Maybe you already own the classics: think tennis bracelets or bangle bracelets. While these are some of the most recognizable and common types of bracelets, there are many, many more types of bracelets out there.
To help you round out your jewelry collection or possibly discover something brand-new, these are the 10 types of bracelets you need to know about.
What You Will Learn
10 Different Bracelet Types
Not all types of bracelets are the same or even remotely similar. Check out these 10 bracelet types.
1. Beaded Bracelets
A beaded bracelet is relatively straightforward. It’s simply a bracelet featuring a string of beads, which can be wooden beads, glass beads, plastic beads, and so on.
Beaded bracelets are also often stretch bracelets. The beads are held together on a stretchy, elastic string that you can stretch out to pull the bracelet over your hand and onto your wrist. The bracelet snaps back into place and fits snugly against your skin.
2. Cuff Bracelets
A cuff bracelet sits close to the skin and is wider or thicker, giving it the appearance of a shirt cuff. Cuff bracelets are made from various materials; they can be metal (some can have precious metals like sterling silver or rose gold) or leather bracelets.
3. Charm Bracelets
This type of bracelet has fluctuated in popularity over the years, but it’s currently undergoing another surge in interest. A charm bracelet typically features a chain bracelet base on which various charms dangle.
4. Pearl Bracelets
A pearl bracelet stands on its own because there’s nothing else like it. Whether you go with cultured pearls or all-natural Tahitian pearls, a pearl bracelet is a sophisticated and elegant fashion statement that can automatically elevate an outfit. Note that pearl jewelry of any kind requires special care.
5. Birthstone Bracelets
Birthstone bracelets are similar to charm bracelets, though the birthstones may not always be charms. They can also take the form of other decorative elements, but one design aspect is always the same. For these types, bracelets always feature a series of birthstones representative of the wearer’s loved ones.
6. Chain Bracelets
There are many different chain styles to choose from, from rope chains to curb chains to chain link bracelets. Whatever style you prefer, a chain bracelet makes a simple but stylish addition to casual and formal outfits. Chain bracelets are often the base for charm bracelets.
7. Braided Bracelets
Occasionally associated with youthful friendship bracelets, this bracelet is still noteworthy. Often made with natural materials, it offers a simplicity and charm that other bracelets just can’t replicate.
Sometimes, these individually knotted bracelets are also called sailor knot bracelets.
8. Tennis Bracelets
The aforementioned tennis bracelet exudes timeless elegance. Featuring a series of continuous, identical, diamonds, it’s a beautiful addition to evening attire for formal occasions.
9. Bangle Bracelets
This timeless classic is unique because it doesn’t have a clasp closure or any closure whatsoever. Instead, the circular shape is a solid piece meant to fit the average wrist size and stay in place after sliding over the hand. Bangle bracelets often offer movement on the wearer’s arm.
10. Slider Bracelets
A slider bracelet may feature decorative elements like a charm but always features an adjustable closure that tightens or loosens the bracelet. (Think of it working a little like a drawstring on a pair of sweatpants.)
Different Types: Bracelets and Their Clasps
Beyond different bracelet styles determined solely by bracelet designs, you can also categorize different types of bracelets based on their various clasps.
The spring ring is probably the most well-known bracelet clasp. It’s a circle with a spring-lock mechanism. You pull the spring back, allowing the ring to loop around another ring on the opposite side of the bracelet, and then let the spring go free, securing the clasp.Lobster clasps are also pretty popular. They look like lobster claws, and you simply pull a lever on the back of the clasp, opening the “claw” and allowing it to hook around the opposite side of the bracelet.
Box clasps are standard on more luxurious, high-end jewelry. They consist of two parts: a box and a tongue that slides into the box (think of a plug going into an outlet). After snapping the two parts together, the tongue locks into the box, providing a secure fit.
Other types of bracelet clasps include:
- Barrel clasps
- Bayonet clasps
- Figure 8 clasps
- Toggle clasps
- S hooks
What Type of Bracelets Are There? FAQs
What kinds of bracelets are there?
There are many different kinds of bracelets. Tennis bracelets, friendship bracelets, cuff bracelets, and bangles are some of the most popular.
Are there any bracelets traditionally worn only with formal attire?
While luxury jewelry, such as pearl or diamond jewelry, was once only thought suitable for formal attire, more and more people are using their favorite luxury pieces to dress up their casual outfits. It’s not uncommon today to see fashionable individuals wearing a diamond tennis bracelet or necklace with nice jeans and a T-shirt or a pearl necklace with a simple polo and shorts.
What are bracelets that don’t come off called?
Permanent bracelets are a trending bracelet style that is soldered onto the wearer at the time of purchase. The only way to remove a permanent bracelet is to break it or take it to a professional who can remove it.
Can you wear your bracelets all the time?
It’s advised that you remove all jewelry when sleeping, showering, or engaging in any activities that might expose the jewelry to anything other than plain water, such as cosmetics, toiletries, cleaning products, pool chemicals, sweat, etc.
How do you clean a bracelet?
It all depends on the bracelet’s material. For more, check out our full guide to cleaning jewelry at home.
Picked the Right Bracelet for Your Personal Style?
Once you have, protect it with personalized jewelry insurance, which can keep that bracelet safe in the event of damage or loss.
Need to know more? Get all the details regarding our comprehensive coverage and your quick and easy quote now.
Types of Watches FAQs
How are watches categorized?
Watches can be categorized by movement (e.g., mechanical movement, quartz movement, etc.), function, features, and intended use.
What is a watch movement?
A watch’s movement refers to its mechanical operations and what powers it. Some watches require hand winding, while others run off quartz and battery for power.
What is a watch complication?
A watch complication is a feature that isn’t solely for telling time. More basic watches might include complications for displaying the date or day, but more expensive watches may feature unique and complex complications.
What type of watch is best for a beginner?
If you’re shopping for a basic, everyday watch, a standard quartz or automatic analog watch is a good choice.
What type of watch is most expensive?
A watch will become more expensive when there are more complications or features a watch performs.
No Matter Your Preference for Watch Types, Watches Need Protection
No matter what type of watch you buy, ensure it has protection with luxury watch insurance. If your watch is ever damaged or lost, BriteCo’s comprehensive coverage can help. Learn more and get a free quote now.
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