Bangles jewellery is no doubt a very versatile ornament. In fact the ornament is so popular that even men’s silver jewellery stores will house a few of the pieces along with their bracelets. Women of course seem to favour this jewellery item much more. While mostly bangles are sold in pairs, it is true that many people will wear a single bangle too. However, the aesthetic appeal of this jewellery item does lie in wearing it in pairs of twos.

Designers are definitely unleashing their creativity when it comes to bangles since the traditional circular shape has given way to square designs and even rectangular ones. While today most of us see bangles jewellery as a cosmetic item much like pendants jewellery or necklaces, bangles have many more purposes too. The various symbolic significance of bangles are discussed below –

Matrimonial Status
It is a fact that there are various cultures in the world where bangles jewellery signifies the matrimonial status of a woman. Married women must wear these ornaments at all given times and they are taken off only at a time when the lady becomes a widow. In these cultures a woman may wear other ornaments like pendants jewellery or even a pair of earrings, but bangles and anklets are not to be worn in her widow status.

Economical Status
There are cultures where the lady of the house must wear a certain type of bangle in order to demonstrate the economical status of the house. Silver bangles seem to indicate a low income household, while gold and diamond bangles signal towards prosperity. In these cultures the richer homes allow for men’s silver jewellery, but the women will adorn only gold ornaments be it bangles or necklaces or even anklets.

Of course the cosmetic appeal of the bangles cannot be taken away from them and even in the cultures discussed above these ornaments are worn for their cosmetic value also.

Types
There are various types of bangles available and right from those that are slipped on, to those that come with a clamp that allows the bangle to open up and be worn straight on the wrist, everything is easily available. While most of us know of gold, silver and platinum bangles, not many of us know that bangles are made from glass too. These colourful and bright bangles are quite a rage especially in the eastern section of the world map.

Buying tips
When you set out of buy bangles jewellery make sure you pick the right size. Unlike rings the size of bangles is very difficult to alter since these ornaments are made in moulds. Those who try and alter the size of the bangles usually find that the bangle looses its durability and breaks very often. It is also important that when buying bangles that are made from expensive materials like gold, platinum and precious stones, you ensure that you purchase from an authentic store that gives a receipt for its sales. Failing this you may end up at the receiving end of a jewellery fraud.