Introducing The Most Popular Types of Bracelets You Need To Know

Here’s a list of eleven popular types of bracelets you can make.

The word “bracelet” is an umbrella term for any category of ornamental jewelry worn on the arm or wrist.

There are many amazing styles you can make and in this post, I’m going to outline what’s so unique about each one.

11 Popular Types of Bracelets

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1. Chain Bracelet

Chain bracelets are made of… well, chain. They’re composed of a series of links that can be various sizes or styles.

These are some of the simplest types of bracelets to make. All you need to do is select a piece of chain — silver, gold or any other type of material — and attach one of these types of jewelry clasps to it.

Having a closure attached makes it quick and easy to put on or remove the bracelet.

2. Tennis Bracelet

A tennis bracelet is a classic and very elegant chain bracelet. It’s made of many small gemstone beads — diamonds are commonly used — linked together in a narrow chain.

Tennis bracelet is a very peculiar name for a piece of jewelry. So, where did this strange name come from?

According to Jewelry Shopping Guide, tennis player, Chris Evert, wore a diamond bracelet while playing in her 1978 game. During the match, she noticed her bracelet had fallen off and shouted, “I’ve dropped my tennis bracelet.”

She found the bracelet, but afterwards, requests for tennis bracelets overwhelmed jewelers. The diamond line bracelet has been called that ever since.

Funny how names come about, isn’t it?

Because of the more upscale components in this type of jewelry, these bracelets tend to be pretty expensive. You could mimic this style of jewelry for a much cheaper price by using rhinestone chain to DIY one for yourself.

3. Charm Bracelet

A charm bracelet is a piece of jewelry that you attach decorative ornaments, a.k.a charms, to.

Thousands of years ago, people made charms out of wood, bones or clay. They may have been worn to ward off evil spirits or bad luck. Over time, people used these charms to denote family origin, political or religious views, sentimental life events or just to represent various fashion trends.

Whatever your reason for wearing this type of bracelet, they’re beautiful and easy to create. Charms can either dangle from the bracelet or you can slide them onto the bracelet itself. One of the most popular examples of the latter is probably Pandora.

4. Bangle

A bangle is a rigid bracelet without an opening or clasp. To put it on, you must slide it over your hand. This means it typically has a loose fit.

A bangle can be chunky, in which case, it may be worn individually as a statement piece, or it may be a thin style. Either way, you can stack multiple bangles for a fun, unique look.

5. Cuff Bracelet

Cuffs are commonly made of metal or other materials that hold their shape. They don’t have clasps but they do have an opening so they can be slid over the wrist.

You can adjust the opening of the cuff by pulling it or squeezing it. However, you should avoid doing this as it can alter the shape of the cuff. You also risk weakening the metal over time, if adjusted frequently. Additionally, if your cuff has stones embedded in it, opening and closing it could cause the stones to loosen and fall out.

It’s best to determine your bracelet size and get a cuff that will fit well from the beginning.

6. Beaded Bracelet

Beaded bracelets range from simple strung jewelry to beautiful stitched pieces. Beads are made of a wide array of materials including glass, plastic and metal.

It’s easy to customize the color and style of bracelet you prefer. You can also add a clasp or make them without e.g. stretchy bracelets.

7. Friendship Bracelet

These decorative and, usually colorful, bracelets are popular especially among children and young adults.

Friendship bracelets gained popularity during the ’70s. They are commonly woven or braided using some type of cord e.g. yarn and are given as a symbol of friendship, hence their name.

8. Multi-Strand Bracelet

A multi-strand bracelet is made up of two or more rows of decorative material attached at a minimum of one point such as the clasp.

They can be made of multiple strands of the same material or different ones. For example, you might create a bracelet with a strand of beads and a piece of leather cord or you might make one that has several strands of beads linked together. The world’s your oyster here.

9. Macramé Bracelet

While these cord bracelets can look understated, it takes a bit of practice to make them. You’ll first need to learn how to use different knots and weaving techniques to create them.

You can incorporate beads and various colors for a personalized design and add a slider knot that allows the wearer to adjust the bracelet to fit them.

10. Wrap Bracelet

A wrap bracelet is one long length of material that’s wound around the wearer’s wrist two or more times. It looks like stacked bracelets and can add a stylish flair to an outfit.

These bracelets can be beaded, made of leather or macramé. They are suitable for both men and women.

Check out 7 Top Things You Need To Know About Handmade Jewelry For Men.

11. Memory Wire Bracelet

A memory wire bracelet has got to be the simplest DIY bracelet project you could make. The wire already comes in sizes that are perfect for bracelet-making.

All you need to do is cut a piece of bracelet memory wire, which is a coil of extremely hard wire that holds its shape. Make sure to use a memory wire cutter to do this as it will damage a regular cutter.

Add beads. Coil the ends of the wire using a round nose pliers or glue on memory wire end caps to hold the beads in place. Voilà! You’ve made a bracelet.

These various types of bracelets are incredibly popular. You may have been familiar with several of them already.