What is the difference between a bangle and a bracelet?
Written by Gemma on Aug 08, 2024 | 0 Comments
For those not in the jewellery trade, the lingo can get a little confusing. There are odd sounding terms like filigree, vermeil, concepts like the 4’cs, and parts of jewellery, like the shank or the shoulder, that sound more at home in an anatomy lesson. It’s easy to get in a muddle.
Photo Credit: Siora Photography
Something that seems to cause some confusion is the difference between a bangle and a bracelet. To many, these terms might seem interchangeable. But to a jeweler, they have a specific meaning. So to answer the question, we will explain what a bracelet is and what a bangle is, and we’ll also include our favourite pieces in both styles to help illustrate the difference between these two popular types of jewellery.
What is a bracelet?
A bracelet is a flexible piece of jewellery worn on the wrist. Bracelets can be made of all manner of materials including textiles, strings of beads, chains, and precious metals like gold and silver, fashioned into links.
Although heavyweight, this substantial bracelet still has a good degree of flexibility with its woven, Sterling silver design, and is taken on and off using a clasp.
They typically require some form of clasp or fastener and are taken on or off by opening or closing this feature.
This handmade yellow gold bracelet is made of individual links, each a classic Claddagh design with an easy to operate lobster clasp.
What is a bangle?
A bangle is a rigid circular or oval shaped piece of jewellery, typically made to be worn on the wrist. Most bangles are crafted in metal, but they can be made of other rigid materials like wood, plastic or even glass. The term bangle is thought to come from the Hindi word " bungri" which means glass.
They traditionally do not have clasp closures but are taken on and off either over the hand or at an angle off the wrist if they are made with a small gap in a torc or cuff style. Torc style bangles have a long history in Ireland, with spectacular items, thousands of years old, on display at the National Museum. And despite their ancient origins, they are only growing in popularity. Bangles, whether big and bold or airy and elegant, have been some of the most popular accessories for 2023 and 2024 with no signs of slowing down!
So what is the difference between a bangle and a bracelet?
The crucial difference between bangles and bracelets is rigidity. Bangles are rigid, with limited or no bend in them. Bracelets are flexible and can bend and move in many directions. Both are items of jewellery worn on the wrist. Both can be made from a variety of materials. But they are different in this one key feature.
And it is this difference in structure that also means they are taken on and off in a different way and feel quite different when worn. Bracelets use a clasp and bangles are slipped over the wrist or hand. Bracelets conform to the shape of the wrist while bangles typically slide up and down the wrist, keeping their shape.
These difference has an impact on how you wear both of these accessories.
How to wear a bangle
- Bangles rigidity means they work really well in a stack - perfect for layering multiple bangles on a wrist.
- But because they are rigid it is important to get sizing right and take care when putting on or taking off a bangle.
- Hinged bangles are a piece of cake to put on and take off. Simply open the clasp, open the hinge, slip the bangle over your wrist then snap the clasp closed making sure it's securely closed.
- Round bangles can be put on (or taken off) over the hand by bringing the thumb to your pinky to make your hand as narrow as possible and then simply slipping it over.
- Torc bangles and cuffs are a little trickier and should be slipped on over the narrowest point on your wrist - without bending or twisting as even an expertly crafted and heavyweight precious metal piece can be damaged with rough handling.
How to wear a bracelet
- For a flattering look, choose a bracelet or bracelets size that compliments your wrist size. Wider, chunky bracelets can often look well on those with larger frames, and delicate bracelets on those with smaller wrists. But really choose what you like best. Jewellery is not just about how it looks but how it makes you feel!
- If you wear a watch, etiquette suggests you wear a bracelet or bracelets on the dominant hand with a timepiece on the other. This goes back to a time when most watches needed to be wound (and it makes sense to do that with your dominant hand). But given the prevalence of digital watches, those old "rules" are long gone and people often pair a bracelet or two or more with a watch.
- For a precious metal bracelet, a good fit will see you be able to slide one or two fingers under it when worn. Bracelet links can usually be added or taken away to get the Goldilocks fit - Not to loose to risk sliding off over your hand or catching it on something. And not too tight to be uncomfortable or risk breaking it!
- Many precious metal bracelets have trigger clasps that can be a little tricky to put on and off yourself - particularly if you wear your bracelets on the tighter side. There are several hacks you can try using paperclips or bobby pins. Or you can always ask for help!
Bestselling Bangles
Wearable and dramatic pieces that have a long history in Ireland, our collection includes bangles in sterling silver and yellow gold for men or women that echo the iconic torc design beloved by our ancient ancestors.
Best Selling Bracelets
With options for men and women in sterling silver, two tone silver and yellow gold, or yellow gold, there are bracelets to suit all styles and tastes. Worn on their own or layered with other pieces, a good bracelet is a must have item for any jewellery collection.
New Bangles and Bracelets
New to our collection in 2024, striking geometric bracelets, layered torcs, a golden hinged bangle and more
Get In Touch
Have a question or something you're not entirely sure about when browsing our pieces? Please reach out. You can send us a note or give us a call—the Dublin workshop is here to make sure that you have a perfect experience from start to finish with My Irish Jeweler.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, to see what's new and upcoming. Join our Email list for early offers and special features.
Gemma
My Irish Jeweler
Gemma is our head jeweler. She is very passionate about jewelry and watches. Her favorite style is Tree of Life "because family and roots are so important to me".
Comments
