Types of Vintage Bracelet Style Reference Page

Junkbox Treasures Collectibles and Antiques

Vintage Bracelet Style Reference Page

Let's talk bracelets! A bracelet is a bracelet, is a bracelet...yes? Well, yes and no. Thee are terms used to describe the type of bracelet and know more about the different types is going to help you, whether you collect or you buy and sell vintage jewelry.

These names are based in history with many of them coming from other languages. The names are a description of the type of necklace, whether it be a Sautoir, a Bolo, or a Torsade, etc. It will provide you some terms for research as well as for putting together a description of the necklace.

A couple of things to keep in mind: Note, that there is cross over between terms so don't always try to put every bracelet in just one category. Also, if you are a dealer or plan to become one, don't just use the formal names of each type of bracelet. The description words that follow each type of braceket will give you some additional ideas for keywords and describing the bracelet to the non-collector. Not all keywords can be used for every bracelet within a category.

Also, check more than one category. Sometimes bracelets are known by more than one name such as a a link bracelet can also be a panel bracelet.

Bangle

Pronunciation:
We think of a bangle as being a bracelet that is a closed circle and is rigid that is worn around the wrist such as the first three photos. While this is correct, it actually has a broader meaning.

A bangle does not have to be a closed circle. In fact all cuff bracelets are bangles but not all bangles are cuffs. A bangle is basically just a rigid bracelet that is worn around the wrist.

The word 'bangle' includes fully closed circles, split circles, and, hinged bracelets, and even clamper bracelets. The rule of thumb here is that they just need to be rigid.

History: Bangles have been made and worn since before the time of Christ. In many societies, women wore traditional jewelry, which included bangles.

Descriptive Words: bangle, bracelet, rigid, band, clamper, hinged, closed circle

Taxco Sterling Bangle

Bakelite Bangle

Avon Plastic Bangle

Hinged Bangle

Sterling Split Bangle

Hinged Bangle Bracelet

Sterling Silver Vintage Split Bangle Bracelet

Sterling Split Bangle Bracelet

Cable Bangle Bracelet

Bookchain

Pronunciation:
Instead of using a jump link or a hinge, some jewelry uses a bookchain link. This link is wide and flat and each end is curled around either the link itself or slot in a panel.

History:

Descriptive Words: bookchain bracelet, panel bracelet, link bracelet