Like other forms of Fashion Jewelry, bracelets date back thousands of years. The English name for this circular form of jewelry comes from the Latin brachium, which means "arm". In ancient times, there were two forms of bracelet: the one familiar to us, worn on the wrist; and one worn high up on the arm, known as an "armlet". This latter type of bracelet will be familiar to those who remember Elizabeth Taylor in her screen role as Cleopatra. Indeed, in that great queen's time, armlets were worn as evidences of wealth and power.

In ancient times, bracelets were open at both ends and wound around the wrist or upper arm. Their tips were adorned with trumpets, feathers, or round ornaments. Most ancient bracelets were made of bronze, though some were made of gold. Of course, today it is the that is ubiquitous.  Ancient bracelets could be decorated – usually with geometric patterns – or plain, massive and cuff-like or slender and sinuous. It's interesting to note that in ancient times, men as well as women wore bracelets. In fact, Roman soldiers wore armlets to protect their arms in battle (and perhaps to awe their foes).

Bracelets did come with the Romans to Europe, but did not immediately "catch on". During medieval times, monks were the crafters of silver bracelets, as of other types of jewelry. When they did turn their attention to silver bracelets, the designs they chose were usually plain. Since women now covered their arms, the armlet was relinquished for the wristtiffany  bracelet we know today. It was during this period that bracelets as well as armlets came to be seen as "effeminate", and were abandoned by men.

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Among European women, however, bracelets began to enjoy a "renaissance" in the 1600s. It was at this time, too, that silver bracelets and bracelets made from other metals began to take varying shapes. For example, jewelers began using velvet as the basis for a bracelet, which might bear a cameo. The first silver link bracelets were also made during this time. Gold and silver bracelets began to be made with various gemstones, especially during the 18th Century, which is sometimes called the "Age of Gems". During the Victorian Era, the "parure" or set became very fashionable – and no set was complete without a tiffany bracelet.

Today, silver bracelets come in an array of styles, based on ancient fashions and new ones. Magnolia's bracelets come in all shapes, sizes and colors – from large or small link bracelets, to charm bracelets, to hoop or cuff bracelets, to bracelets bearing gemstones – all of which are hand-crafted from the highest-quality sterling silver. Whichever silver bracelet you choose at Magnolia, you know you'll be carrying on a time-honored tradition!

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