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.

Ceramic Bracelets at NOVICA

Celestial Delight, Ceramic and Crystal Heart Beaded Bracelet from Mexico

Size: 6.25" Inner Circ. x 0.4" W

Monica Vazquez

(15)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Bestseller

Soul of the Andes, Set of 3 Handmade Stretch Bracelets of Brown Ceramic Beads

Size: 7" Inner Circ. x 0.3" W

Dina

(128)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99
Ethereal Delight, Ceramic and Pearl Heart Beaded Stretch Bracelet from Mexico

Size: 7.25" Inner Circ. x 0.2" W

Monica Vazquez

(15)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Bestseller

Oceanic Class, Gold-Plated Pearl and Talavera Ceramic Pendant Bracelet

Monica Vazquez

(15)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99
Green Utopia, Modern Minimalist Brass and Green Ceramic Cuff Bracelet

Anuva Baid

(9)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Splendorous, Three Sodalite Sterling Silver and Ceramic Beaded Bracelets

Size: 7" Inner Circ. x 0.2" W

Dina

(128)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Bestseller

Stalwart, Three Jasper Sterling Silver and Ceramic Beaded Bracelets

Size: 7" Inner Circ. x 0.2" W

Dina

(128)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Bestseller

Mesmerizing Contrast, Ceramic and Lava Stone Beaded Stretch Bracelet from Bali

Size: 6.25" Inner Circ. x 0.3" W

Bhakti Senang Hati

(113)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99
Talavera Amour, Romantic 10k Gold-Plated Ceramic Heart Pendant Bracelet

Monica Vazquez

(15)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99
Blue Enchantment, Blue Ceramic and Sterling Silver Pendant Bracelet from India

Size: 5.75" Inner Circ. x 0.2" W

Anuva Baid

(9)

$87.99 Wholesale

$87.99
Wind and Earth, Two Ceramic Beaded Bracelets with Agate and Serpentine

Size: 7" Inner Circ. x 0.2" W

Dina

(128)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99
Bestseller

Andean Eyes, Three Hematite and Ceramic Beaded Bracelets in Earth Tones

Size: 7" Inner Circ. x 0.2" W

Dina

(128)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Bestseller

Andean Joy, Two Amethyst and Ceramic Beaded Stretch Bracelets from Peru

Size: 7" Inner Circ. x 0.2" W

Dina

(128)

$34.99 Wholesale

$34.99
My Red Romance, Heart-Themed Talavera Red Ceramic and Crystal Link Bracelet

Juana Ponce

(349)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99
Glorious Dimension, Classic Ceramic Cube Pendant Bracelet with Golden Beads

Monica Vazquez

(15)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99
Orange Connection, Hand Crafted Bead Stretch Bracelets from Bali Artisan (Pair)

Size: 7.5" Inner Circ.

Bhakti Senang Hati

(113)

$27.99 Wholesale

$27.99
Bangli Dawn, Artisan Crafted Ceramic and Wood Bead Bracelets (Pair)

Size: 7.5" Inner Circ.

Bhakti Senang Hati

(113)

$27.99 Wholesale

$27.99
Ming Lotus, Blue and White Beaded Stretch Bracelet from Thailand

Size: 7" Inner Circ.

Tipa

(167)

$54.99 Wholesale

$54.99
My Green World, 14k Gold-Accented Green Ceramic and Crystal Link Bracelet

Juana Ponce

(349)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Andean Temples, Set of 3 Tiger's Eye and Ceramic Beaded Bracelets from Peru

Size: 7" Inner Circ. x 0.2" W

Dina

(128)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Cheerful Ladybugs, Handcrafted Ceramic Beaded Stretch Bracelet with Ladybugs

Size: 6.25" Inner Circ. x 0.4" W

Manuel Obin

(7)

$19.99 Wholesale

$19.99
Omkara Unity, Handcrafted Indian Brown & Blue Terracotta Unity Bracelet

Size: 7" Inner Circ. x 0.5" W
0.5" L x 0.6" W x 0.4" D
6.5" Inner Circ. x 0.5" W

Ritu Thapar

(133)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99
Dangling Penguins, Handcrafted Ceramic Beaded Stretch Bracelet with Penguins

Size: 6.25" Inner Circ. x 0.4" W

Manuel Obin

(7)

$19.99 Wholesale

$19.99
Red Connection, Beaded Stretch Bracelet with Ceramic and Wood Beads

Length: 7.5"

Bhakti Senang Hati

(113)

$14.99 Wholesale

$14.99
Colorful Morning, Artisan Crafted Stretch Bracelet with Wood and Ceramic Beads

Length: 7.5"

Bhakti Senang Hati

(113)

$27.99 Wholesale

$27.99
Chalk-Browed Mockingbird, Ceramic and Glass Beaded Stretch Bracelet with Bird Charms

Manuel Obin

(7)

$19.99 Wholesale

$19.99
Night Lotus, Beaded Ceramic and Onyx Stretch Bracelet with Lotus Charm

Size: 7.5" Inner Circ.

Tipa

(167)

$57.99 Wholesale

$57.99
Indigo Garden, Mexican-Made Indigo Tiger's Eye and Ceramic Stretch Bracelet

Length: 7.5"

Monica Vazquez

(15)

$47.99 Wholesale

$47.99
My Cobalt Blue Romance, Gold-Accented Blue Ceramic and Crystal Link Heart Bracelet

Juana Ponce

(349)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99
Peruvian Passion, Handmade Red Carnelian Stretch Bracelet from Peru

Size: 7.25" Inner Circ.

Silvia Garcia

(60)

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Little Pink Pigs, Handcrafted Ceramic Beaded Stretch Bracelet in Pink

Size: 6.25" Inner Circ. x 0.4" W

Manuel Obin

(7)

$19.99 Wholesale

$19.99
Thunder Clouds in Large, Artisan Crafted Ceramic Beaded Stretch Bracelet (Set of 2)

Size: 6.75" Inner Circ. x 0.4" W

Bhakti Senang Hati

(113)

$27.99 Wholesale

$27.99
Gallant Birds, Handcrafted Ceramic Beaded Stretch Bracelet with Birds

Size: 6.25" Inner Circ. x 0.4" W

Manuel Obin

(7)

$19.99 Wholesale

$19.99
Merry Caterpillars, Handcrafted Ceramic Beaded Stretch Bracelet in Green

Size: 6.25" Inner Circ. x 0.4" W

Manuel Obin

(7)

$19.99 Wholesale

$19.99
Petal Orb, Black Talavera Ceramic and Sterling Silver Pendant Bracelet

Size: 6" L (end to end) x 0.1" W

Alonso Luis

(44)

$74.99 Wholesale

$74.99
Earthen Harmony, Artisan Crafted Ceramic Beaded Bracelet from Honduras

Alessandra Foletti

(7)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99

Featured Reviews

Ceramic beaded stretch bracelet, 'Dangling Penguins'

Colleen

Jul 21, 2023

Darling Dangling Penguins

These little guys are just too cute. The gold and black circles on the white beads and the small black beads give it a certain sophistication = I can wear it and I don't have to give it to my 10 year old niece. (She already has the pink pig one.) Would love to have a pink flamingo bracelet. Thank you for your beautiful work!

Beaded stretch bracelets, 'Orange Connection' (pair)

Patsie

Oct 4, 2019

Love these bracelets!

The colors of both bracelets are pretty much exactly as pictured. I really like them both. They can be worn together beautifully or separate. I just received them yesterday so haven't had the chance to wear them anywhere. They do appear to be well-made. They certainly are pretty, very lovely and I'm glad I bought them.

Beaded Artsy Bracelet

Casual Bracelets

Long Distance Bracelet!

Ceramic and crystal beaded stretch bracelet, 'Celestial Delight'

Karen

May 10, 2021

Beautiful Piece!

I simply love this bracelet that I purchased to go along with earrings of same shape and Talavera style. Size is just right, fits just right, being easily to slip on. So appreciate this magnificent artwork. Thank you to all the splendid, hardworking artists at Novica and thank you Novica!

Beads

Blue Beads

Blue Talavera Pottery.

Ceramic Stone Bracelet

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