7 Types of Bracelets: What Is Right for Me?
A bracelet is the perfect finishing touch for every outfit. But with so many different styles and occasions, choosing accessories can be a daunting experience. Women’s gold bracelets come in multiple styles, including delicate chains, diamond tennis bracelets, bangles, charm bracelets and cuffs. There are plenty of options if you are shopping for gold bracelets for men, too. Plus, you can find non-metal bracelets made from leather or cord, which often feature semi-precious gemstones, beads and other eye-catching elements.
With so many options and just two wrists, you might end up getting more than a little overwhelmed if you don’t have a style in mind before digging through your jewelry collection or shopping for a new bracelet. There are many things to consider — from where you’re going and what you’re doing to the outfit you plan to wear. You might have questions, too, like whether wearing mixed metals is acceptable, if you can stack multiple bracelets or exactly what metal works best with your skin tone.
At Frost NYC, we get it. We know finding the perfect piece is tricky. Whether you’re shopping for something sweet and subtle or an iced-out gold bracelet that’s sure to turn heads, we can help you pick out something that suits your style and makes your look the star of the show for all the right reasons. In this post, we’ll share information about different types of bracelets to help you decide what is right for you. Let’s jump right in.
1. Bangles
Bangles are solid bracelets with no opening or clasp. They slip over the hand and onto the wrist and, in most cases, they are loose enough to move around on your arm. Traditional Chinese jade bracelets are the exception to this rule. Intended to bestow positive energy and protection upon the wearer, most are extremely difficult to put on and take off due to their small diameter. They’re meant for long-term wear, so jewelers fit them as tightly to the wrist as possible without causing discomfort.
Here in the U.S., gold and silver bangles tend to be a much more popular option. They come in several different thicknesses and styles, which impacts how you should wear them. Of course, your outfit and where you’re going dictate this, too. If you are a fan of the stacked look, thin bangles are your best bet. Look for similar ones for a cohesive look, or choose ones with different designs if your style is more eclectic. Large, thick bangles usually look best worn alone as statement pieces.
Bangle bracelets make noise during movement because they move around on your wrist and lower arm. While you might enjoy the music your bracelets make when you move your arm, consider those around you. Noisy, stacked bracelets are great when you’re hanging out in a loud environment, like a club or a bar. But if you’re getting ready to head to work in a relatively quiet office, you may want to stick with just one bangle or try a different, quieter bracelet style. After all, your jewelry is meant to catch people’s attention because of its beauty and sparkle — not because it’s annoying.
2. Cuffs
Think of a cuff like a bangle with an opening. They’re usually pretty solid and inflexible, but the opening makes them easier to put on and remove. Cuffs don’t require any sort of clasp, so you don’t even need to worry about struggling to open/close them with one hand.
Like bangles, cuffs come in several styles and sizes. Wider ones often feature ornate details and exude class and confidence. Thinner cuffs are ideal for everyday wear, and you can mix and match them with other cuffs, small bangles, etc. Most are unisex and as equally appropriate for work as they are for wild nights on the town.
3. Chain Bracelets
Made by linking metal loops together, chain bracelets are all about style. This style offers something for everyone, from delicate gold chains to eye-popping rose gold chains featuring different kinds of links. Delicate chains, perhaps featuring a single gemstone charm, are ideal for adding some sparkle while letting the rest of your look take center stage. Adorn your wrist with one when going out to enjoy a fancy dinner, indulging in an upscale brunch with friends or attending a semi-formal or formal event. Dainty chain bracelets are lovely pieces for brides, too.
Find Women’s Gold Bracelets at Frost NYC
Check out some dope Cuban link, franco or rope chain bracelets for a bolder look. Mariner and Figaro are popular link styles, too. Even if you are looking for an accessory dripping with diamonds, chain bracelets offer up something for everyone. And when you’re trying to ball on a budget, gold-plated chain bracelets are a less costly but equally attractive alternative to solid gold. Order your bracelet from Frost NYC and no one will ever even know it’s gold-plated unless you tell them.
Chain bracelets are stylish and appropriate for nearly every outfit and occasion. You could even take one to the next level by attaching things to turn it into a charm bracelet that captures your style and personality perfectly. If you prefer the look of a traditional charm bracelet, check out the next style on our list.
4. Charm Bracelets
Charm bracelets have a long history. Initially, they gained popularity during World War II when soldiers returned home with tiny handmade trinkets made by locals they met while fighting. Most of these keepsakes could be attached to a bracelet with ease and, thus, the charm bracelet was born.
Since then, charm bracelets have become a common way of keeping memories, symbolic items and personal interests close at hand. Usually worn by women, jewelry lovers can customize these bracelets with charms representing hobbies, subjects, career paths and nearly everything else imaginable. They are incredibly versatile and allow you to instantly change up your look by adding, removing or replacing charms. Keep things simple when you need sleek, sophisticated accessories, and dress your bracelet up when you want a fun, funky piece that’s totally you.
5. Tennis Bracelets
A tennis bracelet is a must-have accessory for any woman. Even if you don’t have any other bracelets in your jewelry box, this sophisticated accessory is the one thing you need to have. It even has a pretty interesting history to go along with its somewhat perplexing name.
The classic tennis bracelet was named for the diamond bracelet American tennis player Chris Evans wore during the 1987 U.S. Open. It fell off due to a broken clasp during a match, and she shouted, “I’ve dropped my tennis bracelet.” The bracelet was found quickly after pausing the game to search, and jewelers were suddenly bombarded with calls from people searching for their own tennis bracelets. The name stuck and elegant diamond bracelets have been popular picks ever since. Their clasps have gotten an upgrade, though, to help keep these prized pieces on their wearers’ wrists — even during strenuous activity.
If you’re looking for a versatile bracelet to wear daily and for special occasions, you can’t go wrong with a tennis bracelet. They usually feature a string of small diamonds, but tennis bracelets featuring other precious and semi-precious gems have become increasingly popular over the last few years. They’re perfect when you love the class styling of a diamond tennis bracelet but want jewelry with your own unique spin. Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but they certainly aren’t the only option.
6. Beaded Bracelets
Beaded bracelets come in endless styles and colors. They often have a bohemian look, but they are versatile enough for just about anyone to enjoy. Some are stiff and feature a clasp that must be opened and closed for wear. Others are made with elastic, making it easy to simply slip one over your hand and onto your wrist when you’re getting ready.
When it comes to bead types, the options are limitless. Polished gemstones are a popular choice, and people often wear them for their purported spiritual and metaphysical benefits. Other folks just choose colors that coordinate with the rest of their outfit. There is no wrong way to decide.
In addition to natural gemstones, jewelry designs use glass, wood and even plastic beads when making beaded bracelets. Sometimes, they combine different types to achieve a unique, one-of-a-kind look. Bracelets featuring strung pearls are also popular. Whether you want the elegant look of a bracelet strung with perfectly round white pearls or you love the funky shapes and colors of freshwater pearls, there is something that will work for you.
No matter what style you prefer, beaded bracelets are versatile and fit perfectly into many aesthetics. Try stacking several featuring semi-precious and wood beads for a boho look that’s suitable for warm summer days with friends and cooler evenings around a campfire. A single strand of pearls or precious gems is best for work and special occasions.
7. High-End Watches
High-end designer watches might not be the first accessories that come to mind when you’re looking for a bracelet, but hear us out. Rolex watches are just as stylish as bracelets, and they do an even better job of turning heads. When you want to adorn your wrist with gold, silver, platinum or diamonds, turning up with a Rolex or another designer watch is a great way to let others know you’re all about the bling. Plus, they are hip-hop fashion staples.
Check Out Our Collection of Rolex Watches for Men and Women
When you’re heading out for the day or a night on the town, a high-end watch is the perfect focal point for any outfit. Whether you’re grabbing lunch with the boys (or girls), hitting the hottest club in town or just doing some shopping, you’ll turn heads when you do it wearing an iced-out Rolex. Try rocking a stylish watch on one wrist and a simple bracelet on the other for special occasions. Just make sure you don’t choose a bracelet that’s too bold. You don’t want it to overpower the watch or make it look like you’re trying too hard.
Deciding What’s Right for You
As noted above, many bracelet styles are appropriate for various styles and situations. When deciding which one is right, think about your overall outfit. Thick chains and lots of bling pair perfectly with understated outfits in situations where you want to show off some serious swagger. But when going to a fancy dinner, making your way down the red carpet or attending a formal event like a wedding, consider keeping things a bit simpler. Smaller bracelets are your best bet when adding accessories to an already head-turning outfit. Remember: There is such a thing as “too much of a good thing!”
Think about your skin tone, too. Some lucky folks have neutral skin tones and look great wearing any metal, but most look best in metals that suit their skin tone. Cool skin tones pair best with silver, platinum and white gold. Rose gold, yellow gold, copper and brass are more suitable for warmer tones.
Determining your skin tone can be a bit tricky since there are no hard and fast rules, but there are a few hints to point you in the right direction. Warm tones tend to tan easily without burning. You might also have warm undertones if the veins on the underside of your wrist appear green or if you have green, hazel or brown eyes and black, brown or red hair. Skin that burns easily and bluish wrist veins point toward having a cool skin tone. Most people with cool skin have blonde, black or brown hair and blue or green eyes.
Conclusion
Don’t stress yourself when trying to figure out what type of bracelet is right for you. Check out the styles and suggestions above, and you’ll be on your way to creating an incredible look that will draw plenty of positive attention. At Frost NYC, we have the bracelets you need for any occasion. Whether you’re shopping for men or women, peep our full collection today!
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