A cylindrical-shaped ornament that is worn on the wrist is known as a bracelet. A universal form of jewellery is worn by both genders, and they seem more typically associated with women. It is a very much popular ornament used to embellish the upper arm since prehistoric times. It has been used for various purposes like decorative, protective, and in rituals. When worn, it functions as a supportive article for a wristwatch or any religious charms. It is also worn in different places like when it is worn around the ankle it is called an anklet or ankle bracelet. There are various types of bracelets. Charm bracelets are best known for that. These bracelets carry the personal decorative charms (pendants) that denote the core possessions in the wearer’s life. They are recorded in history in almost every civilization. Bracelets have served as the great religious importance that was worn to express the wealth and power. It indicates one’s social status. They were given as gifts between families and friends. The word “bracelet” dates back to the ancient Greek word ‘brachille’ which means “of the arm”. However, the bracelet's exact history is unknown as their roots trace back before the written texts. In fact, it is considered that early humans used animal hides and wrapped them around their wrists.
The oldest bracelet that is recorded as per the archeological evidence is the ancient Egyptians, Sumerians in Southern Mesopotamia, and civilizations of ancient China wore bracelets during 5,000BC. Later in 1995, scientists discovered that a bracelet that dates back to 7,5000BC was found in Turkey. These crafted bracelets during this era were stones, shells, wood, bronze, and copper. After the bronze era, the bracelets made of silver and gold came into existence as the symbol of status. Going back to 2000BC, Chinese carved cuffs and bangles from jade. Bracelets of gold were made with intricate designs on them, having the elaborate patterns of animals and mythical creatures were etched. These gold bracelets were also common in India, but bracelets of beads and colourful metals have got great demand in recent times. The ancient Greeks wore these cuffs both on their upper and lower arms as decorations. The soldiers used metal bracelets as part of the armor during the time of battle as protection. In later days Romans army adopted this practice, and even Romans used golden bracelets as their jewelry. The bracelets' uniqueness was that the bracelets were of a coiled design that resembled snakes, but this particular jewelry lost favor among men.
During the 17th century, women wore bracelets that set the considerable revival. They often wore bracelets made of ribbon. By 19th-century chains, bracelets set the trend that was decorated in ivory and coral. Later in the Victorian era, charm bracelets came into existence. By the 20th century, bracelets were produced in mass and were accessible in almost all designs. Plastic bracelets became common among teenage girls; charming bracelets with gold or sterling silver plated were included in fashion accessories. It is this time men’s bracelets came back to fashion and also link chain bracelets for men added to the trend. Thus the trend of wearing bracelets among men and women is as strong as ever. These bracelets have a profound impact on modern jewelry, which is not going away any time soon. Mrs. Violanta D’souza, an artist from Arpora village, Bardez taluk of North Goa, is well versed in making bracelets. She is a homemaker, and during her free time, she engages herself in making this beautiful art of bracelet making. She is a self-taught artisan and got inspired by seeing it somewhere; hence she started this art and enjoyed making these beaded bracelets.
