Warm summer weather brings short sleeves and sun-kissed skin. It is the perfect time to accessorize your wrist. Like a perfume, a lovely bracelet or bangle makes an impression - it accentuates your movements and brings life to your conversations on long summer evenings. Here are the most popular styles explained.

Bracelet


Bracelets are typically flexible and have a clasp - they are usually made of chain links, articulated elements, or other flexible material and are worn close to the lower wrist. Because of its flexibility the bracelet is often considered the most comfortable to wear. Bracelets may be quite subtle and made of fine chains, or they can be quite bold with a large link allowing for adding charms and gems. An alternative is the articulated bracelet - like a classic diamond tennis bracelet.

Cloud bracelet by Josephine Bergsoe at DesignYard contemporary jewellery gallery dublin ireland necklace bracelet ring Emilia by Brigitte Adolph at DesignYard contemporary jewellery gallery Dublin Ireland Domed charm bracelet by Kate Smith at Designyard contemporary jewellery gallery Dublin Ireland Coral Crystal bracelet by Simon Harrison at DesignYard Contemporary Jewellery Gallery Dublin Ireland

Bangle


Bangles are typically made as a rigid shape and need to be large enough to pass over the hand in one piece. As a result they often sit lower on the hand than a bracelet. They are typically round, though oval shapes are also popular. They range from broad statement bangles, to very slim ones often worn in multiples. Wearing multiple bracelets or full charm bracelets often adds an element of sound as the bangles or charms bump off each other like a sweet chime.

kate smith silver etched gold plated solid wide bangle designyard contemporary jewellery gallery dublin ireland paul finch sterling silver blue topaz curve bangle designyard contemporary jewellery gallery dublin ireland erik urbschat sterling silver unrund bangle designyard contemporary jewellery gallery dublin ireland

Hinged Bangle


An alternative to the bangle is the hinged bangle. Made in two parts it is connected by a hinge on one side and a clasp on the opposite end, allowing it to open for donning and removing. They are often made to fit closer to the wrist than a solid bangle and often sider to accommodate the hinge and clasp.

shimara-carlow-silver gum nut wrap bangle by shimara carlow at designyard contemporary jewellery gallery dublin ireland silver and  22k yellow gold hinged by manu at designyard contemporary jewellery gallery dublin ireland maia hinged bangle black by simon harrison at designyard contemporary jewellery gallery dublin ireland eagle ray hinged bangle black by simon harrison at designyard contemporary jewellery gallery dublin ireland

Cuff Bracelet


Another popular style is the cuff bracelet - a rigid bracelet with a permanent opening at the back. The opening should be snug to the wearer's wrist to prevent it coming off. The cuff bracelet is generally oval shaped and the closer it fits to the wrist the better. Cuff bracelets are typically wide, and are sometimes worn higher up on the wrist.

Silver Volute Cuff Bracelet by Atelier Luz at Designyard contemporary jewellery gallery dublin ireland amethyst peridot cuff bangle by Stephanie Robinson at  designyard contemporary jewellery gallery dublin ireland Diamond Pearl Ruby Cuff Bracelet by Josephine Bergsoe at designyard contemporary jewellery gallery dublin ireland Silver Bordure Cuff Bracelet by brigitte adolph at designyard contemporary jewellery gallery dublin ireland

So there you have it - solid or flexible, fine or bold, there are many options to choose to create your perfect summer look. Book an appointment to view bracelets and bangles at DesignYard.
July 23, 2021 — Nicole van der Wolf