A Brief History of Bangles

Indian Bangles in a shop

In every culture, traditions are present, particularly surrounding the act of marriage and other sacred rituals. Corresponding to this, we typically find jeweled ornaments that people wear to show that they have entered or agreed upon a ceremony. One such piece of jewelry is the bangle.

Bangles come in all forms, and people typically make them from wood, metal, plastic, or glass, and there are even diamond bangles. Online sales methods have introduced the bangle to the world on a broad scale, but many are unaware of the history surrounding this unique piece of jewelry.

This article explores the deep history and traditions behind the bangle jewelry.

What Is Bangle?

Traditionally speaking, a bangle is a rigid bracelet that must be slid over the hand and onto the wrist where it is worn.

Traditionally, women in India wear bangles most often, and wearing them is a sign that an Indian woman is married. People consider it uncommon if a married Indian woman is bare-armed, without a bangle.

People make bangles from a variety of materials, including gold, copper, bronze, agate, wood, glass, seashells, chalcedony, and many other forms. Today bangles of many kinds can be found in markets worldwide. Even if one is looking for diamond bangles online markets are easily accessible to purchase these items.

Additionally, it isn’t uncommon to see people wearing multiple bangles on one arm, as this is a fashion trend in some places and a custom in others.

Historical Significance of the Bangle

Bangles aren’t only bracelets as many in the western world believe. Bangles have long been an integral part of Indian culture for thousands of years. Just as an example, excavations in the Indian subcontinent have unearthed bangles dated as early as 2600 B.C. 

In Indian culture, new brides and would-be brides typically wear bangles made of glass before and during the wedding. People also think that after the wedding, the honeymoon is over only when the last glass bangle on the woman’s wrist is broken.

Traditionally, multiple bangles are worn, and they include those of gold and various other precious metals, as they are thought to signify the wish of a long life for the husband. In fact, in some areas of India, the husband may also wear a single bangle on the wrist.

Bangles are becoming much more trendy as each year passes, and various other cultures are adopting the practice of wearing the jewelry. Still, just for the fashionable aspect alone, they are an integral part of the Indian culture.

Choosing a Bangle

There is an open and available worldwide market for bangles, and so, traditional bangles can be purchased by any consumer on any continent. As time moves forward, responding to fashion trends, bangles have changed only by the materials that they are made from.

Perhaps you prefer the style of diamond bangles for the sparkle and glamor that they exude, or maybe you prefer a more traditional look as can be found with glass, wood or other solid gold bangles. No matter your preference, once you identify the look that you desire the most, you’re sure to find the right bangles to complement your look.

Vivianne Sterling

Editorial Manager at Beautips. I love street style and I'm always in search of bits of inspiration around me. I also believe in home-made solutions for fitness, beauty tricks and healthy cooking.

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