What is the difference between a bangle and a bracelet? That is a question you probably get asked a lot as a jewelry store owner. We’ll be talking about the main differences between the two and a few easy ways on how you can be able to identify one from the other.
It’s no secret that your customers are looking for that one piece of jewelry that they can wear whether it’s for a casual day or that special event where you dress to impress. A bracelet can look nice when it’s subtle and not as dangly. Or it can be something that can catch the corner of someone’s eye during a formal party.
But which one would you wear for a specific occasion? We’ll answer that question soon. But for now, keep reading so you can learn more about the differences between bangles and bracelets. First, let’s talk about each piece of jewelry and where they originated from and how they became popular.
What is a bangle?
A bangle is a piece of jewelry that originated from India and southeast Asia. The word is derived from “bangri” or ring shaped anklet. However, bangles can also be worn on wrists as well.
Most bangles were made with materials such as gold, silver, and platinum. They have also made bangles with a mix of not just these precious metals, but also materials like rubber, glass, or plastic. Most of the bangles made in southeast Asia are made from gold (with the exception or ours made in Thailand). Our sterling silver bangle bracelets are made in our factory and are made with 92.5 percent pure silver.
Bangles do not have a clasp or a fastener. Usually, they’ll be a lot easier to remove compared to bracelets. If you are interested in ordering bangles for your store, we have a wide variety of sterling silver bangle bracelets at wholesale prices.
What is a bracelet?
Bracelet is a word originated from the French word “ brachialle” or armlet. One of the major differences that bracelets have compared to bangles is flexibility. Depending on the materials used, a bracelet will have more flexibility and movement compared to its bangle counterparts. Bracelets have been around for thousands of years. They can be traced as far back to the times of Ancient Egypt. Some of the bracelets that were made represented some kind of symbol like rebirth (i.e -- the Scarab bracelet).
Most bracelets won’t always be made with silver or gold. Most will be made with different materials such as gemstones (real or plastic) or can be made from different materials such as paper, plastic, or even pieces of thread. Bracelets have clasps so you can close or open the bracelet so you can keep it in place on your wrist.
What to wear
If you are having a hard time choosing between wearing a bangle or a bracelet, consider this section as your brief guide. If you have small wrists but large hands, you may want to consider wearing something that isn’t a full circle bangle. But those with larger wrists can consider the idea of wearing bangles that are hinged.
However, if you are someone who wants to wear jewelry that is less noticeable, then bracelets are always the best option. Bracelets are flexible and soft in texture. Some of them are dangly and some of them are a bit subtle and won’t give off any attention.
Most bracelets are adjustable for most sizes. While some bracelets are one size fits all, most of them won’t be since they will adjust to fit your wrist. Most bracelets will match nicely with a necklace or a pendant (regardless if one is made from sterling silver and the other piece is made from gold).
Our wholesale silver jewelry is made for your customers who love to mix and match or keep their jewelry the same color like sterling silver.
Easy ways to spot a bracelet or a bangle?
Don’t know the difference between a bracelet or a bangle? Not to worry, we’ll show you a few easy ways to identify one from the other. It will depend on a few factors such as the design, the material, and who usually wears them.
Let’s take a look at some ways to distinguish one from the other:
Closure
As mentioned before, bangles don’t come with a closure or clasp. Bracelets do.
Flexibility
Bangles are not flexible. Bracelets have flexibility to an extent (depending on the material that is used).
Who wears them?
Usually a woman will wear a bangle. But they will also wear bracelets. Men can also wear bracelets depending on the overall design and the materials that the bracelet is made from. There are bracelets out there that are designed for men (thus dismissing the age old myth that bracelets are for women only).
Our Thailand jewelry manufacturers take pride in making jewelry that both look good on men and women. We make jewelry using nothing but the best sterling silver. And we ship them to jewelry stores like yours around the world.
Whether you live in the United States or Japan, sell jewelry online or in a retail space, we love to work with you and become your most trusted supplier.
Whether it’s a bangle or a bracelet...order them both now
As a jewelry store owner, you will have the option to order as many bangles and bracelets for your store. Your customers will be impressed with what your store will provide. Whether it’s a sterling silver bracelet at wholesale prices or a bangle made from the finest silver, we’ve got them.
All you have to do is look through our catalog, order what you like, and we’ll ship them to you anywhere around the world. If you have a fulfillment center for your online store or have the same retail space that you’ve occupied for ten years, we’ll send them your way. Check out our bangles and bracelets and order now!
