What makes a women’s bracelet eco-friendly?

Artisans the world over utilize the natural materials at their disposal to create beautiful, sustainable jewelry. Wood, bamboo and dried gourds. Coconut shells, rattan and terra-cotta. Even natural grasses lend themselves to a jeweler's creativity while art glass beads and pendants can be made from discarded bottles. Some artisans reclaim precious silver from photographic negatives. Colorful magazine pages can become tightly-rolled beads protected by a coat of varnish. Always creative, artists craft their bracelets out of innovative, eco-conscious materials.

How do I know if my bracelet is handmade?

Handmade women's bracelets each have their own unique characteristics. Color, texture, size and design all vary. Often, the technique alone will tell you, for example, hand-knotted, braided or woven bracelets. Leather bracelets with cutout motifs or embossing are usually crafted by hand.Thai jewelry by Karen silversmiths shows hand-stamped geometric or floral motifs and beads are usually made of fine silver, which is more malleable than sterling. Similarly, filigree jewelry is a meticulous handcrafted process. Most bracelets with natural, sustainable or recycled materials are handmade. Even some of the most sophisticated and modern gold and silver may be signed by the artist who made it.The most common indicator that a bracelet is handmade is the detailed and intricate design. Novica artisans demonstrate their techniques in the many videos on www.novica.com youll find the links on their product descriptions and also on the artisan bio page.

What bracelet-making techniques have been passed down through generations?

Traditional bracelet-making techniques have been passed down over generations around the world. Women's bracelets in gold and silver are usually crafted with the lost wax technique. The image is sculpted in wax and enveloped in a mold materia. As molten gold or silver is poured into the mold, the wax image melts and the metal takes its place. However coiling fine strands of metal results in Andean filigree jewelry. Balinese artistry applies polished spirals and tendrils as well as tiny globes known as jawan to sleek silver jewelry. And a few contemporary artisans even weave or crochet the slender silver strands.Jade was highly prized by the Maya and still has an important place in modern Guatemalan jewelry. Amber from the rich mines in southern Mexico adorns the women's bracelets, necklaces, and earrings of the area. Macrame and beading are popular everywhere for boho style. And West Africas handmade beadwork is renowned the world over.

Do any women’s bracelets have particular cultural significance?

women's bracelets carried immense cultural significance in ancient times and they still do. In Perus pre-Hispanic societies, gold represented the sun, and jewelry indicated social status and identity, as it also did among the Maya of Mexico and Central America. In India, bangles or kangans showed a woman was married and are a part of the 16 adornments customarily worn by a Hindu bride. Traditional West African beads are a sign of cultural identity. Each one has a meaning and tells a story.Today, women's bracelets are still culturally significant. In India, jewelry often depicts religious symbols and meditative mantras. Balinese bracelets may also depict dragons, thought to be the protectors of the gods, or the Hindu Barong deity, also a protection symbol. Motifs stamped into Karen hill tribe silver encourage living in harmony with nature. The hand-knotted bracelets of Guatemala symbolize friendship but evolved from a silent protest for loved ones missing during the country's armed conflict. Today, friends each tie a bracelet on the others arm and make a wish. The bracelet is worn until it wears out and falls off so the wish will come true.

What are the most popular materials to make women’s bracelets?

Silver, gold, brass and copper have been popular for thousands of years and are often set with colorful gemstones. Artisans in different regions of the world take advantage of unique local resources, such as Brazilian golden grass, leather and coconut shell from Thailand, and carved bone jewelry from Bali. Intricate openwork carving, known as jali, can be seen in bangles from India. West Africa has a long tradition of beadwork, with beautiful beads made from recycled glass and even plastic becoming popular in recent years.

Eco Friendly Bracelets at NOVICA

New Arrival

Be You, Reconstituted Turquoise Recycled Glass Gold Accent Bracelet

Made Masna

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
New Arrival

Be Cool, Gold-Accented Amethyst Bracelet with Recycled Glass Pendant

Made Masna

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
New Arrival

Be Tender, Gold-Accented Rhodonite Bracelet with Recycled Glass Pendant

Made Masna

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
New Arrival

Be Passionate, Gold-Accented Garnet Recycled Glass Macrame Pendant Bracelet

Made Masna

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
New Arrival

Be Daring, Handmade Gold-Accented Tourmaline Recycled Glass Bracelet

Made Masna

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
New Arrival

Be Posh, Gold-Accented Bracelet with Tourmaline and Recycled Glass

Made Masna

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
New Arrival

Be Modern, 18k Gold-Accented Tourmaline Recycled Glass Pendant Bracelet

Made Masna

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
New Arrival

Be Fiery, Gold-Accented Garnet Bracelet with Recycled Glass Pendant

Made Masna

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Coming back

Be Kind, Artisan-Made Aquamarine and Pink Recycled Glass Bracelet

Made Masna

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Coming back

Be Hopeful, Balinese-Made Aquamarine and Blue Recycled Glass Bracelet

Made Masna

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Coming back

Be Wise, Eco-Friendly Amethyst and Recycled Glass Pendant Bracelet

Made Masna

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
New Arrival

Be Stylish, 18k Gold-Accented Rhodonite Recycled Glass Pendant Bracelet

Made Masna

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
New Arrival

Be Trendy, Gold-Accented Quartz Recycled Glass Macrame Pendant Bracelet

Made Masna

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
New Arrival

Be Chic, Eco-Friendly Reconstituted Turquoise Recycled Glass Bracelet

Made Masna

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Coming back

Be Brave, Gold-Accented Tourmaline and Recycled Glass Macrame Bracelet

Made Masna

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
Bestseller

Flower of Passion, Floral 18k Gold-Accented Aquamarine Recycled Glass Bracelet

Made Masna

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99
Flower of Elegance, Eco-Friendly Aquamarine Recycled Glass Gold Accent Bracelet

Made Masna

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99
Flower of Grace, Reconstituted Turquoise Recycled Glass Pendant Bracelet

Made Masna

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99
Flower of Chic, Floral Reconstituted Turquoise Recycled Glass Bracelet

Made Masna

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99
Flower of Lux, Reconstituted Turquoise Recycled Glass Gold Accent Bracelet

Made Masna

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99
Coming back

Flower of Poise, 18k Gold-Accented Amethyst Recycled Glass Macrame Bracelet

Made Masna

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99
Nature of Life in Blue, Blue Paper and Glass Bead Cuff Bracelet

Size: 6.5" Inner Circ. x 1" W

Argentina and Francisco

(10)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99
Bonds of Friendship in Mint, Beaded Bracelet with Recycled Paper

Length: 7"

Argentina and Francisco

(10)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99
Nature of Life in Green, Green Recycled Paper and Glass Bead Bracelet

Size: 6.5" Inner Circ. x 1" W

Argentina and Francisco

(10)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99
Nature of Life in White, Beaded Recycled Paper Cuff Bracelet

Size: 6.5" Inner Circ. x 1" W

Argentina and Francisco

(10)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99
Nature of Life in Grey, Handmade Beaded Cuff Bracelet

Size: 6.5" Inner Circ. x 1" W

Argentina and Francisco

(10)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99
Delightful Turtle, Cotton Braided Bracelet with Coconut Shell Turtle Pendant

Fundación Callotl

$19.99 Wholesale

$19.99
Natural Vibrancy, Handmade Coconut Shell Pendant Bracelet with Ceramic Bead

Fundación Callotl

$39.99 Wholesale

$39.99
History Threads in Brown, Eco-Friendly Adjustable Recycled Paper Pendant Bracelet

Verónica Lemus

$29.99 Wholesale

$29.99
History Threads in Black, Handcrafted Eco-Friendly Recycled Paper Pendant Bracelet

Verónica Lemus

$29.99 Wholesale

$29.99
Crimson Constellation, Handmade Recycled Paper Pendant Bracelet with Red Cord

Verónica Lemus

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99
Vision in Red, Handcrafted Cord Bracelet with Recycled Paper Pendant in Red

Verónica Lemus

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99
Earth's Riches in Red, Red Recycled Paper Pendant Bracelet with Adjustable Cord

Verónica Lemus

$19.99 Wholesale

$19.99
Bonds of Friendship in Red, Red Beaded Recycled Paper Bracelet

Length: 7"

Argentina and Francisco

(10)

$25.99 Wholesale

$25.99
Lovely Turtle, Colorful Braided Bracelet with Coconut Shell Turtle Pendant

Fundación Callotl

$19.99 Wholesale

$19.99
The Coffee Alliance, Eco-Friendly Coffee Recycled Paper Pendant Bracelet

Verónica Lemus

$29.99 Wholesale

$29.99

There are 288 items in this collection. Explore more!

Featured Reviews

Beaded stretch bracelets, 'Odo Akoma' (pair)

Ann Y

Jul 30, 2018

Odo Akoma bracelets

These bracelets are so cheerful and colorful. I love the contrast between the glass beads and the colorful discs in between them. The bracelets are very well made and can be worn with a variety of outfits. I've had mine for a while now and they show no signs of wear.

Affordable Bracelets

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Wood bangle bracelets, 'Exotic Delhi' (set of 3)

KHALIDAH

Oct 4, 2017

A Perfect Set!

Fits comfortably well on your your wrist. Light-weight, too. The combination of the colors & carvings in this set is fantastic! Thank You Kindly!

A Nice Youth

Hippie Bracelet

Natural Wood Bracelets

Rattan bangle bracelet, 'Ginger Arrows'

Virginia

Dec 21, 2016

Stunning!

I bought this originally for my daughter, however after receiving it I decided to keep it for myself (bad mom!) ! It is sturdy yet has the appearance of simply being wrapped with grasses. It's elegance is in its simplicity. It could be worn to a formal occasion or just to the grocery store. For either event, it gives a splash of pure beauty, embellishing your wardrobe.

Bangle Jewelry

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