Bracelets: Education & Buying Tips
As one of the oldest jewelry styles, bracelets are classic accessories anyone can wear. Learn about different bracelet styles, designs, chain types and buying tips. Whether you're buying a bracelet for yourself or giving this jewelry as a gift, the Blue Nile bracelet guide can help you find the perfect piece.
Chain
This is the classic bracelet. You''ll find a variety of chain designs, like the traditional round-link rolo or wheat chain, in a variety of metals like sterling silver, 18k gold, and platinum.
Pearl
A pearl bracelet is a traditional piece of jewelry. It adds a dressy touch to anything outfit wears, from jeans to a cocktail dress. It's also easy to formalize the look with a matching pearl necklace and earrings.
Bangle
A bangle bracelet can be worn by itself for a simple look, or can be combined with several other bangles. Bangles draw the eye with metallic shine, and several bangles clinking together make a pleasant sound.
Chain Types
Common Bracelet Clasps
Most bracelets are worn with a clasp closure that allows for easy wear. Each clasp type has its own mechanisms and techniques for use. Explore some of the most popular bracelet clasp types we use at Blue Nile to learn more.
Spring ring clasps are popular for many different bracelet types, especially chain bracelets. A spring ring clasp uses a ring with a closure to link to the other side of the bracelet, typically on a jump ring. To use your spring ring clasp, take your fingernail to pull the small metal tab at the top of the ring back towards the bracelet chain. This should allow you to easily open and close the spring ring and then slide the jump ring through the clasp to secure it. To open or close your spring ring clasp, slide the jump ring through the opened spring ring and then close the ring.
Box clasps are popular bracelet closures that give a seamless look. To open the box clasp on a bracelet, press the raised, often notched tab down and then pull the tongue out of the clasp. To close this clasp type, gently push the tongue into the clasp closure. You may need to press down on grooves or notches on the tongue to help it fit into the clasp, then release it once it’s in the clasp.
Safety box clasps are found on many bracelets with gemstones or diamonds such as tennis bracelets. To close this clasp, make sure the hidden safety bar is in the up or open position on the clasp. Then, slide the flat metal tongue on one side of the bracelet into the box clasp on the other side. Often, the clasp will make a small click when it’s closed. Once the tongue is in the clasp, push the safety bar through for added security. Some heavier tennis bracelets also have an additional figure 8 bracelet catch that hooks over the safety bar which can be closed for additional peace of mind. To open your hidden safety box clasp, repeat the steps in reverse.
Lobster claw clasps are found on many chain bracelets. They link two ends of a bracelet together with a clasp and a jump ring. You can open and close your lobster claw bracelet clasp by gently pulling back on the metal sticking out on the clasp to open and close it, sliding the jump ring on the other side of the bracelet through the clasp.
Hinged bracelet closure clasps are unique to rigid styles like bangles. They behave like box clasps but are set in the rigid part of the bracelet. Slide the tongue into the clasp until it clicks or the bracelet holds its closed shape. Many closures have added figure 8 bracelet catches that are clicked into place over a stationary bead on the bracelet. These additional catches provided more security for the bracelet closure.
Fish hook clasps are popular for pearl bracelets. You can open this pearl bracelet safety clasp by pinching the groove part of the hook and gently pulling it away from the clasp. Once the clasp is wider and more open, you will need to maneuver the hook out of the safety part of the clasp by delicately guiding the hook out of the clasp. To close your fish hook clasp, slide the hook through the first safety latch of the clasp then push it flush into the clasp.
Bracelets As Gifts
For an important occasion like a graduation or a promotion, give them a pearl bracelet. This bracelet is perfectly suited for one of these formal occasions, and looks great with a dress.
For a birthday, give a bangle, or several bangles to wear all at once. Bangles are fun for summer to dress up whatever your gift recipient is wearing, or they can wear them in winter over a slim-fitting sweater.
View our Essential Bracelets for a list of bracelets every jewelry collection should have. Or view these bracelets for a gift to fit your budget: