Cuff bracelets are making an impressive comeback!

Since 2012, we’ve seen cuff bracelets making an almighty comeback. The star of all accessories, and a must-have item, cuff bracelets have been adorning women’s wrists since time immemorial. This oversized piece, which was already very popular in ancient times, saw something of a revival in the 1930s, thanks to Coco Chanel. Cuff bracelets came back into fashion once again, this time towards the end of the noughties. In fact, in 2012 these bracelets were spotted on the wrists of models in catwalks everywhere, and on the runways of some of the greatest fashion designers. Now we’re seeing another revival of a phenomenon that has been around for thousands of years.

Cuff Dinh Van R40 or rose © Dinh Van Cuff - Collector défilé 2012 - Louis Vuitton © Louis Vuitton Cuff-CHANEL Collection Signature © Chanel Cuff bracelet - Collier de Chien – Hermès © Hermès Cuff MONOGRAMME SAINT LAURENT © YSL
Cuff Dinh Van R40 or rose © Dinh Van
Cuff – Collector défilé 2012 – Louis Vuitton © Louis Vuitton
Cuff-CHANEL Collection Signature © Chanel
Cuff bracelet – Collier de Chien – Hermès © Hermès
Cuff MONOGRAMME SAINT LAURENT © YSL

Cuff bracelets: something for everyone

Inspired chiefly by shirtsleeves, in theory the cuff bracelet has no clasp – or at least, that is how the story goes. But today there’s a whole range of different cuff bracelets out there: rigid ones, flexible ones, bracelets with or without a clasp, bracelets made from coloured metal, gold, silver, fabric, resin, Perspex and even leather. These XXL bracelets are worn oversized and close fitting. So whether it’s an understated bracelet made from engraved metal, or something a bit flashier with multi-coloured stones or delicate pearls, there’s certainly something to suit all tastes.

Cuff Marni Foulard, Collection 2012 © Marni Foulard Cuff in leather and metal, Jean-Paul Gaultier, 2012 Collection © Jean-Paul Gaultier
Cuff Marni Foulard, Collection 2012 © Marni Foulard
Cuff in leather and metal, Jean-Paul Gaultier, 2012 Collection © Jean-Paul Gaultier

Cuff bracelets are great for an evening do or a summer’s day. Whether they are worn individually or one on each wrist; they’re the perfect accessory to any outfit. In 2012, cuff bracelets were spotted on the runways at Yves Saint Laurent, Balmain and Hermès. Because it is such a staple piece, the cuff bracelet continues to be the star of all accessories – which is why they can often be spotted on the red carpet, whether it’s an elegant Chanel bracelet, a studded version or something more minimalist.

Timeless classics: simple cuffs and leather cuffs

Cuff bracelets have a certain timeless elegance about them, and an iconic status that really sets them apart from other accessories. Made from fine quality leather, these bracelets will stand the test of time, and won’t age. At Hermès, the leather cuff bracelet tends to be monochrome and enhanced with a metal or silver buckle, for understated elegance and balance.

At Buttons Paradise, our leather cuffs play around with contrasting colours, and have fun with interesting button and buckle shapes. Graphic design elements give these bracelets a bold style and distinctly feminine identity.

With lilac blue, yellow, camel and strawberry red particularly on trend at the moment, these bracelets are often embellished with a coloured Bakelite buckle or a pearl button. These leather cuff bracelets are chic and casual at the same time: they’re the star accessories of recent years, and you can see why!

Strawberry Blue Jeans Cuff Bracelet Buttons Paradise SS 2016 © Buttons Paradise Blue Lilac Leather Cuff Buttons Paradise SS 2016 © Buttons Paradise Cluff – Artémis- Hermès © Hermès Cluff – Forçat – Hermès © Hermès Cluff by Antonio Pineda © Antonio Pineda
Strawberry Blue Jeans Cuff Bracelet Buttons Paradise SS 2016 © Buttons Paradise
Blue Lilac Leather Cuff Buttons Paradise SS 2016 © Buttons Paradise
Cluff – Artémis- Hermès © Hermès
Cluff – Forçat – Hermès © Hermès
Cluff by Antonio Pineda © Antonio Pineda
     

Cuff bracelets: truly timeless

Whether it is made from cloth, leather or metal, the cuff bracelet is an ancient jewellery piece that was all the rage during Antiquity. This accessory has embellished the wrists of a great many women throughout centuries past, from Rome to Alexandria, and Greece, South America and Asia. So this is a throwback to a truly timeless piece of jewellery that’s in a league of its own!

Bracelet de la reine Amanishakheto – Méroé, nécropole Nord, 1er siècle après JC © Jürgen Liepe Maya Cuff © Yelena Noah Jewelry Sail and Sun Leather Cuff Bracelet Buttons Paradise © Buttons Paradise
Bracelet de la reine Amanishakheto – Méroé, nécropole Nord, 1er siècle après JC © Jürgen Liepe
Maya Cuff © Yelena Noah Jewelry
Sail and Sun Leather Cuff Bracelet Buttons Paradise © Buttons Paradise

In Egypt and Latin America

Here cuff bracelets were generally made from gold or brass, and often embellished with a geometric turquoise stone or a stone bearing an animal, such as the scarab beetle seen here, an emblematic symbol of Ancient Egypt. Other cuff bracelets were set with coloured materials, as in this second model, which is much more precious than the preceding one. In Egypt, cuff bracelets were the badges of office for Pharaohs, symbolising their power and might.

Bracelet manchette égyptien, le scarabée sacré © a little market, boutique Lericheattirail Bracelet de la reine Amanishakheto – Méroé, nécropole Nord, 1er siècle après JC © Jürgen Liepe
Bracelet manchette égyptien, le scarabée sacré © a little market, boutique Lericheattirail
Bracelet de la reine Amanishakheto – Méroé, nécropole Nord, 1er siècle après JC © Jürgen Liepe

Looking towards the Americas, and particularly at Mayan civilisations, cuff bracelets were very understated. They were made from a single material, generally gold or silver, and comprised geometric forms of remarkable simplicity. For those of you who value finesse and unfussiness, this is the model for you! These cuffs may have been worn by Mayan emperors, but it seems that this jewellery piece still inspires women everywhere.

Maya Cuff © Yelena Noah Jewelry Manchette Maya Pyramid Gold © lesparigotes.com
Maya Cuff © Yelena Noah Jewelry
Manchette Maya Pyramid Gold © lesparigotes.com

Turkmenistan and India

The Turkmen cuff bracelet adorned the arms of most women in this area of Central Asia. They were generally made from gold or silver, and often embellished with one or several precious or semi-precious Carnelian stones. Today, this bracelet is available as a re-edition. It is both ethnic and simple, giving any outfit an element of chic and a touch of the exotic. Just what you need to keep you looking elegant on your summer travels!

Turkmen Bracelet Pair B Turkmenistan © Coyote’s Paw Gallery Bijoux Filigranes et turquoise, Newar, Nepal © Karuni
Turkmen Bracelet Pair B Turkmenistan © Coyote’s Paw Gallery
Bijoux Filigranes et turquoise, Newar, Nepal © Karuni

Indian versions of the cuff bracelet were made from metal, particularly in engraved silver, and often set with an impressive turquoise stone. Women wore one cuff bracelet on each arm, in total symmetry.

A timeless classic: the leather cuff bracelet

Inspired by ancient cuff bracelets, these leather pieces are chic and understated. Made from the finest of natural materials, they come in plain and two-tone leather, or in more than one material, and add a note of class to your look. In any case, there’s a cuff bracelet to suit every taste!

Original Graphic Leather Cuff Buttons Paradise © Buttons Paradise
Original Graphic Leather Cuff Buttons Paradise © Buttons Paradise