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Whether it’s made from leather or plastic, beads or metal, diamonds or gold, the bracelet has adorned the arms of civilization since the dawn of time. The term “bracelet” originates from the Latin word “brachile,” meaning “of the arm.”
Bracelets Around the World
Perhaps one of the more historically significant bracelets, the Scarab Bracelet is a recognized symbol of ancient Egypt. Representing rebirth and regeneration, carved scarabs were donned by ancient Egyptians and placed inside the linen bandages of pharaohs when they died.
In Latin America, the Azabache bracelet is recognized as a symbol which also provides protection. The gold bracelet with a black or red coral charm in the form of a fist is believed to protect the wearer from the Mal de ojo, or evil eye, which is brought about by excessive admiration. Newborn babies, especially, receive a Azabache bracelet to wear in protection against the evil eye.
Bangles are traditional bracelets worn by Pakistani and Indian women. Women wear them to denote their married status. Gold and glass bangles are especially popular with Indian women who wear one or more on each arm. Bracelets studded with semi-precious stones, diamonds and pearls are considered the most expensive.
Bracelets: Fads and Fashion
The idea of a tennis bracelet may cause some confusion. What exactly does an elegant piece of jewelry have to do with the sport? In actuality, the tennis bracelet got its name when Chris Evert, former no. 1 woman tennis player, was playing a match in the U.S. Open. Suddenly, Evert stopped the match to look for the diamond bracelet she always wore on the court, which was accidentally broken while she was playing. As Evert retrieved her bracelet, millions of onlooker at the match and on television watched the live event unfold. The incident sparked a new name for the bracelet, as well as a huge jewelry trend. Even today, tennis stars such Serena Williams and Gabriela Sabatini sport their own tennis bracelets.
Another sports star helped to spark yet another bracelet trend of his own. Lance Armstrong, record-breaking winner of the Tour de France, first wore the silicone rubber bracelet in 2004, which was called the Yellow Livestrong wristband. Launched to raise funds for cancer research for the Lance Armstrong Foundation and developed by Nike, the Livestrong wristband has raised millions of dollars and gained worldwide status.
Created from embroidery floss or thread, friendship bracelets are a version of macramé and have enjoyed popularity for decades. According to tradition, the recipient of the friendship bracelet must wear it until the cords wear and the bracelet falls off naturally. The sentiment behind the friendship bracelet is that it was made with love and hard work and should therefore be worn in such a fashion to honor the friend’s effort. Patterns of friendship bracelets vary but some of the most popular styles include the bordered chevron, broken ladder and candy stripe. Because of their versatility, friendship bracelets are worn by both genders and are especially popular with tween and teenage girls, as well as hippies and dead heads, or fans of the band Grateful Dead. The friendship bracelet is also commonly worn by surfers, who prefer thicker styles that wear longer.
Bead bracelets are among the oldest human art forms, dating back to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. Bead bracelets are also a common art form with Southwestern American Indian jewelry, often designed with a predominance of turquoise. Bead making has been practiced throughout Europe and the Middle East for centuries. One of the most popular places for bead making is Venice, or more specifically Murano Island. Murano glass beads have been produced there since the 1200s and include a variety of ancient methods, such as the seed bead, Rosetta beads and Cornaline or “white heart” beads. To achieve the brilliant colors of Murano’s famous beads, the glass maker must use extreme accuracy in the mixing of chemical compounds. Specific materials are required to create Murano’s brilliant colored beads.
Charm bracelets originated centuries ago as amulets, or good luck charms, to ward off evil or provide strength and health to the wearer. They were made of natural gems or rocks such as lapis or quartz which were believed to have supernatural powers. From Queen Victoria to young women of the World War II era, charm bracelets were worn in honor or memory of loved ones. In the 1950s, charm bracelets became a mark of society for young girls reaching puberty. With the passing of a special event, the young woman was presented with a new charm to add to her bracelet. The idea was to create the most diverse and interesting bracelet with as many different charms as possible.
The charm bracelet is no longer to be connected to just girlish pursuits. For example, the Danish-inspired charm bracelet has taken the jewelry industry by storm. These beautiful pieces of art are anchored by their modular design which allows charms to be threaded in any fashion to suit any preference or whim. Twisting slightly with the movement of wrist creates an eye-catching effect, especially as onlookers admire charms of Murano glass, sterling silver, gold, and semi-precious stones.
About the Author:
Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of
Pandora Jewelry
.
Pandora charms
, Pandora bracelets and Pandora beads are only a part of the collection. For more information, Lewis Jewelers, 2000 West Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48103, 877-88-LEWIS or visit the website.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – The Beguiling Beauty of the Charm Bracelet
how to make a friendship bracelet (chevron)
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Adjustable Embroidery Floss Friendship Bracelet $1.00 |
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Adjustable Embroidery Floss Friendship Bracelet $1.00 |
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100 Skeins Embroidery Floss … |
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Alex Toys Friends 4 Ever Bracelet Making Kit $17.85 This handy little suitcase holds hours of fun! Great for parties, rainy days, camp, scouts, and much more. Make friendship bracelets for everyone you know! Kit includes 2 styles, 8 patterns, 22 bracelets! This package contains 22 colors of floss (solids, variegated, and multi-colored), 2 double-sided color-coded foam friendship looms, 2 best double-sided color-coded foam friend band looms, beads i… |
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Klutz Friendship Bracelets Book and Kit $14.15 The ultimate resource for all your friendship bracelet creations, this kit includes ten skeins of embroidery floss, beads, a handy clip, and a built-in clipboard. It also comes with a detailed instruction book for creating many different designs. |
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Cotton Embroidery Floss 105 Skeins $14.99 Jumbo pack contains 105 colors of skeined embroidery floss. Ideal for kids crafts (friendship bracelets and other crafts) sitch projects and scrapbooking. 12 bonus floss bobbins included. |
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Friendship Bracelets Kit $27.99 The ultimate friendship bracelet book with directions for designs ranging from simple to simply amazing. The back cover doubles as a clipboard (clip included) so bracelets can be made directly besides their instructions. Comes with supplies to make at least one bracelet for each of your 12 closest friends. Comes with 10 skeins of embroidery floss beads and a plastic Klutz clip. 60 pages. |
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Cotton Embroidery Floss 36 Skeins-Spring Colors $5.99 Project included6 each of 6 colorsJanlynn floss packs contain 36 skeins great for kids’ friendship bracelets stitching crafts and great for scrapbooking. |
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Janlynn Embroidery Floss 36 pc Pack Primary $5.19 Janlynn Embroidery Floss is a brilliant six strand thread made of 100% mercerized cotton. Perfect for cross-stitch, counted thread, embroidery, needlepoint, smocking, counted bead work, crewel, creative embroidery, punch embroidery, applique, and quilting. Great for making friendship bracelets, worry dolls, shoelaces and more. Includes 36 skeins per package and 8 meters per skein. Primary- A variety of colors including Red, Blue, White, Black, Yellow, Orange, Purple, Pink and more. |
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Janlynn Embroidery Floss 36 pc Pack Variegated $5.99 Janlynn Embroidery Floss is a brilliant six strand thread made of 100% mercerized cotton. Perfect for cross-stitch, counted thread, embroidery, needlepoint, smocking, counted bead work, crewel, creative embroidery, punch embroidery, applique, and quilting. Great for making friendship bracelets, worry dolls, shoelaces and more. Includes 36 skeins per package and 8 meters per skein. Variegated- A variety of colors including Red, Yellow, Orange, Blue, Purple, Green, and more. |
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Leisure Arts-Cool Stuff Friendship Bracelets $7.49 20 pagesPaperbackOur 48 fabulous friendship bracelets are so hot — they’re cool! Just follow the simple steps to knot colorful embroidery floss. The many choices of styles colors beads and charms will make each bracelet one-of-a-kind! Fun to wear & great to share! |
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Variegated Cotton Embroidery Floss 36 Skeins $6.99 Variegated cotton embroidery floss. 36 skeins. |
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Prism Floss Jumbo Pack – 105PK/Assorted $10.99 Includes 105 per pack An attractive colorful selection of both variegated and solid value floss colors. Perfect for crafting friendship bracelets card making kids craft activities and other crafting hobbies. Value pack includes: 79 solid colors 26 variegated colors 12 cardboard bobbins and a free craft project. |
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Metallic Embroidery Floss 8.7yds-Gemstones $2.49 8.7 yds Easy to useAvailable in a variety of shades and colors Whether you’re stitching a chain or a cross a lazy daisy or a feather each stitch will look its best with this metallic embroidery floss. |
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Metallic Embroidery Floss 8.7yds-Amethyst $2.49 8.7 yds Easy to useAvailable in a variety of shades and colors Whether you’re stitching a chain or a cross a lazy daisy or a feather each stitch will look its best with this metallic embroidery floss. |