Types of Bracelets and What They Symbolize

The world of jewelry is filled with meaning and symbolism. Diamond rings represent love and commitment. Certain symbols stand for different religions. And don’t even get us started on birthstones and crystals.

Bracelets are no different. Depending on the style, materials, gemstones, and occasions, these accessories can take on many meanings.

Join us as we explore the symbolism behind popular bracelet styles…

1. Beaded Bracelets

Beaded bracelets are said to have spiritual power and can mean different things to different people based on the color and material of the beads used. Here are some examples:

• Black signifies strength and protection from evil.
• Blue represents serenity, tranquility, and calmness. It also symbolizes energy, encouragement, and nourishment.
• Green is life, fertility, vitality, prosperity, and good health.
• White wards off negative energy and promotes purity, virtue, and chastity.
• Yellow promotes feelings of contentment. It also fosters enthusiasm, liveliness, and a positive attitude.

Don’t feel like you’re limited to certain colors because of this list. It’s perfectly acceptable to wear multi-colored bracelets simply because you like the way they look.

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2. Charm Bracelets

Charm bracelets can be embellished with personalized pendants or trinkets that symbolize your interests, passion, and personality. As a bonus, it can also function as an amulet!

Popular charms include stars, infinity symbols, hearts, horseshoes, hands of Hamsa, guitars, four-leaf clovers, flowers, cameras, books—you name it. Choose whatever looks and feels good to you.

If charm bracelets are what you’re looking for, Artizan Joyeria offers a wide range of them. Check out our Link Charm Bracelet with thunderbolt charms, Link Bracelet with 18k gold-plated link charms, our zodiac-inspired Puerto Bracelet, and more.

3. Cord and String Bracelets

Cord and string bracelets are like wish bracelets in the sense that you’re supposed to make a wish when you first wear them. According to tradition, when the bracelets come loose on their own, it means that your wish will come true or has been fulfilled in some way.

Every culture has its interpretations of these bracelets, but red strings have always been associated with luck and protection throughout history. 

4. Cuff Bracelets

A cuff bracelet is a wide and thick ornamental piece similar to a bangle. The only difference is cuffs feature a large gap or opening on the underside of your wrist. It’s usually made of metal, but you can also find it made from semi-rigid leather. The variety in materials ensures that men and women can wear cuffs to express their personal styles and level up their outfits!

While it was historically known as a “slave” bracelet, research suggests that they were adorned with gems and jewels to communicate wealth and status.

Unlike traditional cuff bracelets, our Bold Chain Cuff has a closure to help secure it to the wearer’s wrist. Measuring 1.2 inches wide, it’s made of 18K gold-plated stainless steel that’s hypoallergenic and tarnish-resistant.

5. Chakra Bracelets

Based on Indian beliefs and traditions, a chakra bracelet relies on gemstones’ healing properties to keep our energies balanced. There are seven energy points (called chakras) of spiritual power along the spine of the human body. Each energy center corresponds to a different color.

• Ajna (third eye chakra), symbolized by indigo
• Anahata (heart chakra), symbolized by green
• Manipura (navel chakra), symbolized by yellow
• Muladhara (root chakra), symbolized by red
• Sahasrara (crown chakra), symbolized by violet
• Svadhisthana (sacral chakra), symbolized by orange
• Visuddha (throat chakra), symbolized by blue

These colors are encapsulated in the acronym popularized by Isaac Newton, VIBGYOR (V stands for violet, I for indigo, B for blue, and so on). People believe that wearing these colors promotes the flow of energy. It can also help unlock a balanced life, a higher consciousness, and maintain a positive mental state and outlook.

6. Friendship Bracelets

A friendship bracelet is a meaningful decorative (often handmade) jewelry.

Its popularity extends beyond school days when we waited for the first Sunday of August with bated breaths to exchange symbols of our love and affection with our nearest and dearest friends. A friendship band or bracelet symbolizes the infinite circle of a relationship between two people. It is given to someone you consider a good friend and can help celebrate the bond you share.

7. Gemstone Bracelets

A gemstone bracelet can have many meanings—what it means to you will depend on the stones you use to adorn it. It is incredibly valuable because it provides benefits that go beyond aesthetics. It also has the power to promote positive energies, helping you create a harmonious balance in your life.

So, what kind of gemstones can you use?

You can base the gemstone bracelets around someone’s birthday month—garnet for January, amethyst for February, aquamarine for March, diamond for April, emerald for May, alexandrite for June, ruby for July, peridot for August, sapphire for September, tourmaline for October, topaz for November, and blue topaz for December. However, you can also select a stone based on someone’s personality.

Choose from Artizan Joyeria’s collection of tennis bracelets. Adorned with individually set cubic zirconia and made with sterling silver, they are timeless, beautiful, and versatile.

8. Infinity Bracelets

Infinity bracelets symbolize eternity as well as everlasting love and affection. A number of them feature the infinity symbol, a mathematical concept originally introduced by John Wallis in 1655. It looks like a horizontally oriented figure eight.

You can get it wrapped around your wrist without a clasp. This jewelry piece can function the same way eternity rings do. It’s a particularly good gift for someone who’s been with you through thick and thin.

Of course, you don’t have to restrict them to romantic love only. You can also gift it as a sign of friendship or to yourself as a sign of self-love.

9. Leather Bracelets

Leather bracelets represent power, security, and strength. They’re quite popular with hipsters who expertly combine the crafted piece of jewelry with chains. It exudes an air of mystery and dominance and is thus perfectly suited for men—particularly when combined with animal-shaped amulets to represent their personality.

Meanwhile, women can pair it with precious metals to make it uniquely theirs.

Embrace the Symbolism of Bracelets With Artizan Joyeria

Because of their associated meanings, bracelets can be positive reminders of things and ideas you hold close to your heart. They can denote people, interests, and values that are important to you.

At Artizan Joyeria, you can find a wide range of high-quality bracelets, from stacks and bangle bracelets to charms and zodiac bracelets. We also offer a collection of gorgeous charms and chains to express your style and personality.

Visit our website to shop for your faves today!