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!
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 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.
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!
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!
