What is the difference between BRACELETS, BANGLES, and CUFFS?
First, I must share the oldest bracelet ever found: a 40,000-year-old green chlorite arm accessory discovered alongside the remains of a Paleolithic girl in Siberia.
Researchers call it a “bracelet”, but the fragment looks more like a cuff that would have been adorned with other jewels. This leads me to describe… the difference between cuffs, bangles, and bracelets!
Photo credit of the world’s oldest bracelet: Anatoly Derevyanko and Mikhail Shunkov, Anastasia Abdulmanova
WHAT IS A BRACELET?
Broadly speaking the term “bracelet” can encompass bangles, cuffs, and beyond, but I view bracelets as adornments made with flexible components secured with a clasp or other closure. Today we often think of linked metal chains and gemstones worn on wrists, ankles, or upper arms, but there are so many ways to tie or string an endless array of materials onto our bodies!
WHAT IS A BANGLE?
Bangles are completely solid or closed forms that fit over your hand. Modern bangles often have a mechanical hinge and closure for ease and security. From bone to gemstones to wood to precious metal, our ancient ancestors LOVED a bangle stack as much as we do!
WHAT IS A CUFF?
Cuffs are a close-fitting open piece of jewelry that slides securely over your wrist or upper arm. They can be a thin or wide band of metal, stone, or other material. The design of the archaeological treasure above is as gorgeous and relevant today as it surely was for the ancient Denisovans who created it!
From glamourous to edgy to playful, shop a curation of discerning bracelets, bangles, and cuffs that address your wardrobe needs and reflect your values…
SHOP CUFFS, BANGLES, and BRACELETS FOR BOLD AND LAYERED LOOKS…
WONDER WOMAN: DEBRA NAVARRO
While Wonder Woman may rock powerful wrist cuffs, Debra’s bracelets are empowering inside and out, as each of her collections honor and celebrate our journey through life as women!
From her signature “tenda” cut that reveals the soul of her colored gemstones to the traceable, ethical diamonds that support young girls, women, and the environment, her bracelets create a positive social impact.
GOLDEN BEAUTIES: GWEN BELOTI
Our ancient ancestors have coveted open bangle bracelets and LOVED a fierce bangle stack as much as we do! Gwen’s gold stacking bracelets are a seriously chic modern interpretation of torque jewelry, adorned with diamonds at the ends. These are minimalist jewelry staples that make a golden statement.
IT’S ELEMENTAL: KRISTIN HANSON
Air! Fire! Water! Earth!
If you are drawn to the POWER of Mother Nature, Kristin Hanson’s bracelets are your (literal) elemental style staple!
From cuffs with natural gemstones to tennis bracelets with laboratory grown colored diamonds, you will be seen and taken seriously with these pieces
COLOR AND DIAMONDS ARE ALWAYS GOOD IDEAS: J FINE
Blue, pink, yellow, or colorless diamonds are ALL beautiful bangle ideas as anniversary gifts, birthday gifts, celebrating milestones, or just because! This is especially the case with J FINE, as these handmade diamond bangles are set with rare Argyle Diamonds, responsibly sourced from Australia.
The half eternity bands and the floral bangles are customizable and made to order as singles or sets starting at $4,500.
PRECIOUS AND RAW: FERAL JEWELRY
Susan is known for her wild, yet glamorous design aesthetic that is inspired by Mother Nature’s untamed beauty in unexpected ways.
On point are her Vine and Thorn bangles which are perfect for fierce and fearless women! With thorns scattered with diamonds, this statement piece can be made in silver or gold. They are even more memorable stacked together as a pair of alternating white and yellow gold.
What a gorgeous way to go FERAL!
Meet Susan and her jewelry
AVANT-GARDE STYLE: ORNELLA IANNUZZI
Ornella's avant-garde designs are inspired by nature, celebrating the natural crystallization of gemstones. This series of bracelets and bangles is both edgy and elegant!
From natural wonders below the sea to craggy mountains in far-off places, her jewelry pays homage to the idea that Nature is precious. I could not agree more!
DM me to learn more about these jewels.
SYNTHESIZING THE ANCIENT WITH THE MODERN: DUBINI JEWELLERY
Benedetta’s work celebrates and honors our shared cultural histories and mythologies through jewelry. In the case of her bracelets, she sets ancient coins into modern designs that drip with unique dynamism!
If there was ever a timeless power jewel for the boardroom, this is it!
DM me to learn more about these jewels, starting at $990.
THE BRILLIANT CONCIERGE SERVICE:
CURATED DESIGNER JEWELRY FOR YOUR WARDROBE NEEDS
Interested in a curated selection of fine jewelry for you or a gift for someone you love? I’m here for you!
As your jewelry guide, I help you acquire responsibly sourced rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets - thoughtfully designed by women. This means striving for:
• transparency in origin
• conflict-free
• supporting and protecting people, their skills, and the environment - be it land or sea.
What are the benefits of The Brilliant Concierge?
A fluid, personalized experience, presenting you with thoughtfully designed jewelry for purchase you will love. The service can be:
• Editing your current jewelry wardrobe and anticipating needs for your next purchase.
• Advising you on kinds of jewelry that fit your lifestyle and values, as well as wear and care considerations.
• Sourcing jewelry for you or a gift for someone you love, be it day-to-night stud earrings or an engagement ring.
All The Brilliants’ fine jewelry concierge is New York City based. From the Upper East Side to Park Slope, I can come to you - or we can meet virtually!