Types of Bracelet Links
Bracelets are popular accessories that draw attention and can complement virtually any type of outfit. They come in a variety of materials, including precious metals, beads, gemstones and leather, as well as an assortment of styles, such as bangle and link bracelets. Link bracelets are distinct because they are composed of numerous small components that are joined together, making them flexible and fluid. Does this Spark an idea?
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Folded
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Folded-link bracelets are a common feature in many watch chains, but folded links can also be a feature in regular bracelets. Each individual link of a folded-link bracelet is fashioned by folding a metal sheet around a metal kernel with a large amount of pressure. In some cases, if you examine the sides of folded links, you can see the kernel of metal inside the folded metal. In higher quality folded-link bracelets, this is not as easily visible.
Solid
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Solid bracelet links are of a higher quality than folded bracelet links. Every individual link of this type of bracelet is comprised of a single, solid chunk of metal. As with folded-link bracelets, solid-link bracelets are commonly featured in watch chains. Solid links are also used to fashion regular bracelets, especially bracelets for men.
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Chain
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Most bracelets described as "chain bracelets" are comprised of many individual metal rings, which are linked together. The ring-shaped links that make a chain can vary widely in size, ranging from as tiny as 1 mm to as large and chunky as a few inches. The linked rings that make a chain bracelet may be round, oval, square, rectangular or heart shaped.
Embellished
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Some bracelet links are embellished with gemstones. The popular tennis bracelet is a metal-link bracelet embellished with diamonds on every link. Typically, these bracelets are comprised of many solid links onto which individual diamonds or other gemstones are set. Other embellished bracelet links may have inlaid stones, which means that the stones are set into the metal so that their surfaces are flush. Still other embellished bracelet links may be hammered, sanded or stamped to give them a variety of finishes.
Hollow
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Hollow-link bracelets are undesirable because they lack the quality and substance of solid links or even folded links. Though they look almost identical to solid links, there is no metal inside of each individual hollow link.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of The ChainMaille Lady Andersen
