Bracelets

(7,229 items)

40,000 years ago a woman or child in Siberia wore a chlorite bracelet, the oldest bracelet found to date. Our unique collection of artisan bracelets showcases the wealth of materials global artisans still employ to create traditional and contemporary bracelet designs. From simple precious metal bangles to elegant gemstone-encrusted cuffs, handwoven textile bands and beaded leather wrap bracelets, you'll discover handcrafted designs to suit your personal style.

Handmade Women's Bracelet Categories

Bracelets

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- - Women's jewelry
  - Men's jewelry

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The Village Council

Your answers straight from the village experts

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.

How do I know if my bracelet is handmade?

Excellent question! There is no simple test that can tell you whether an artisan hand-crafted your jewelry or not. No easy way to know if an item is handmade or factory-produced. But there are details that you can look out for, and hopefully a discerning eye will guide you right. First, look at materials. If a bracelet is made of leather with embossed detailing, or sterling silver with intricate carvings or stone settings, you are entering the realm of the handmade. If a bracelet is made from bone, or makes use of complicated beadwork, if there is evidence of welding or carving, then you can feel good about your purchase. Any true artisan will tell you: no two pieces of jewelry will come out identical if they are made by hand. Beware of sameness. Celebrate the idiosyncrasies of the artists hand and help preserve the techniques and traditions of the past.

What materials are used to make men’s rings?

Global artisans use all sorts of materials in their handcrafted jewelry for men. In the Andes, sterling silver, leather, and combinations of natural stones are frequently used. In Bali, silver, gold, bone, wood, brass, and stainless copper adorn handmade jewelry. In West Africa, men's jewelry honors the cow, where bone and horns are incorporated into unique pieces.

Are there any earring designs or symbols that have a particular meaning?

Absolutely! Jewelry is an art form that allows makers to express their individuality and cultural influences, and certain designs are used to represent important symbols. For example, Central American artisans incorporate traditional figures, glyphs, and pre-Hispanic folklore. In Mexico, the famous work of artists Angel Ortiz, Maria Belen Nilson, and Rosa Rojo highlight the beauty of Aztec, Mayan and Teotihuacan civilizations. In Peru, powerful symbols, like the Andean chakana, are used to represent humanitys union with the cosmos. Indian artists are extremely tied to their faith and spirituality. Earring designs include chakra gemstones, motifs of Lord Ganesha, and other spiritual imagery. In Bali, the Om symbol is prevalent, as well as the mythological panther-like Barong image, which is seen as a protector spirit. Designs pulled from the natural world, like animal figures, feathers, plants, as well as stones, are used in almost every culture, which then infuses them with their own particular meanings.

Are there any eco-friendly women’s earrings?

Yes! We offer a wide selection of earrings that are made from eco-friendly materials. Cow bone, water buffalo horn, fabric, recycled paper, wood, palm leaf and coconut shells, just to name a few. Product descriptions always list materials used, so be sure to read about each product to discover how artisans are working to ensure sustainability and environmental consciousness.

What materials are best for women’s earrings?

There is no best when it comes to handmade earrings. However, certain materials lend themselves well to jewelry. Silver and gold, for example, are frequently used to make earrings because of their luster and shine. Each region puts its own unique touch on the art of earring-making. Most use some combination of silver, gold, gemstones, wooden or glass beads, and bones. Some regions, like West Africa, have found ways to introduce up-cycling into the jewelry-making process. Recycled plastic and paper beads, as well as coconut shells are commonly integrated into beautiful works of earring art. Whatever materials used, quality and safety are always our top priorities. Each pair of earrings is tested to ensure its safety. If you do have sensitive skin, you may consider rhodium plated earrings, as rhodium is completely hypoallergenic. You can always find all relevant information about materials in the product description.

Featured Reviews on Bracelets

Quartz and tourmaline stretch bracelet, 'Monochromatic' (set of 3)

By Lorraine

Fun bracelets

Beautiful stones, perfect fit. These bracelets are fun to wear and compliment my black attire perfectly.

Leather wristband bracelet, 'Brazilian Flowers in Espresso'

By Linda

Exactly as Described

Thank you for your leather craft work Vera! This item looks exactly as the photo describes. Quality leather, an intricate design, and sturdy snap construction to accommodate a comfortable fit. I bought this as a gift and the recipient just loves it. I highly recommend!

Quartz and calcite stretch bracelet, 'Light of Diversity'

By Carolina Vargas

diversity

I purchased this bracelet because Brazil and its culture has always been one of my passions. I admire the artist and I receive so many compliments. I keep his card in my wallet because some are fascinated by the intricacy, colors and colors.

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Bracelets

Handmade Women's Bracelet Categories

Power Crystals

Natural Friend

Glittering Magnitude

Determination in Black

Sleek Confidence

Caramel Stepping Stone

Beige Stepping Stone

Nutmeg Stepping Stone

Stepping Stone

Coffee Stepping Stone

Pink Stepping Stone

Earth Friendship

Ocean Trio

Stormy Trio

Naturally Enchanting

Light Butterscotch

Gold and Black

Monochromatic

Spiral Play

Lapis Trio

Marvels

Amazon Forests

Green Trio

Strength and Energy

Rose Romance

Garnet Glory in Green

Marbled Beauty

Brazilian Flowers in Espresso

Horse and Butterfly

Gleam of the Sun

Masculinity

Delicate Spheres

Fantasy Bracelet

Brazilian Flowers in Black

Planetary Cycle

Darling Earth

Elegant Earth

Wonders

All Aglow

Eco Guard

Bronze Galaxy

Celestial Meditation

Brazilian Flowers in Caramel

Light of Diversity

Golden Rings

Wonders

Gemstone Gaze

Grey Spikes

Solid

Beige Brazilian Butterfly

Mountain River

Brazilian Foliage in Nutmeg

'Translucent Crystal'

Tribal Links

Feminine Cords

Spatial Nature

Clover Leaves

Natural Satellite

Powerful Together in Black

In the Mix in Tan

Bold Overlap in Black

Golden Gaze

Light of Peace

Daytime Flight

Icy Cave

Glistening Cave

JalapÃ£o Equilibrium

Red-Orange Eye

Rio Fashion

Brazilian Foliage in Almond

Midnight and Darkness

Romantic Nature

Brazilian Foliage in Black

Masculine Solidarity