Top 4 Popular Styles For Bracelets - A Jewelry Gift Guide

When choosing a bracelet for a gift one important factor to remember is focus on taste: not your taste necessarily, but the recipient's taste. If the recipient will not wear it, it's not worth buying.

Consider size as well as style when buying for someone else. When possible measure bracelets that are currently worn by the recipient so that the right size is purchased. Many bracelets such as bangles do not come in different sizes and are sized to fit most people. The common size for American women is 7 inches in length and the American men's average size is 8 inches.

There are a number of styles available in most materials you can think of, but here's a rundown on the 4 most popular bracelet styles. They are bangles, beaded bracelets, gemstone bracelets and charm bracelets. These each vary from simple designs to intricate detail, so explore the options available before deciding on one style.

First, when buying bracelets of any style, start with material. This single choice will help determine the budget, as well as the intent of the gift-giver. Gold bracelets are a great gift and are always in season and in fashion. With yellow gold and white gold options available in most styles, the choices are as varied as the people wearing them. From simple designs to fabulous focal-points, the right piece is available to accent any attire.

Sterling silver is often a more affordable option than gold and has increased in popularity since it easily matches most outfits. These bracelets are less susceptible to simple dings and scratches than gold bracelets since they are usually a bit harder, but they are likely to tarnish and need polishing. The occasion for silver is always appropriate since it can dress up any outfit and add a classic touch to a dressy gown.

Other popular metals for bracelets include platinum and stainless steel. Both have an excellent look and durability to match. Durability is important if a bracelet is to be worn every day because the hands and arms frequently encounter objects with a considerable amount of force.

Okay, on to the most popular bracelet styles today:

Gemstone bracelets offer variety and often a splash of color. The variety of gemstones available ranges from amethyst to diamonds and all the colors of the rainbow in between with prices to match. There are bound to be bracelets in this category for any budget. Settings may include a single stone or may be a link-style bracelet of stones such as a tennis bracelet.

Beaded bracelets may be as simple as designs from childhood or intricate one-of a kind designs found at art studios. Increasingly popular one-of-a-kind beads found in high-end jewelry today are dichroic glass beads. These beads are created with a thin film of metal fused to the surface of the glass - a method originally developed by NASA for the space program.

Bangles are made from a variety of materials including metal, stone, wood, glass, and plastic. These are available as simple bands or embedded with stones and gems of varying value including diamonds. Wooden ones are often painted so that there are a variety of colors available in traditional materials as well as the plastic options.

Charm bracelets offer a chance to include a personalized touch to almost any bracelet. Most commonly found as dangle charms on chain-style bracelets these charms can range from a simple stone or engraved shape to an array of stones such as the birthstone bracelets common as gifts for mothers with a stone for each child's birthday.

Above all, remember that bracelets as gifts speak loudly. So make sure you are speaking clearly! Gold bracelets are always an elegant choice, of course. On the other hand, bangle bracelets have an air of frivolity, and may be more appropriate for bridal showers and coming-of-age gatherings. Hope this helps you on your way to choosing the right bracelet with confidence!

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