Bangle vs Bracelet
It is a non-disputed fact that jewellery is a much loved possession of all regardless of gender. From neck adornments to earrings of various nature, the variety of jewellery is indeed diverse today. Among the most popular hand adornments are bangles and bracelets. However, how do bangles and bracelets differ from one another?
What is a Bangle?
A bangle is a piece of jewellery worn on the hand. It is often considered a traditional piece worn by South Asian women, particularly Indian, Sri Lankan, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Bangles are usually round although today, bangles of various shapes and sizes exist in the world.
In South Asia, it is common to see new brides wearing bangles on both their wrists and it is said that the honeymoon ends when the last of these bangles break. In Hinduism, bangles bear a place of importance as it is considered to be inauspicious for a married woman to be bare armed.
The history of bangles dates back quite a long time in history. A figurine of a dancing girl wearing bangles has been excavated from Mohenjo-Daro belonging to 2600 BC while bangles made from material such as copper, sea shell, bronze, agate, gold, chalcedony, etc. have been excavated from various parts of the world. Today, bangles are made mostly out of silver or gold while bangles made out of materials such as plastic, glass, copper, etc. are also quite popular in the world.
What is a Bracelet?
A bracelet is a loop or a combination of intertwined or attached loop of material such as chain or strap that is worn around the wrist for ornamental purposes. It is a flexible piece of jewellery and is often made out of silver, gold, metal, cloth or plastic, sometimes being embellished with precious or semi-precious stones, crystals, etc. Bracelets are often equipped with a clasp with which they can be secured around the wrist.
The history of the bracelet dates back to 5000BC to Ancient Greece when the Scarab Bracelet, that is said to represent regeneration and rebirth, served as one of the most recognized symbols of ancient Egypt. There are many types of bracelets available in the world today. Some of it can be named as charm bracelets, slap bracelets, bead bracelets, health bracelets, sports bracelets, ankle bracelets, etc.
What is the difference between Bangle and Bracelet?
Types of jewellery are many that it is sometimes quite difficult to discern the difference between one another. Bracelets and bangles are two such pieces of jewellery worn by men and women alike that are often misnamed due to their similarity of appearance.
• The origin of bracelets can be traced back to Egypt and is more popular among western cultures. The origin of bangles can be traced back to South Asia where they remain an important part in South Asian culture.
• A rigid, non-flexible bracelet is referred to as a bangle. A bracelet is usually malleable.
• A bracelet usually has a clasp that allows it to be fastened around the wrist. A bangle does not have a clasp and is slipped around the wrist through the hand.
• A bangle is usually round although today, there are bangles of various shapes and sizes in the world. A bracelet is shapeless as it is usually a chain or a strip of material that is fastened around the wrist.
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