Types of Bracelets and Their Meaning

While some bracelets are worn purely for fashion purposes, others carry a deeper meaning. Whether you want to symbolise your eternal love or heal the body through lithotherapy, the right bracelet can do the job perfectly. In this article, we explore the different types of bracelets and their meaning.

Friendship Bracelet

One of the most famous types of bracelet is the friendship bracelet. Often handmade, this style of bracelet is given from one person to another to symbolise their friendship. Traditionally, friendship bracelets are crafted from floss or thread; because of this, they are inexpensive to create and are accessible to people of all sorts – even children.

Dating back to the 1970s, friendship bracelets first became popular in the USA. Back then, they were most often worn by male and female teenagers. Today, they are popular amongst people of all ages worldwide.

There are various different styles of friendship bracelets, but most are still based on a simple half-hitch knot. The amount of thread needed to create the bracelet depends on the pattern. The smallest pattern is a double chain knot which only requires two strings. Another popular style is the candy stripe, which requires 3 or more strings depending on the thickness.

Infinity Bracelet

Another popular bracelet is the infinity bracelet. While they are sometimes worn for aesthetic purposes, they often carry a deeper meaning. Infinity bracelets feature the symbol of infinity, a symbol used in mathematics to show endlessness. Because of this, the bracelets often symbolise endless love.

It isn’t clear when the infinity symbol was invented, but historians believe it was around 1655. Used to signify a measure of infinite size, the symbol was first seen in the mathematical world. In recent years, however, the symbol is more commonly seen in jewellery.

The infinity bracelet represents a few different things. Firstly, it can be gifted to someone to signify a deep relationship. Representing endlessness, people often give their partner an infinity bracelet to show that they’ll be in love forever. Less commonly, infinity bracelets are worn to signify incomparability, or love that is incomparable to any other.

Awareness Bracelet

Another type of bracelet with a deeper meaning in the awareness bracelet. Often made from silicone or fabric, this type of bracelet is sold to raise awareness of a certain cause. Available in a range of colours and materials, awareness bracelets sometimes carry a slogan to demonstrate a certain cause.

Awareness bracelets first became popular in 2004, when the Lance Armstrong Foundation released a yellow wristband to raise money for cancer research. Inscribed with the word ‘Livestrong’, the silicone band was sold all over the UK. Today, other organisations use awareness bracelets to raise support for their cause. Typically, the band will use the causes signature colour to make it recognisable worldwide. For instance, the breast cancer band would be pink, the AIDS band red, and the epilepsy band half red, half blue.

Lithotherapy Bracelet

Lithotherapy bracelets are also popular worldwide. Using gemstones and chromotherapy, lithotherapy can be used to heal the body and mind. Based on the idea that gemstones emit a certain vibration and energy, lithotherapy bracelets are worn to absorb that energy into the body. The effect of the stone changes depending on the type and size of the stone. Generally, the bigger the stone, the better the healing power; this is because a bigger stone will emit bigger vibrations and create more energy.

The effect that the stone has on the body depends on the types of minerals in the gem. Some of the most popular minerals for lithotherapy include Iron, Magnesium, and Potassium. This is because the body is incredibly sensitive to these minerals when they are worn outside of the body. With this in mind, people that struggle to absorb iron internally may be better using a lithotherapy bracelet. Below, we explore a few of the most popular stones for use in lithotherapy.

Rose Quartz

Known as the stone of love, Rose Quartz is often used in gemstone jewellery. The stone is believed to help us select our romantic partners and heal a broken heart.

Calcite

If you find it hard to explain yourself, a Calcite bracelet may help. Thought to help you calm down and sort your thoughts, the stone can help you express what you’re trying to get across.

Garnet

If you’re noticing problems in the bedroom, Garnet can be beneficial. Thought to boost your libido and sexual energy, the stone is perfect for those who struggle to get in the mood. Additionally, Garnet can boost your creativity. This attribute makes it popular amongst long-term couples looking to mix things up.

Agate

The healing properties of Agate are slow and steady. Unlike other gemstones, they don’t show results right away; however, the outcome is definitely worth the wait. Radiating a sense of strength and stability, the stone helps to keep you grounded in all aspects of life.

Black Spinel

A protective stone, Black Spinel is thought to repel negative energy and protect its wearer. Much like Agate, the stone also helps to ground the user and protect against all types of evil.

Emerald

Popular amongst married couples, Emerald brings loyalty to relationships and promotes domestic bliss. Additionally, the stone encourages unconditional love for both friends and lovers.

Citrine

A member of the Quartz family, Citrine can boost your self-confidence and encourage you to be strong. Additionally, the stone can give you the confidence needed to leave overpowering or unhealthy relationships.

Carnelian

Thought to be a feminine stone, Carnelian can help you to reconnect with your femininity. The stone can also be used by men looking to increase their sensitivity.

Amethyst

If you often find yourself in an argument, Amethyst could be the stone for you. Working to resolve conflict, the stone is particularly helpful for those that fall out with their parents.

Lapis Lazuli

This blue gemstone can help you to see more clearly, both physically and mentally. If you’re feeling lost, Lapis Lazuli can help you find the right path.

In Summary

Whether you’re interested in reaping the benefits of crystal healing or you’re looking to raise awareness of your cause, a meaningful bracelet can help you to achieve your goal.