What makes a women’s bracelet eco-friendly?

Artisans the world over utilize the natural materials at their disposal to create beautiful, sustainable jewelry. Wood, bamboo and dried gourds. Coconut shells, rattan and terra-cotta. Even natural grasses lend themselves to a jeweler's creativity while art glass beads and pendants can be made from discarded bottles. Some artisans reclaim precious silver from photographic negatives. Colorful magazine pages can become tightly-rolled beads protected by a coat of varnish. Always creative, artists craft their bracelets out of innovative, eco-conscious materials.

How do I know if my bracelet is handmade?

Handmade women's bracelets each have their own unique characteristics. Color, texture, size and design all vary. Often, the technique alone will tell you, for example, hand-knotted, braided or woven bracelets. Leather bracelets with cutout motifs or embossing are usually crafted by hand.Thai jewelry by Karen silversmiths shows hand-stamped geometric or floral motifs and beads are usually made of fine silver, which is more malleable than sterling. Similarly, filigree jewelry is a meticulous handcrafted process. Most bracelets with natural, sustainable or recycled materials are handmade. Even some of the most sophisticated and modern gold and silver may be signed by the artist who made it.The most common indicator that a bracelet is handmade is the detailed and intricate design. Novica artisans demonstrate their techniques in the many videos on www.novica.com youll find the links on their product descriptions and also on the artisan bio page.

What bracelet-making techniques have been passed down through generations?

Traditional bracelet-making techniques have been passed down over generations around the world. Women's bracelets in gold and silver are usually crafted with the lost wax technique. The image is sculpted in wax and enveloped in a mold materia. As molten gold or silver is poured into the mold, the wax image melts and the metal takes its place. However coiling fine strands of metal results in Andean filigree jewelry. Balinese artistry applies polished spirals and tendrils as well as tiny globes known as jawan to sleek silver jewelry. And a few contemporary artisans even weave or crochet the slender silver strands.Jade was highly prized by the Maya and still has an important place in modern Guatemalan jewelry. Amber from the rich mines in southern Mexico adorns the women's bracelets, necklaces, and earrings of the area. Macrame and beading are popular everywhere for boho style. And West Africas handmade beadwork is renowned the world over.

Do any women’s bracelets have particular cultural significance?

women's bracelets carried immense cultural significance in ancient times and they still do. In Perus pre-Hispanic societies, gold represented the sun, and jewelry indicated social status and identity, as it also did among the Maya of Mexico and Central America. In India, bangles or kangans showed a woman was married and are a part of the 16 adornments customarily worn by a Hindu bride. Traditional West African beads are a sign of cultural identity. Each one has a meaning and tells a story.Today, women's bracelets are still culturally significant. In India, jewelry often depicts religious symbols and meditative mantras. Balinese bracelets may also depict dragons, thought to be the protectors of the gods, or the Hindu Barong deity, also a protection symbol. Motifs stamped into Karen hill tribe silver encourage living in harmony with nature. The hand-knotted bracelets of Guatemala symbolize friendship but evolved from a silent protest for loved ones missing during the country's armed conflict. Today, friends each tie a bracelet on the others arm and make a wish. The bracelet is worn until it wears out and falls off so the wish will come true.

What are the most popular materials to make women’s bracelets?

Silver, gold, brass and copper have been popular for thousands of years and are often set with colorful gemstones. Artisans in different regions of the world take advantage of unique local resources, such as Brazilian golden grass, leather and coconut shell from Thailand, and carved bone jewelry from Bali. Intricate openwork carving, known as jali, can be seen in bangles from India. West Africa has a long tradition of beadwork, with beautiful beads made from recycled glass and even plastic becoming popular in recent years.

Calcite Bracelets at NOVICA

Forest Party, Green Calcite Beaded Wrap Bracelet from Thailand

Length: 36"

Nareerat

(1853)

$37.95 Wholesale

$37.95
Featured Sale

Blue Purple Aryuveda, Hand Made Quartz and Resin Beaded Bracelets (Pair)

Length: 7.5"

Tiraphan Hasub

(931)

$21.75 Wholesale

~~$29~~ $21.75
Bestseller

Thai Elephant Charm, Brass Bracelet Turquoise-color Gems Beaded Jewelry

Length: 7"

Tiraphan Hasub

(931)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99
Oceanic Wonder, Handcrafted Calcite and Lapis Lazuli Beaded Bracelet

Length: 7.5"

Tiraphan Hasub

(931)

$35.99 Wholesale

~~$39.99~~ $35.99
Magical Saga, Chakra-Themed Adjustable Multi-Gemstone Beaded Bracelet

Swasti Jain

(1)

$44.99 Wholesale

~~$49.99~~ $44.99
Holiday Party, Blue Calcite and Glass Beaded Wrap Bracelet from Thailand

Length: 36"

Nareerat

(1853)

$37.95 Wholesale

$37.95
Rainbow Blooms, Multicolored Gemstone Bead Bracelet with Floral Motif

Length: 7"

Anusara

(316)

$26.99 Wholesale

~~$29.99~~ $26.99
Fortunate Jewels, Bohemian-Inspired Multi-Gemstone Beaded Stretch Bracelet

Swasti Jain

(1)

$27.99 Wholesale

$27.99
Summer Bells, Handcrafted Turquoise Blue Calcite and Brass Bracelet

Length: 7.5"

Tiraphan Hasub

(931)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Bestseller

Freedom of Expression in Blue, Multi Gemstone Beaded Bracelet from Thailand

Length: 7.75"

Tiraphan Hasub

(931)

$44.95 Wholesale

$44.95
Bestseller

Beads and Bells, Multi Gemstone Beaded Bracelet from Thailand

Length: 7.75"

Tiraphan Hasub

(931)

$40.49 Wholesale

~~$44.99~~ $40.49
Carnival in Green, Handmade Calcite and Serpentine Beaded Bracelet

Length: 7"

Tiraphan Hasub

(931)

$29.99 Wholesale

$29.99
Bestseller

Night Party, Black Beaded Wrap Bracelet from Thailand

Length: 36"

Nareerat

(1853)

$37.95 Wholesale

$37.95
Ocean Party, Light Blue Calcite Beaded Wrap Bracelet from Thailand

Length: 36"

Nareerat

(1853)

$37.95 Wholesale

$37.95
Spiritual Globe, Modern Calcite and Sterling Silver Link Pendant Bracelet

Shanker

(1425)

$67.99 Wholesale

$67.99
Mae Sa Jungle, Braided Cord Bracelet with Quartz, Amethyst, and Prehnite

Length: 7.25"

Chuleekorn

(192)

$29.99 Wholesale

$29.99
Fantastic Blue, Two Jasper and Unakite Multi-Gem Beaded Bracelets

Length: 7.5"

Tiraphan Hasub

(931)

$35.99 Wholesale

~~$39.99~~ $35.99
Featured Sale

Splendor of Siam, Calcite and Brass Elephant Charm Bracelet

Length: 7.75"

Tiraphan Hasub

(931)

$25.50 Wholesale

~~$34~~ $25.50
Beautiful Thai in Light Blue, Brass and Calcite Beaded Bracelet from Thailand

Length: 7.75"

Tiraphan Hasub

(931)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Siam Legacy, Brass Beaded Turquoise Colored Elephant Bracelet

Length: 7.25"

Tiraphan Hasub

(931)

$34.99 Wholesale

$34.99
Elephant World, Elephant Charm Bracelet with Brass and Blue Calcite Beads

Length: 7.75"

Tiraphan Hasub

(931)

$29.99 Wholesale

$29.99
Fortune's Blue Melody, Elephant and Bell Charm Bracelet in Blue Gems and Brass

Length: 7"

Tiraphan Hasub

(931)

$29.99 Wholesale

$29.99
Lively Party, Calcite and Glass Beaded Wrap Bracelet from Thailand

Length: 36"

Nareerat

(1853)

$37.95 Wholesale

$37.95
Mint Delight, Colorful Calcite and Brass Beaded Bracelet from Thailand

Length: 7.75"

Tiraphan Hasub

(931)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Tropical Beach, Sterling Silver and Calcite Beaded Strand Bracelet

Length: 7.75"

Narayannii

(693)

$69.99 Wholesale

$69.99
Valley of Blue, Handmade Calcite Brass Beaded Bracelet with Loop Closure

Length: 7.75"

Tiraphan Hasub

(931)

$19.99 Wholesale

$19.99
Bestseller

Blue Siam Elephants, Hand Crafted Brass Charm Bracelet from Thailand

Length: 7.5"

Tiraphan Hasub

(931)

$34.99 Wholesale

$34.99
Passionate Party, Calcite and Glass Beaded Wrap Bracelet in Red from Thailand

Length: 36"

Nareerat

(1853)

$37.95 Wholesale

$37.95
Blue Elephant, Handcrafted Bead Bracelet with Blue Elephant Charms

Length: 7.5"

Tiraphan Hasub

(931)

$29.99 Wholesale

$29.99
Bells in the Sky, Brass and Dyed Calcite Bracelet

Length: 7.75"

Tiraphan Hasub

(931)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Featured Sale

Sparkling Waves, Artisan Crafted Silver Bracelet with Starfish Charm

Length: 6.75"

Withaya Cheunjit

(77)

$99.99 Wholesale

~~$124.99~~ $99.99
Delightful Spirals, Calcite and Brass Beaded Charm Bracelet from Thailand

Length: 7.5"

Tiraphan Hasub

(931)

$37.99 Wholesale

$37.99
Divine Orbs, Sterling Silver and Calcite Beaded Pendant Bracelet

Length: 8.75"

Rituu Agarwal

(1071)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Like Clockwork, Hand Crafted Sterling Silver and Calcite Beaded Bracelet

Length: 7.5"

Shawn Martin

(11)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99
Aqua Boho Chic, Brass Bracelet Turquoise-color Gems Braided Jewelry

Length: 7.5"

Tiraphan Hasub

(931)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99
Calm Seas, Blue-Green Calcite and Brass Double Stand Beaded Bracelet

Length: 7.5"

Tiraphan Hasub

(931)

$19.99 Wholesale

$19.99
Serene Sky, Hand Knotted Beaded Bracelet with Calcite and Brass Bells

Length: 7.5"

Tiraphan Hasub

(931)

$27.99 Wholesale

$27.99
Mae Sa Cascade, Lapis Lazuli and Agate Braided Bracelet with Brass Beads

Length: 7.25"

Chuleekorn

(192)

$26.99 Wholesale

~~$29.99~~ $26.99
Ocean Windows, Avant-Garde Blue Multi-Gemstone Link Bracelet Made in India

Shanker

(1425)

$179.99 Wholesale

~~$199.99~~ $179.99
Gemstone Bouquet, Artisan Crafted Gemstone Beaded Adjustable Bracelet

Length: 7"

Anusara

(316)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Blue Green Orchids, Quartz and Beaded Wristband Bracelets (Pair)

Length: 7.5"

Tiraphan Hasub

(931)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Cool Beauty, Handmade Pearl Aquamarine Blue Calcite Bracelet Thailand

Length: 7.25"

Nareerat

(1853)

$34.99 Wholesale

$34.99
Coming back

Wonderful Mood, Agate and Calcite Beaded Torsade Bracelet from Thailand

Length: 7.75"

Tiraphan Hasub

(931)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99
Siam Legacy II, Brass Beaded Turquoise Colored Elephant Bracelet

Length: 7.5"

Tiraphan Hasub

(931)

$34.99 Wholesale

$34.99
Shades of Aqua, Calcite Amethyst Sterling Silver Beaded Bracelet with Bell

Length: 7"

Somluck Komolmith

(401)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99

Featured Reviews

Calcite wrap bracelet, 'Passionate Party'

Susan

Nov 15, 2017

Nice

I like the pretty beads and it will be nice at Christmas. However I didn't realize it came just like a necklace and that you literally wind the beads thru each other to attach. I got a beautiful blue wrap one from Nareerat a few months ago and it was all connected. Nice though.

Multi-gemstone beaded bracelet, 'Freedom of Expression in Blue'

Kathy

Jun 28, 2019

Pretty bracelet

Very nice bracelet. Looks just like the picture. It's a little large though, but if I wear it twisted, it fits ok.

Evening

Beaded quartz and amethyst bracelet, 'Mae Sa Jungle'

Carissa

Feb 12, 2023

my new favorite every day piece

This item is well made and has beautiful stones carefully attached to it. It carries my birthstone and has made me very happy. The "clasp" is made of beautiful beads and its easy to take on and off with one hand. It is also very secure and I never worry about loosing it. I would absolutely buy gain great value for a fantastic piece that I always get compliments on.