Arm Candy Makes a Big Comeback

The bracelet has been this year's biggest comeback kid in the world of jewelry. From bangle to cuff to tennis or charm bracelet, every woman's favorite arm candy is being worn with flair and fun. In singular or stacked style, nothing accessorizes an outfit with such flair as the bracelet.

Bracelets were once worn by ancient Roman and Greek soldiers in the form of leather straps which were embellished with gold, silver, or beads. These arm bands were called "bracels" from a Latin word meaning "arm." And like any good idea, the style was soon adopted by women in these societies who modified the look to fit their smaller arms and wrists, as well as the name, which became "bracel-ets."

While it is unlikely Egyptians could have predicted how trendsetting their jewelry would be someday, their use of the bracelet figured predominantly in their adornment practices. Egyptian pharaohs began the tradition of charm bracelets, although the actual use of charms for protection and luck stem back to the Neolithic era. The pharaohs had elaborate wrist and neck bracelets fashioned which not only offered protection in the after life, it also indicated the wearer's prosperity and proper status.

Charm bracelets continued to make an appearance throughout the Middle Ages and into present times. For example, Queen Victoria started her own fashion trend with such a bracelet, wearing miniature photos of her family members in small lockets clasped around a bracelet.

Meanwhile, beautiful gold bracelets hold a long tradition with women in India. In fact, gold jewelry in general is woven into the culture and religions of India. It is the largest gold jewelry consuming country in the world. In preparation for their marriage, Hindu daughters are presented gold jewelry as a gift from the parents as security for her financial future. Especially popular, Indian women love to wear beautiful gold bangles sometimes stacked one upon another. These bangles may be pure gold, sterling silver or diamond studded. A bangle market in Hyderabad is a bazaar devoted solely to the sale of bangles.

Not to be outdone, gorgeously-designed bracelets have taken on a kind of fashion rage this past year for American women. Chunky bangles took center stage including unusual hammered and polished textures and metal embellishments. Tribal and primitive themes have also been a popular choice. In addition, cuff bracelets have driven the trend, along with Lucite bracelets in a variety of brilliant and bold colors.

Not to be outdone by the passing of time, charm bracelets have continued to enjoy new trends as well. The classic style we most associate with the girlish indulgences of the 1950s still have a strong following, especially with collectors who enjoy vintage charms. But the charm bracelet has "grown up" with the times, if you will. Today's European-inspired choices not only allow the wearer to choose charms which represent special moments in life, these beautiful gold and sterling silver bracelets can be arranged to create a totally unique look.

Modular chains are designed so charms or glass beads can be attached and are interchangeable to allow a woman to change the look as she wishes ; adding new charms and beads designed from 14K gold, sterling silver or Murano glass. Threaded sections of the bracelet allow the charms and beads to swivel and move with the wearer. When a woman wants to change the look of her bracelet, she can easily re-arrange it by untwisting the beads and starting over.

The arm candy trend for 2009 is also now extending to necklaces. In addition to layered chains and textured links, charms are also making an appearance around the neck. Jewelry fashionistas suggest clipping a charm to the links in a favorite necklace.

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Comments

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