A Brief Bracelet History
Imagine a ring, but much larger, further up on the arm, just above the hand. What’s that? YES! A bracelet! That’s what we’re talking about today Welcome back to the Lonnie’s Jewelry blog, where we usually spend a lot of time discussing diamonds. This time we wanted to look at one of the ways diamonds, or other precious stones, are set and that’s as bracelets.
Bracelets are worn about the lower arm, above the hand but below the elbow. That might seem a silyl distinction to make but if it is worn about the upper arm that is technically an armlet or arm ring. Those have a specific connotation in history and so we are focusing on bracelet, from the Greek ‘brachile,’ meaning ‘of the arm’ by way of the Old French word ‘bracel.’ We’re learning so much already!
Bracelets have an ancient history as jewelry, as mankind has been decorating our bodies with all types for thousands of years. One of the earliest examples of a bracelet was discovered by Russian archaeologists who found a bracelet dated back to roughly 40,000 years ago! Egyptians wore them as early as 5000 BCE, beginning with materials like bones, stones, and wood, possibly for spiritual or religious reasons. One of their most recognized symbols of ancient Egypt is the Scarab bracelet!
Bracelet Trivia
- Multiple cultures have a tradition involving red bracelets. In Judaism the scarlet string protects from the evil eye, while in Latin America, Azabache bracelets serve a similar purpose but with red coral charms.
- In some regions of India, the type and number of bracelets worn by a woman shows her marital status.
- Wearing a bracelet is one of the mandatory Five Virtues in Sikhism.
This has been a very brief history of the bracelet, as well as some fun trivia. Bracelets are a popular accessory for men and women, with so many distinctive styles there is bound to be a perfect one for you.
