How to choose the right bracelet without a fashion faux pas

Bracelets are now an integral part of our everyday outfit. They come in several sizes and colors, and can be found in just about every material in the world. But how do you choose the right bracelet when there are so many options? We’ll explain everything! But first, a little history.

Contents:

• The bracelet: where do these rings come from
• Making the right choices to enhance your wrist
• Choosing your bracelet according to your wrist size
• A suitable piece of jewelry for every occasion
• A rule of utmost importance: have fun

The bracelet: where do these rings come from

Because while delicate, precious chains, stone-set cuffs and engraved bangles have become essentials in our collections today, they have not always had the sole purpose of enhancing our wrists.

Ancient treasures, bracelets were among the first items worn by humankind more than two million years ago. At that time, people were not yet aware of their metallurgical abilities or their goldsmithing skills, and the main accessories were made from bone, bark, or leather. These were worn more for their practical functions than for their aesthetic appeal.

Mothers wore rings around their arms or wrists so that little ones could tell them apart. They also served as toys for children. Soldiers and knights wore rings or bracelets bearing the likeness of their lords, to show their allegiance and loyalty.

Other cultures used them to display a certain religious belief : even today, the ID bracelet is a symbolic and precious gift often given at a christening.

Over time, the bracelet has continued to evolve to become what it is today. A body adornment that completes a collection of rings, necklaces, earrings and other jewellery. Nowadays, made from precious metals, delicate alloys and gemstones, it can also be worn around the ankle, as a silver chain, a shell in summer or braided cotton threads—perfect for adding a little bohemian touch to colourful summer outfits.

Still, for many of us, it can be more than just a fashion accessory, as we generally attach great value to our jewellery. This is the case with the famous Brazilian bracelets, for which we had also written a tutorial article so you could weave one yourself.

These are known to bring good luck, so we love wearing them as much for the purpose we give them as for their aesthetic appeal. When I say “we,” I’m mostly talking about women, but don’t think men are immune to them. Many gentlemen adorn themselves with beautiful leather or steel bracelets, and don’t think they compromise on their masculinity, quite the opposite! Some wear them with cultured pearls from elsewhere, while others prefer watch bracelets; there is something for everyone.

Making the right choices to enhance your wrist

Jewelry and fine jewelry, it’s a bit like fashion. While our desires and crushes are the main drivers of our choices, there are nevertheless certain characteristics that can help us make the right ones.

Whatever your body shape, there will definitely be a type of bracelet that will enhance your wrist. To choose it well, the first step is to know your wrist circumference; it may seem obvious, but do you know yours?

It’s a question we rarely ask ourselves when choosing: we pick what catches our eye, what satisfies our impulse of the moment. How many bracelets are piled up in your bathroom, waiting for the day you decide to wear them?

Choosing your bracelet according to your wrist size

Ladies, if you have a curvier figure, opt for bold bangle-style bracelets or cuffs, drawing attention to your soft, beautifully manicured hands. You can also wear delicate bracelets, but they will be less noticeable; in this particular case, layering different sizes can be a very smart choice—a 100% on-trend look!

If you are petite and slender with very small, delicate wrists, large cuffs may not flatter you and could make your silhouette look shorter. Let’s be honest, nobody wants a squashed-looking silhouette! In that case, delicate little chains are your friends. Bangles, too, in reasonable widths, may suit you. It’s up to you to play with materials and colors to create a killer look.

A suitable piece of jewelry for every occasion

This criterion comes up regularly when talking about choosing jewelry, and bracelets are no exception. The event you are attending will often determine the jewelry you wear.

If you are the CEO of a large company and have a very important business meeting and many investors to meet, not sure your unicorn bracelet will make the best impression (you never know, it could make all the difference). A delicate gold or silver chain, depending on your skin tone, will probably be better suited to this type of date.

This is true in many situations. A beach picnic with friends? You’ll probably avoid wearing the beautiful topaz-set bangle gifted by your husband, but pretty colourful beaded bracelets can look stunning on sun-kissed skin.

A rule of utmost importance: have fun

Once again, the trend is all about mixing. Don’t be afraid to pair white gold bangles and a silver chain on the same wrist as your quartz watch.

Also dare to pair beautiful costume jewelry with more luxurious accessories, the aim always being to find a certain harmony in what might look like disorder. A bit like deliberately tousled hairstyles, they look incredibly simple even though every detail has been carefully crafted. We’ll grant you that jewelry, is a true art form, and our jewelers certainly won’t say otherwise.

All these rules are not obligations, just tips to help you choose. Yellow gold, rose gold, sterling silver or white gold, diamond, cord, pearl, crystal, leather, … The possibilities are so vast that it would be a shame to hold yourself back. Try, mix and match, have fun, and listen to yourself—it is always the best way to know what suits us and what doesn’t.

We hope these few tips for choosing your bracelets will be useful, and if you are looking for ways to neatly store your jewelry collections, you have come to the right place! At Maison Scarlett, there is everything you need to help you organize and preserve your treasures.