Bracelet

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Origin

Although the term "armlet" may be technically similar, it is taken to mean an item that sits on the upper arm: an arm ring. The origin of the term 'bracelet' is from the Latin 'brachile' meaning 'of the arm', via the Old French 'barcel'.

Cultural significance

The history of Egyptian bracelets is as old as 5000 BC. Starting with materials like bones, stones and woods to serve religious and spiritual interests. From the National Geographic Society, the Scarab Bracelet is one of the most recognized symbols of ancient Egypt. The scarab represented rebirth and regeneration. Carved scarabs were worn as jewelry and wrapped into the linen bandages of mummies. Myth told of the scarab god, Khepri, pushing the sun across the sky. In Latin America, Azabache Bracelets are worn to protect against the Mal de ojo, or evil eye. The evil eye is believed to result of excessive admiration or envious looks by others. Having newborn babies wear an azabache (a gold bracelet or necklace with a black or red coral charm in the form of a fist), is believed to protect them from the evil eye. [ [http://www.flickr.com/photos/jferrer/374886821/ 04_Con_los_ojos_bien_abiertos sur Flickr : partage de photos ! ] ]

In Bulgaria there is a tradition called Martenitsa which sometimes involves a red and white string around the wrist to please Baba Marta to make spring come sooner.

In some parts of India, the number and type of bangles worn by a woman denotes her marital status. [ [http://www.flickr.com/photos/18956657@N00/467865014/ IMG_2801 sur Flickr : partage de photos ! ] ]

Taken in the plural, bracelets is often used as slang for handcuffs.

Types of bracelets

ports bracelets

The use of colored silicone rubber as a material for producing sports bracelets was popularized by Nike and Lance Armstrong through the Yellow Livestrong wristband in May 2004. Their success has led to the silicone bracelet becoming a low cost tool for various awareness, information, and charity campaigns. This can be likened to the use of awareness ribbons for similar purposes. These bracelets are also known as 'baller id bands', 'wristbands' or 'baller bands'. clr

The in-line thin diamond bracelet that features a symmetrical pattern of diamonds is called a tennis bracelet. According to [http://diamondbug.blogspot.com/2005/06/bling-tennis-and-wimbledon.html Diamond Bug] , in 1987 Chris Evert, the former World No. 1 woman tennis player and the winner of 18 Grand Slam singles titles, was playing in the U.S. Open. She was wearing an elegant, light in-line diamond bracelet,made by jeweler to the stars George Bedewi which accidentally broke and the match was interrupted to allow Chris to recover her precious diamonds. The 'tennis bracelet' incident sparked a new name for the item and sparked a huge jewelry trend. Tennis bracelets continued to be worn by various tennis stars like Serena Williams and Gabriela Sabatini.clr

Charm bracelet

A charm bracelet is an item of jewelry worn around the wrist. It carries personal charms: decorative pendants or trinkets which are signifiers of important things in the wearer's life. In recent history, Italian charm bracelets have become trendy. While traditional charms dangle, Italian charms feature individual pieces soldered flat onto the surface of the link. There are even some kinds of bracelets that are said to make dreams come true, depending the color of the charms and beads.

Bangles

Bracelets that are in solid form, usually some metal, are referred to as "bangles" or "bangle bracelets". They can be smooth, textured or set with stones. In India, glass bangles are common. Made from ordinary glass that is about 1/4 - 1/8 inch in width, they are worn in groups so that arm movement causes them to make a pleasant sound rather like the clinking of wind chimes.

lap bracelets

In the early 1980s, "slap bracelets" -- flat, felt-covered metal strips that curved around one's wrist when gently hit against it -- were a popular fad.

Beaded bracelet

Bracelets made from beads are fairly common in Southwestern American Indian Jewelry lore. They are often multi-colored however frequently have a predominance of turquoise.

Link bracelets

Bracelets made from connecting or linking various or similar components or jewelry findings. Link bracelets can be made of a variety of materials included metals and gemstones.

BraceCuffs

BraceCuffs are made with various items depending on its design. The term bracecuffs are used by accessory designer, Marge and it literally taken from the handcuffs used by law enforcement officers.

ee also

*Bangle
*Brace (armor)
*Friendship bracelet
*Charm bracelet
*Sex bracelet
*Italian charm bracelet
*Manillas
*Necklace
*Spike band
*Torc
*Wristband

References