Bracelets from then to now

The bracelet's popularity dates back to Roman times and continues to this day.

Roman bracelets shared many of the design patterns of necklaces and earrings from the period. The still popular ball earrings from the era were nicely matched with a ball style bracelet. Engraved bracelets and snake opal stud earrings were very popular in Roman times.

Twisted winding bracelets with lion heads were common, as were two-piece bracelets topped with a pair of lion heads. 

The Romans were very creative in designing their jewelry. However, they still borrowed from Greek motifs. Palmettes, fleeing dogs, and acanthus leaves, all of Greek origin, were often seen in Roman opal wedding rings designs.

Precious stones were commonly found set in the eyes. The open bands were cut to represent a row of ivy and interlaced with pearls.

Many leaf and berry bracelets were heavily decorated with decorative glass. Wealthier women were seen wearing bracelets layered with emeralds.

During Gerogiian times bracelets remained popular. Parisian jewelers were known for their gold bracelets set with pearls. After the 1820s, coral became the "in" fashion item, so bracelets and other jewelry were heavily set in coral.

During the Gerogian period, it was very fashionable to wear many bracelets at once, including wide ribbon bracelets of gold mesh and silk ribbon bracelets Gold was widely used at this time.

The Victorian era brought changes to women's fashion, including mens opal rings. Earrings were long and dangling, bracelets became stiff and were commonly worn in pairs. A bracelet with a buckle has become very fashionable.

Victorian era jewelry expressed sentiment and bracelets were no exception. Bracelets would contain lockets or pendants with pictures or hair of a loved one, and engravings were common

Early Victorian jewelry enjoyed some mystical with hidden meanings that were popular. Acrostic bracelets where the first letter of each gem spelled out the word friendship were very popular. For example, a bracelet with Lapis, Opal, Vermeil [Hessonite garnet] and Emerald would spell Love.

In the Art Nouveau period, there were again changes in fashion and jewelry. Chameleons and snakes entwined around bracelets.