For best prices and early deliveries, WhatsApp us at. 918488070070
Silver Bangles
A bangle is a circular ring of metal worn around the wrist. It can either be a solid round cylindrical bangle without an opening, a thin open bangle with or without a clasp, or a cuff bangle that is thick and broad with an opening. The timeless allure of this iconic accessory celebrates tradition with expert artistry and versatility with cutting-edge technologies. While silver bangles symbolise purity, status, and eternal love, they are deeply rooted in the history of silver jewellery, which spans thousands of years and diverse cultures. Silver was one of seven metals known to the ancient world. Its history dates back to 5000 BC, when miners from the Greek and Turkish areas accidentally discovered silver while mining for copper. Silver was used in trade and crafted into jewellery for a few distinguished members of the ruling classes. Later, in the Predynastic Period (ca. 4400–3100 B.C.)., silver was used in jewellery for a few distinguished members of the ruling classes. Egyptians carved cult objects and body ornaments from silver. Silver bangles and silver amulets with complex patterns were for kings, queens and wealthy pharaohs. The Egyptians wore silver body ornaments to protect them from evil. Silver imported from Anatolia, Iran, or Armenia was also used in the Mesopotamian area since the third millennium B.C.E. By 100 AD, the elite Spanish and Romans started to use silver as a symbol of wealth and status. They believed wearing silver bangles had healing powers and could alleviate pain and promote overall well-being. Few distinguished warriors wore silver cuffs to signify great bravery in battle. From 1500 to 1600 AD, with the advent of the opulent Renaissance era, silver bangles saw Biblical themes incorporated into the design. During that period, it was common for ornate silver bangles to be designed by a painter, cast and shaped by the silversmith, engraved and enamelled by the enameller and set with gemstones by the setter. From Italy to France, Germany and England, Renaissance-style silver bangles were finding their way. Also, silver bangles saw Mannerist and Gothic art styles. During the Victorian era, silver, gold, copper and steel bangles were usually engraved with flower and leaf patterns. Some even had garnets and turquoise decorations. This era saw a rise in silver jewellery across Europe and the Americas. Then, with the arrival of the Industrial Revolution, silver bangles produced en masse became accessible and affordable across societies. By the turn of the 21st century, jewellery designers worldwide were introducing a range of innovative designs in different bangle sizes, styles and prices. Today, toddlers to grown-ups are wearing silver bangles. In India, silver bangles or kangans are as old as the Indus Valley Civilisation. The dancing girl statue with her left arm entirely covered with bangles was found in the Mohenjo Daro, confirming that women have worn bangles since 2600 BC. Subsequently, several women from tribes like Dangee in Rajasthan, Bhutia in Sikkim, and Paharis in Himachal wore stacks of silver bangles to shield them from evil spirits and for aesthetic value.
Diving into the Design
Traditional and modern silver bangles differ in terms of design style, motifs, craftsmanship technique, and wearability. Traditional silver bangles are classics that capture the spirit of the past. Their designs have unmatched engravings and filigree work, with detailed patterns, religious symbols, and motifs displaying the characteristics of a bygone era. Exactly opposite are modern silver bangle designs that celebrate global trends and technical innovations. Modern silver bangle designs are minimalist, with cleaner lines and geometric shapes.
Silver bangles use different motifs in their design, such as flowers and leaves to symbolise nature, animal motifs to represent strength and religious symbols to represent faith. Likewise, modern silver bangles use nouveau art-inspired motifs, geometric shapes and stylised flora and fauna. Quality is another key differentiator when you compare traditional and modern silver bangles. Traditional silver bangles are hand-crafted with meticulous attention to detail using age-old techniques like repoussé, chasing and engraving, passed down generations. On the other hand, modern silver bangles can be hand-crafted or machine-made. They focus on accuracy, innovative designs and techniques, including 3D printing, laser cutting and electroforming.
In terms of usage and wearability, while traditional silver bangles are for special occasions like weddings, festivals, or cultural and religious ceremonies, modern silver bangles are more for everyday wear. Traditional and modern silver bangles can beautifully reflect their respective times with your style and taste.
While buying a silver bangle, consider not just the above differences but the common key elements that apply to silver jewelry in general. For example, silver bangles can be made from either Argentium Sterling silver (960 fineness - 96% silver and 4% other metals like copper or alloy), Britannia Silver (958 fineness), Sterling silver (925 fineness), or Scandinavian Silver (830 fineness). Secondly, silver bangles may contain other materials like semi-precious gems, pearls and enamels. They may also come in shapes like circular or oval, widths like slim or chunky and finishes like shiny or oxidised. Finally, silver bangles are hypoallergenic and unlikely to cause any allergy or reaction on the skin, making them suitable for everyone.
Occasions
Silver bangles are versatile accessories suitable for a wide range of occasions. Daily wear silver bangles are more minimalist and can be worn for low-key occasions. High-polish, slim silver bangles can add a touch of elegance or Boho chic to daily outfits. On the other hand, you can wear intricately designed Zircon silver bangles to weddings, gemstone-studded bangles to parties and social gatherings and silver bangles with symbols like Om to religious ceremonies or temple visits.
Silver bangles are the perfect accessory to wear at festivals like Diwali, Eid, and Christmas. You can also stack silver bangles when attending cultural celebrations and events like the Durga Puja, Bharatnatyam Arangetram, or the Hornbill Festival of Nagaland. Styled correctly, these silver bangles can complete the ethnic look and elevate your style.
Many men and women wear a silver bangle called Chandi ka Kada to alleviate planetary doshas associated with Venus and moon and to invoke blessings from Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. A chandi ka kada can also help during meditation or yoga practices as it helps to reduce anger and increase mental peace and positive energy. The auspicious silver bangle is often associated with healing and protection, making it highly suitable for holistic and wellness activities. In India, silver bangles are also gifted to a newborn girl as it is said to attract wealth throughout her life.
From day wear to night wear, silver bangles can see you through every occasion. They are also the perfect travelling companion as they are versatile. So, make a fashion statement with your silver bangles on every occasion, from everyday activities to special celebrations.
How to Style a Silver Bangles
Whether you are wearing a stack of deco drama bangles or a single silver bangle, you must know how to style silver bangles. The right styling can elevate your look with any outfit, Indian or Western. To begin, get a few rings, a pair of earrings, and a pendant chain in silver for an all-silver look. It is easy to achieve and appears well-coordinated when worn together. You can even opt for a silver set and build from there on.
If you are trying to achieve a bold look for a formal occasion, wear a broad silver cuff bangle or an ornate gem-studded kada as a statement piece. Eye-catching silver bangle designs look attractive when worn with a plain black dress or on a plain navy silk corset. Keep other accessories minimal so they don't steal the limelight from the silver bangle.
You can also pair a silver bangle or bracelet alongside a wristwatch. Opt for a smooth-finish silver bangle to minimize scratches on the watch. Another trend is to mix silver bangles with gold ones for a mixed-metal look. This adds a new dimension and interest to the silver bangles.