What Is The Difference Between A Bangle And A Bracelet?
Do you know the difference between a bangle and a bracelet? if you’re like a lot of people, you probably use the terms interchangeably. In most cases, it doesn’t really matter. For instance, if you refer to your accessory as a gold bangle bracelet, or ask someone in the shop where you can find the bangle bracelets, everyone will know what you mean. However, if using the proper terminology is important to you, you should note that this terminology is incorrect. Bracelets and bangles are different not only in their style but also in their history.
Accessories worn upon the wrist and arms have been around for centuries. As early as 2600 BC, women have been wearing bangles in weddings and other cultural ceremonies, often in stacked combinations. In some cultures, bangles were given as gifts of protection when babies were born. The word bangle is from the Hindi bangri, meaning ring shaped anklet. The earliest bangles were made of materials like bronze, copper, and shells, while today they’re often made from gold silver and platinum on the high end, and glass plastic or rubber on the cheaper side. In Southeast Asia particularly India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, bangles are used as traditional pieces and typically made of solid gold.
Bracelets date back even further than bangles, to about 5000BC. From the French brachialle, which means armlet, bracelets are more flexible than bangles. and while bangles are typically one solid piece, bracelets are draped around the wrist and closed with a clasp. Early bracelets were made of grass shells and thin tree limbs, and later precious metals. In Ancient Egypt, the scarab bracelet represented rebirth and regeneration, and it’s one of the most recognizable symbols from that culture. Typically, bracelets have a row of beads, chain links, threads or hinged pieces, clasped into a circle by pieces of each end.
Today you’ll find a near endless option of both bangles and bracelets. They can be casual or elegant, designed for everyday wear, or reserved for special occasions. Both bracelets and bangles can be delicate or chunky, unembellished or adorned with gems, intricate designs, or even charms. For those with large hands and small wrists, there are even bangles that clasp and feature a hinge rather than one smooth circle.
No matter what kind of bracelets or bangle bracelets you want, make sure to check out DazzleMe.com. The online jewelry store of Home Consignment Center, DazzleMe.com was created to cater to the needs of men and women looking for the world’s best jewelry. With about 70 percent brand-new, on-trend fine jewelry consigned from designers and manufacturers and 30 percent vintage and pre-owned pieces, we’ve got something for everyone. Our unique online jewelry store is the perfect place to find everything from antique to ultra-modern jewelry, with thousands of high-end designer pieces available and new items arriving daily. When you’re on the hunt for beautiful, one-of-a-kind jewelry, you owe it to yourself to start your treasure hunt at DazzleMe.com. Contact us with any questions or concerns, check out the wealth of information on our site, or feel free to just start shopping!
