Top 5 Personalized Bracelets

*Alex and Ani * Pandora * Chamilia *

* David Yurman * Cartier*

           There are over 32,000 jewelry stores in the United States alone that provide many options when it comes to purchasing the perfect piece. It is important for the buyer of the jewelry to know what they are looking for and how much it will cost. Although I have yet to experience a jewelry salesman that was not helpful and knowledgeable about their inventory, it is good to do research before stepping up to the overwhelming sales counter. The hardest part of choosing personal jewelry is to avoid the vortex of shiny expensive things and keep a budget in mind. The thoughtful idea of giving someone the gift of a timeless piece of jewelry is definitely worth the price of purchasing these fine accessories. The best part of the world of jewelry is that the most beautiful pieces can be rather affordable and though prices are dependent upon quality and creation, there is a wide range of price tags even within a single company. However, there is much more involved in buying jewelry then when giving someone flowers or perfume. Personalization is key to finding the item that will reflect every aspect of the person you are buying jewelry for. Although rings, earrings and necklaces are just as common as bracelets and make fantastic, thoughtful gifts, there is a lot to say about the decorations that lie on our wrists.

             A popular trend with the young generation today is self-expression through symbolic jewelry. Alex and Ani is one of the most unique brands of this style of jewelry that has been manufactured recently. Carolyn Rafaelian, creator and designer, launched this new company in 2004 and named it after her two daughters. Since then, Alex and Ani bracelets can be found dangling from the wrists of women and adolescent girls all over the country. Rafaelian’s experience in the craft of jewelry was a family tradition that motivated her to create her own line. The most unique aspect of this jewelry chain is the premise of individuality and empowerment that is captured by the design of each piece. The basic idea is that the charm on each bracelet represents a hobby or quality of the person that is wearing it. The charms range all the way from animals to quotes and from religious symbols to fruits. If these enlightening charms are not enough to set a personalized tone, the bracelets always come in either Russian gold or Russian silver to ensure that it matches the wearer’s preferable style. Additionally, the patented expandable design of all the bracelets is a special feature that subtly and classically allows the bracelets to be the perfect fit for everyone. To top off the individuality of these one of a kind bracelets, the creation of each bracelet is rather extraordinary. Alex and Ani bracelets are made entirely in the USA of eco-friendly, recycled metals purchased from mills. Founder Carolyn “believes that by creating designs that support the environment and encourage social consciousness, consumers can use their purchases to make a difference in protecting our planet and our future.” Alex and Ani provides a very economic collection of incredible jewelry. These bracelets can make the perfect gift for anyone.

           In 2000, Danish jeweler Per Enevoldsen and his wife launched the PANDORA jewelry collection. A mere three years later, expansion took the company internationally and the United States received its first taste of this fantastic twist on the classic charm bracelet. As stated on the company website, “PANDORA’s mission – then and today – is to offer women across the world a universe of high quality, hand-finished, modern and genuine jewelry products at affordable prices, thereby inspiring women to express their individuality.” This mission statement is not far fetched as the company delivers exactly what is expected. Beginning with the charm bracelet of your choice, you have the ability to design a bracelet of any color, theme or relation to yourself. Each charm is intricately made to help you embrace the things you like. Although the 14 ct. gold and diamond charms can reach prices around $800, the simple yet charismatic plain silver charms can be purchased for an affordable $25.  With more than 600 options of PANDORA charms, there is no doubt that you will struggle to find a gift to capture your special moments. As these timeless bracelets begin to fill up, they become priceless time capsules that represent the fond occasions that you wish to remember. A unique aspect of PANDORA is the carved grooves inside each charm that allow the charms to twist onto the bracelet and move free and comfortably around the spacers on each bracelet. This creative technology allows PANDORA to remain an exclusive company and keep a great reputation for customer satisfaction and the high-end quality of merchandise. Take a second to flip through the PANDORA charm catalog.

           Compared to PANDORA beads that tend to be classy and sophisticated, Chamilia beads have a much more young and bright persona to them. Within the same premise of a beaded charm bracelet, the co-founder and designer, Killian Rieder, has a much different vision for her line of collectable jewelry. The basis of designs for this brand is trendy and definitely more suitable for women who want to be flashy and fashionable with their jewelry. Not only do they carry simple elegant beads, but the brightly colored glass and gem-enhanced beads provide seemingly endless choices. The company explains that, “Killian was inspired to create a way for women to express themselves, their passions, interests, and styles in a meaningful way.” It is definitely clear that PANDORA outshines Chamilia in the charm bracelet world because there are not as many big name jewelry chains that carry Chamilia. A major benefit of purchasing Chamilia brand beads is that they will also fit onto a PANDORA brand bracelet. With this in mind, you are able to mix-and-match the two brands to create the perfect bracelet. The online catalog provides fantastic details for each bead of interest. As an incentive to shop online, Chamilia offers a free silver charm bracelet with a $100 purchase and free shipping over $90. This makes it very convenient to build your own personalized fashion statement. It is great to be able to express yourself and tell the story of your special moments with an affordable, quality bracelet.  

           There is a reason why you can see David Yurman’s jewelry adorning the wrists of every celebrity imaginable and filling the pages of the top fashion magazines. In 1980, David Yurman unleashed his first collection and since then his artistry has only flourished. The craftsmanship and quality of his collections alone make each piece a priceless creation. There is one collection that comes to mind when comparing timeless collectable jewelry and that is the cable bracelets. These elegant pieces of designer jewelry are perfect for any time, any day, and any age. Most people who own a bracelet from the cable collection would agree that they are the perfect combination of substantial and delicate, and definitely worth the money. Unlike any other precious metal bracelet, the cable design gives the sleek appearance of twisting rope without creating a chunky impression. They can be purchased in silver or gold and the clasps can be designed as a buckle, a heart, a diamond, or cuff with two finishing gemstones. Although the prices of these cable bracelets range from $375 to over $1,000 you can expect that the superiority of the bracelet will stand for the expense. To view David Yurman's Fall Campaign video featuring the elegant cable bracelets, click here.

     Cartier introduced its design of the Love bracelet collection in New York during the 1970s. The flat bangle-style bracelet features a screw that actually locks the bracelet to the wearer’s wrist. The idea of this piece is to sanctify permanent and inseparable love. The special screwdriver used to lock the bracelet on to the lover’s arm can also be purchased as a necklace. This unique tradition symbolizes commitment, where one person holds the lock and the other holds the key. Ever since it’s debut, this unisex item has been the basis of signature jewelry collections. The original Love bracelet is a simple, classic approach with clean, sophisticated lines. The utilitarian appearance of the screws is elegantly contrasted with the gorgeous 18kt yellow gold and makes for a striking and instantly recognizable design. According to Cartier officials, there are women that were gifted the Love bracelet when it was first introduced in the 1970s and still have never taken them off, thus proving that this bracelet is truly timeless. Though the cost for one of these pieces is not cheap, the value of gifting these bracelets to someone you love is worth the expense.