Over $111.3 million sent to artisans so far!
Passport Club
Lists
African Bracelets(289 items)
Discover NOVICA's African Bracelets Collection, showcasing traditional and contemporary handcrafted artisan designs steeped in the rich and vibrant colors of this vast continent.
Department
Refine your results
-
-
Type:
Bracelets
- Style
- Material
- Gemstone
- Color
- Theme
- Price
-
Region:
West Africa
-
Type:
Bracelets
Related Categories
- african bracelet
- glass beaded bracelets
- black plastic bracelets
- bohemian beaded bracelets
- women's nylon handbags
- bead bracelets
Popular Searches
- large african mask
- decorative bracelets
- february birthstone bracelet
- june birthstone bracelet
- bracelets with magnetic closures
- balance bracelet
Unique Finds
PREV
Log in
The Village Council
Your answers straight from the village experts
What makes a womens 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 jewelers 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 womens 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. Womens 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 womens 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 womens bracelets have particular cultural significance?
Womens 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, womens 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 countrys 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 womens 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.
Featured Reviews on African Bracelets
Tiger's eye beaded unity bracelet, 'One Destiny'
By Cliff
Powerful and Proud Elegance
Just arrived today, and I am incredibly happy with this purchase. The size, the weight, the balance, the blend of colors; it is perfect in every way. The andinkra symbol of the co-joined crocodiles is beautifully executed, and the tigers eye stones have a deep, dark, warm and very complex presence and character that I personally find very attractive. Frankly, I purchased this bracelet for myself because as an archeologist and historian I have long had an interest in African history. Although I was sure this would be a very nice bracelet based on other purchases I have made through Novica, upon opening the package it far exceeded my expectations. This piece by Ewurabena Blankson is just spectacular. As a man, I find it very complimentary to a male wrist, and expect I will be wearing this for a very long time. Thank you, Novca. Thank you Ewurabena. Your beautiful work reflecting the culture and traditions of Ghana will be greatly treasured.
Tags
Leather cuff bracelet, 'Annula in Sea Green'
By LINDA
Beautiful bracelet
I ordered Annula in Sea Green, which is a teal color. Like another reviewer, I apparently received Annula in Green, which is an emerald/forest green. Its lovely, too, and fortunately I can wear it with something else. But I wanted the Sea Green (teal) for a particular outfit, and it would be good if you sent buyers what they ordered.
Tags
Wood stretch bracelet, 'Kumasi Blossom'
By Kathy James
If you love bracelets
I love bracelets and this one is a favorite. It s well constructed, easy to put on, nothing to hook, beautiful details????
Tags
Featured Artist
Ila Suleyman Leather and beaded jewelry
(48)
Write a review"My forefathers were predominantly millet and cattle farmers, and they would use the leather of the animals for accessories such as talismans, bangles and necklaces for personal use."
"Assalamu Alaikum. Peace be unto you! I'm Ila Suleyman, of Bawku in Ghana and my parents are Rayende and Nabiga Suleyman. I was born into a family of artists who have carved and crafted wood and leather products for several family generations. I have been told the crafts that we do date back... read more
Popular African Bracelets
Bracelets from West Africa
Talented designers craft our authentic Bracelet from West Africa Collection by hand using traditional techniques.
