As I was browsing through studios and in the ArtFire forums finding creations for my next Fabulous Friday Finds, I noticed in my folder of finds I had saved many bracelets of all different materials and designs. "Why not do a post on bracelets?" I asked myself. So here it is! But, before sharing the gorgeous picks, I decided to do a bit of research on the history of bracelets. In a nutshell, here is what I found:
Other than earrings, bracelets are the most popular form of jewelry and have been for tens of thousands of years. The world's oldest bracelet, made from chloritolite, dates from 45,000 years ago and was found in the Denisova Cave in the Altai Mountains in Russia. But, I think you will probably agree that humans created bracelets as adornments way before that, maybe something as simple as a leather band or woven grass. Excavations show that bracelets in Egypt and Africa evolved into stones, wood and bones tied together with plant fiber. About 2000 BC, Chinese artists began making intricate jade and gold bracelets. Charm bracelets first appeared with the Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians and Hittites between 600-400 BC. Much later, charm bracelets were the epitome of fashion since Queen Victoria began wearing them. Bracelets have never gone out of style!
You can see why bracelets have never gone out of style when you look at these Fabulous Friday picks:
Artisan handmade triple wrap leather bracelet with fine silver wild horse link by Kristan of SilverWishes
Silver plated Greek key and Byzantine chainmaille handmade bracelet by Brenda of byBrendaElaine
Original design Polly_Ceramica braided rainbow polymer clay bangle bracelet handmade by Anna of craftsofthepast
Gray and pink double soft green leather wrap boho bracelet handmade by Kat of KatsAllThat
Handmade copper cuff bracelet with texture and turquoise patina by Zoraida of zoraida
St. Jude handmade chaplet/bracelet with green aventurine and white Swarovski crystal pearls by Mary of PrettyGonzo
Dot com and initial MM silver wire crochet button charm bracelet by Erika of GeGe
Gray geode and white freshwater pearl stretchy handmade bracelet by Sharon of DoubleSJewelry
Handmade boho silk wrap bracelet with rustic sterling silver peace sign by Licky of HappyGoLicky
Personalized hand stamped name or word leather bracelet handmade by Nadine of mens-accessories
"Rose Garden" brass bangle covered with polymer clay red roses, green leaves and blue background handmade by Julie of BlueMorningExpressions
Purple hand beaded cuff bracelet with Mobius rings handmade by Cathy of crafingmemories
"Uno, Dos, Tres" handmade steampunk zipper bracelet by Pete and Veronica (aka Katy and Mom) of peteandveronicas
So there you have it . . . my thirteen gorgeous, unique bracelet picks To check out the other seventeen Fabulous Friday Finds posts, please click on the "blog" tab near the top of my studio page and scroll down for each week. You'll be glad you did!
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Shadow Dog Designs
Beautifully Unique Handmade Jewelry
for the Discerning Woman