Bangles are one of the most ancient types of jewellery, and they have their origins in India. Bangles made from gold, copper, bronze, terracotta, stone, glass and seashells have been dug up on archaeological sites across the Indian subcontinent, with some examples dating back more than 4500 years. Still today, the bangle is an important item of wedding jewellery for many Indian brides — and they are more than simply beautiful accessories. Often passed down through the generations, bangles of different shapes, materials and colours are said to represent safety, health, luck, prosperity and fertility. The word bangle refers to the style of a bracelet that’s rigid, circular and either a complete loop or closed by a hinge or other fastening. Bangles look great worn solo or stacked with other bangles for a wonderfully jingle-jangle effect. The best stacks mix the old with the new, combining shapes, materials, textures and adornments to reflect your personal style. Who can forget Madonna’s iconic bangle collection in Desperately Seeking Susan?
Classic bangles
The beauty of the bangle lies in its elegance and simplicity. Bangles have a timeless appeal when it comes to accessorising — they’re simple, stylish and, with their myriad designs, wonderfully versatile. A continuous bangle is probably the most classic type, where the bangle simply slides over your wrist. Although a split bangle can make it easier to get a good fit, as it has an opening and closing clasp so you won’t lose it while flinging your arms up in the air on the dance floor. Slipped over a bare wrist a classic gold, silver or rose gold bangle is an indispensable accessory that works as well with a casual outfit of jeans and a tee as it does with black tie finery. Plain bangles are a beautifully understated piece of jewellery — one that adds instant sophistication.
Modern bangles
If you want a bit more of a design focus in your bangles, you can look at more sculptural pieces that have chunkier, organic shapes, interlocked or die cut designs, or those featuring gemstones. For something different, browse split bangles that feature tiny elements of interest on each side of the aperture, such as butterflies, hearts and seashells, or even creatures such as birds, cats and hedgehogs. Bangles to mark special occasions might feature a coin to represent a significant date. And some bangles also come with dangles! A simple sun and moon or heart will add an extra feature without straying too far into the territory of the charm bracelet.
What bangle size am I?
Bangle size is determined by the size of your hand, not your wrist, which makes sense as you have to push it over your hand to get it on your wrist. Bangles in Australia are mostly sold by diameter, and for an adult woman’s bangle that ranges from 6cm to 7cm (although you can buy larger and smaller). Put your hand in the shape it would be if you were about to slip on a bangle, and measure across the widest part. If the bangle has a clasp, you obviously have a little more leeway.
Cuff bangles
When is a bangle not a bangle? When it’s a cuff bangle! Although cuffs and bangles are sometimes thought to be interchangeable, they’re actually different. Cuffs, also called wrist cuffs, cuff bracelets and cuff bangles, are made from a solid piece of material — usually metal — and rather than being a complete loop or having a clasp, they have an open section through which you slide your wrist. Thanks to their open design, they are easy to get on and off, and can be worn with the open side either turned in or out. Like bangles, cuff bangles come in myriad styles and designs and work well stacked with an eclectic collection of other classic bangle styles. Simple silver cuff bangles and gold cuff bangles are among the most enduring, but there’s a whole world of twisted metals, leather and beaded cuffs or rugged-looking oxidised metals that make great gifts for men. (Some people swear by magnetic copper cuff bracelets for joint pain. We’re neither endorsing nor discrediting that!)
Buying bangles as a gift
Bangles make a wonderful gift for a friend, family member or loved one. They're beautiful, timeless, and very wearable. If you need somewhere to start, think about choosing a bangle that features your intended’s birthstone. At Hardtofind we have beautiful bangles adorned with turquoise, amethyst, pearl, rose quartz, and many more.
A great way to make the gift of a bangle extra special is by personalising it to the giftee. Gift personalisation is simple at Hardtofind, and it’s never been easier to make your gift of a bangle one of a kind. You can have the bangle engraved with a name, date or initials, or even add a personal message to the inside. When it comes to buying gifts, it’s the thought that counts and a personalised gift will show you care, and stand the test of time. (When searching for your personalised bangles at Hardtofind, check the ‘Can be personalised’ box in Special features.)
TIP: If the person you’re buying for already has a large collection of bangles, you might consider buying them a jewellery stand, so they can keep their favourite bangles at their fingertips.
In these pages, you’ll find all the best bangles and cuff bangles, including gold bangles and silver bangles Australia-wide. You’ll also discover a wide range of other jewellery such as necklaces, lockets, stud earrings and rings. Looking for somewhere to store your bangles and other jewellery? Check out our range of boxes, displays stands, bangle holders and organisers in jewellery storage.
