effort. There are large, bold, elaborate and highly colourful bracelets and bangles to choose from this period.

From the 1950’s onwards bracelets and bangles reflected a more classic, sophisticated look, emulating Hollywood glamour and the era of rock and roll. In the 1960’s alongside the Mod movement bracelets and bangles incorporated black and white, drawing inspiration from pop art. Around the same type the ethic movement gained in popularity and you can pick up vintage bracelets featuring beads and bells. The 1970’s saw an Art Deco revival with bold and chunky bracelets and the 1980’s heralded flash, extravagant pieces. Whatever style you wish to achieve there is plenty of designs to choose from.