For best prices and early deliveries, WhatsApp us at. 918488070070
Silver Bracelets
After neck ornaments, wrist, arm, and ankle bracelets are the oldest known jewellery. Archaeologists have dated the earliest obsidian bracelet found in Turkey to 7500 BC. Around 5000 BCE, people began to wear silver bracelets in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and China. The meaning of silver jewellery has historically been symbolic, representing protection, status, and spirituality. The silver scarab bracelet, less common than gold, was a decorative accessory used for special occasions by Egyptian royalty. The silver scarab bracelets sometimes featured carved hieroglyphic inscriptions on their flat underside containing names, titles, or protective spells. They even placed these hinged silver bracelets in tombs along with the deceased to protect and guide them in the afterlife. During the First Dynasty (2680 B.C.) and New Kingdom (1558–1085 B.C.), Egyptians wore inlaid bracelets made of silver and decorated with turquoise and other semi-precious stones. In the Celtic period, men wore serpent-shaped iron bracelets with other armlets to protect themselves from sword attacks. The ancient Greek and Roman soldiers also wore metal cuffs on their upper and lower arms. But the silver bracelet was reserved for those who won battles, bringing back plundered wealth and glory to the kingdom. These bracelets had elaborate loop-in-loop chains or coiled spirals in the form of interlocking snakes. The Etruscans then created bracelets with separate, hinged panels, a style popular to date. Also, plaited silver bracelets and intertwined strands of silver wire started to gain popularity in bracelet styles. The history of silver jewellery showcases how bracelets were worn by men and women until the Middle Ages when they became an accessory worn mainly by women. By 100 AD, the elite Spanish and Roman women wore silver bracelets to symbolise wealth and status. They believed silver had healing powers and promoted overall well-being. Some silver bracelets were simple oval bands; others featured repousse, filigree work, and gemstone embellishments. Silver bracelets re-emerged as a fashionable accessory during the Renaissance period spanning the 14th to 17th centuries. Silver chain bracelets adorned with gemstones and pearls were popular among the wealthy. Silver charm bracelets, silver Cameo bracelets, silver locket bracelets, silver repousse bracelets, and silver enamel bracelets found their way into the jewellery boxes of noble ladies. However, it was not until the Victorian era that silver bracelets became more affordable and accessible. With the discovery of several silver mines worldwide, everyone from the Americans to the English, French, Dutch, and Indians began to wear silver bracelets studded with diamonds and other gemstones. Silver bracelets were revolutionised during the Industrial Revolution (late 18th to mid-19th century). Mass production, trade, urbanisation, and economic growth ensured silver bracelets were for anyone who would like to adorn their wrist with a fine ornament. In the 1950s, women and girls adored charm bracelets made of sterling silver. Today, silver has become the most common material for bracelets. Silver bracelets have played a prominent role in India, interwoven with the country’s rich culture. The people of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa wore jewellery crafted by skilled metal smiths. During the Maurya and Gupta empires, silver bracelets with granulation and gemstone settings adorned men and women. However, it was only in the Mughal Empire that silver bracelets became more sophisticated, gaining attention among the nobility. Mughal rulers in Delhi courts and Rajput and Maratha kings and queens wore silver bracelets with colourful Meenakari work, precious stones, and Islamic motifs. Later, during British rule, while tribal women continued to wear traditional silver bracelets, urban women began to adopt bracelets inspired by Western designs. Since then, Indian silversmiths, designers, manufacturers, and exporters have never looked back. They have continued to create artisanal silver bracelets inspired by tradition and silver bracelets with contemporary design sensibilities.
Diving into the Design
The word bracelet comes from the Latin word brachial, meaning ‘of the arm’. With silver bracelets being around for centuries, there is a marked difference in design, material, methods, motifs, and cultural significance of traditional and modern bracelets. Traditional silver bracelets were worn by both men and women. Earlier, warriors were gifted silver bracelets to show appreciation for their valour. Today, only a few tribal men still sport traditional silver bracelets, while most women wear beautiful modern silver bracelets as a style statement. Moreover, while traditional silver bracelets feature handcrafted detailed designs, cultural and religious symbols, and precious and semi-precious stones, modern silver bracelets mass-produced have abstract and geometric designs.
Traditional silver bracelets typically use silver, which is almost one hundred percent pure because it is more malleable and easy to decorate with granulation, repousse, and engraving work. Silversmiths use these age-old techniques passed down through generations. They craft unique silver bracelets using minimal alloys like copper. In contrast, modern bracelets use more durable sterling silver (92.5% silver and 7.5% alloy made from silicon, aluminium, zinc, cadmium, indium, tin, lead, nickel, or copper). They even use more machines and tools for mass production, like 3D printers and laser cutting.
Silver bracelets often feature a variety of motifs inspired by the culture and artistry of their times. Traditional silver bracelets had flowers, leaves, animal figurines, tribal patterns, mythology, and symbols representing Gods and Goddesses. Modern silver bracelets have minimalist geometric shapes and abstract motifs with clean lines. Some modern silver bracelets may contain hearts, names, and birthstones for a more personal feel.
Traditional bracelets are usually worn at religious ceremonies and rituals. They even adorn the idols of Gods and Goddesses. Traditional silver bracelets with their engraved symbols and motifs hold deep cultural meaning. They also symbolise prosperity and purity and may become cherished heirloom pieces. On the other hand, modern silver bracelets lay less emphasis on cultural aspects, follow global fashion trends, and incorporate innovative techniques.
Today, while traditional silver bracelets honour India’s rich past, modern silver bracelets are more about trends and brands. Traditional bracelets are more suitable for special occasions, whereas modern silver bracelets are designed for everyday wear and versatility. Besides the defining differences, silver bracelets and indeed all silver jewelry have a few common elements, such as silver content, charms, gemstones, links and chains, clasps and closures, and engravings and etchings, that contribute to the bracelet's aesthetic value and functionality.
Occasions
A silver bracelet is a versatile accessory worn daily or on special occasions. A traditional heirloom silver bracelet is perfect for your big day as it enhances the bridal outfit. Even relatives and guests attending an Indian wedding wear silver bracelets. Unique handcrafted traditional silver bracelets, when coordinated with other ethnic jewellery, can complete the wedding look.
High-polished silver bracelets with colourless Zircons complement evening gowns, formal dresses, and professional suits. Wear them to formal events to add a touch of sophistication and make heads turn. You can also wear silver bracelets with subtle designs to work. And, if you like simple, minimalistic silver bracelets, wear them every day or for casual outings with friends.
You can even wear silver bracelets at festivals, religious ceremonies, or while visiting the temple on an auspicious day. Silver bracelets feature traditional or religious motifs like Om, Ganpati, or the cross, which help to complete the traditional look. Likewise, since silver has healing properties, you can wear a silver bracelet while doing yoga or meditating.
Silver bracelets are the perfect accessory for destination weddings, cruise parties, and vacations. By choosing the appropriate style and design in a silver bracelet, you’re sure to look elegant everywhere you go. Style a traditional or modern silver bracelet to resonate with the occasion and your style.
How to Style a Silver Bracelets
When styling silver bracelets, always consider the occasion, the outfit, and the overall look you want to achieve. Depending on the occasion, you can go bold or minimalist. For example, wear ornate bracelets with Meenakari work and embed gemstones at weddings, cultural parties, and festivals. They add a desi dimension and reflect the spirit of the event. Wear a stiff oval bracelet with a link-chain charm bracelet or a zircon tennis bracelet next to your analogue wristwatch. You can even stack a few silver bracelets of varying styles, textures, widths, and finishes for a boho look.
Next, pay attention to accessories like rings, earrings, and pendants to complement the silver bracelet. Either stick to one metal or mix metals like silver and rose gold for a contemporary look. In the end, you must achieve a cohesive look. On the other hand, if you own an heirloom piece or a statement piece, keep other jewellery minimal so that everyone’s eyes are drawn to your bracelet.
Finally, when you style silver bracelets, focus on fine details like mixing, matching, stacking, texture, and fall or fit of the bracelets. Silver bracelets have evolved from being worn as a symbol of strength and status to a symbol of style and sophistication. There are different types of silver bracelets, such as silver chain bracelets, openable bangle bracelets, tennis bracelets, charm bracelets, cuff bracelets, birthstone bracelets, bar bracelets, wrap bracelets, and slider bracelets. Amongst hundreds of silver bracelet designs, traditional or modern, you can be assured to find one that emulsifies into your fashion sense and reflects you!