According to archaeologists, the oldest bracelet, made of obsidian, was found in Turkey and dates back to 7,500 BC. Since then, it has been discovered on Egyptian mummies and deeply buried under snow in Russia. Bracelets were a part of Sumerian, Minoan, Mycenaean, Roman, and Viking cultures. They were also a part of the Mohenjo-Daro Civilization of ancient Asia where bracelets were made from terracotta and copper.

But bracelets became a highly prized and fashionable accessory for women only in the 17th century under the rule of the Mughal Empire. Mughal Emperors being patrons of arts developed distinct styles of gold bracelets such as Kundan bracelets, Meenakari bracelets, Polki bracelets and Jadau bracelets. By the 21st century, gold, platinum, silver and alloy bracelets became a household name. This is a glimpse into the rich history of bracelets and how they have evolved over time.

The making of a bracelet begins with the design concept or sketch. The designer prepares a bracelet design on paper or in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software. Once the design is finalised, it is sent for manufacturing. The bracelet is manufactured in a factory or hand-made by kaarigars in local workshops. It typically involves selecting the metal alloys, preparing a wax model, casting, burnout, pouring, and cooling.

Once the mould is allowed to cool and the ceramic shell is broken, you get the bracelet. The bracelet may be in a single piece or more. Each piece is cleaned, with the sprues cut off, and then sent for polishing to remove any surface imperfections and achieve a high-gloss finish. After this, the gemstones are set in the bracelet to complete it. Finally, soldering, polishing, electroplating, etc., are done before the final inspection. The bracelet is then hallmarked, priced, and ready for sale.

Bracelet styles have evolved significantly from ancient times to the modern day. From cultural to technological and social status to fashion, they have embraced change, keeping up with the times. Primitive humans first wore bracelets made from bones, shells, and stones. They showcased one’s winnings in hunts, affiliation to a tribe, and even social standing. But as settlements and civilisations formed, jewellery became more prominent. In the Neolithic period (circa 8000 BCE), copper beads were used in the ancient Middle East to make bracelets. By 4000 BCE in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, bracelets were crafted from newly discovered gold. Then, in the Early Bronze Age, silver bracelets associated with wealth and social status became a part of jewellery collections.

It was only after the 16th century that the interest in jewellery using precious metals like platinum, gold, silver, and gemstones developed across Europe, the Indian sub-continent, and the Americas. At this time, bracelets slowly fell out of fashion among men but continued to be worn by women. Further, in the Renaissance Period, up to the 19th century, bracelets became more personal, often featuring lockets, cameos, and engraved messages.

It was in the Mid-Century Modern times between the 1940s-1960s that bracelets began to reflect modern aesthetics and minimalism. Bracelets are crafted in various styles such as simple silver bracelets and elaborate diamond-studded bracelets, symbolic heirloom bracelets and daily-wear bracelets. Also, there are sustainable and tech bracelets for men and women. With bracelets available in every style, aesthetic, different metals, several tones, and a wide price range, they have truly evolved to mark a place in the history of modern jewellery. Bracelets hold significance not just as ornaments, but also as symbols of culture, individuality, status, love, and personal milestones.