Looking stylish is the ultimate goal for all style-conscious individuals – but often, achieving the desired effect can be more hard-won than we’d like. Not as easy as simply throwing on a few favourite garments and looking effortlessly chic, there is more that goes into curating the perfect look than you might expect – and from the outfit right down to the finer details, even the tiniest elements have a role to play.
Jewellery, in particular, can make or break any look in just seconds. Overdo it, and you’ll create a sense of overkill – but forget it entirely, and you could be missing a chance to inject that much sought-after ‘wow’ factor.
The key to success? Remembering the mantra that less is more – but also knowing when it’s time to step things up a notch and make a statement. According to the experts at Fjewellerystore, original and unusual bangles, in particular, can make all the difference to an otherwise underwhelming outfit when paired effectively.
A bit of history
The name of this beautiful accessory comes from the consonant word ‘baṅgli’. From the Hindi language, it’s translated as ‘glass bracelet’. In ancient times in India, such jewellery was made, as you’d expect, from glass and was a key element of traditional female attire. More than just adornments, special symbolism was put into them, and with their prices very high, only very wealthy ladies could afford them at that time.
In Ancient Egypt and Rome, wristbands made of metals and stones were popular and were found in the caves of Siberia and on the ruins of the Mayan civilisation. These wide and chunky pieces of jewellery served as amulets or were worn alongside armour for protection in battle.
Nevertheless, the main predecessors of the contemporary bracelets we know and love today are considered to be thin decorative ornaments that were found on the Indian subcontinent.
The types
These days, bracelets tend to fall into two categories and are either rigid or soft. Rigid bangles are usually made from some kind of metal and may feature closed hoops to make a continuous, unbreakable ring without the need for a clasp. There are also spring-loaded varieties, which look like a split ring with one or more spring coils, and hinged wristbands, comprising two halves fixed only with an opening and closing hinge.
Soft bracelets, meanwhile, may be woven to form various shapes and patterns and are often braided in a variety of colours. Chain and gilder bracelets – the latter of which are made up of plates that are interconnected by springs or hinges, are also popular, while beads, crystals and neutral stones strung on wire or thread are more bohemian takes that make for a stylish yet laid-back accessory that will effortlessly finish off even the most pared-down of looks.
What else you need to know
As if all of those options weren’t enough to leave you spoilt for choice, many bracelets also come with adornments. In recent years, we’ve seen luxury charm bracelets rise to prominence and become an essential piece of jewellery for the fashion-conscious, with pendants and charms able to be added or taken away depending on the mood, situation or occasion.
This type of bracelet makes for a lovely gift for someone special as you can continue to gift them charms as you reach new milestones and celebrate new occasions together, serving as a reminder of all of the wonderful times you’ve shared to date. Charm and pendant bracelets usually come in chain-link or rigid hoop styles and are one of the most versatile types of all.
If you’re a fan of a statement look, but only have plain and simple bracelets and bangles to work with, then layering them up together is a great way to add interest to any look. This works particularly well with minimalistic gold and silver bracelets along with a simplistic monochrome outfit and pared down accessories.
If you’re looking for inspiration, then be sure to check out the Fjewellery store for ideas.
