Terminology of Chains Part 3

We have been looking at all of the different terms for the styles of chains that are available in the marketplace today. Neck chains and bracelets use the same terminology so that you can get matching styles. Here are three more popular types of chains that are being sold today.

Byzantine Chain - This type of chain can be found in varying widths and lengths. It is a great chain for those who like a lot of sparkle and shine. The Byzantine chain is made up of oval shaped links with a larger link that is woven in and out of the center space of the smaller oval shaped links. It is a chain that can be found made from fashion jewelry metal, gold, sterling silver, stainless steel or even platinum, so the prices will vary greatly. The chain can be worn alone or with your favorite pendant or enhancer attached to it.

Foxtail Chain - The foxtail chain is a beautiful chain that is mostly found in the women's jewelry market. It is made when 2 oval links are connected together at a 45 degree angle. These types of chains can be worn alone or with your favorite pendant. We do not recommend you wear a large enhancer on them due to their semi-delicate nature until you have a thicker and weightier foxtail chain. You can find foxtail chains made from a variety of fashion jewelry metal and semi-precious jewelry metal in the marketplace.

Serpentine Chain - This type of chain is very flexible and is great to wear alone or with your favorite pendants. It is very similar to a snake chain but it lays flat along your neckline. It can be found made from fashion jewelry metal, gold, sterling silver, stainless steel or platinum, so prices will vary greatly depending on the materials (metals) used. You can find this type of chain in both the male and female jewelry market although it is more popular with females due to its variety.

Whichever your favorite style of chain is, there are many different styles that will hold lovely pendants, charms or look great just to wear alone. You can get help to find your favorites with these useful terms.

Terminology of Bracelet Styles

There are so many different styles and types of Bracelets in the marketplace now, some help with jewelry terminology may help you with selecting the right one for you and your fashion sense. Let's take a look at some for the great styles that are popular now.

Charm Bracelets: This style of bracelet consists usually of a chain bracelet with various charms dangling off of it. You can purchase a charm bracelet that has already been filled up with charms or purchase a blank one and fill it up with charms that mean something to you and your life.

Bangle Bracelets: Bangles are a style of bracelet that is usually made from metal, wood or plastic. It can range in the level of thickness, but most think of bangles in a thinner style so you can wear many at one time. This style of bracelet doesn't have a clasp or hinge so you simply slip it on over your wrist.

Hinged Bangle Bracelet: This style is just like a classic bangle bracelet but has a hinge mechanism which makes it easier to get on and off.

Cuff Bracelet: A cuff bracelet can be made from a variety of materials like metal, wood and plastic. A cuff bracelet has an opening on the bracelet and can be 'squeezed' to give you a custom-fit bracelet.

European Slide Charm Bracelet: This style is similar to the Pandora style where the larger opening in the bead allows for the chain or cord to run through the bead so you can stack any amount, color and design of the beaded charms on your bracelet.

Chain Link Bracelet: This is your classic style bracelet that is made form a chin of metal. You can find classic styles a Rope, Figaro, Herringbone and Rolo chain to name a few.

Using these terms you are going to have a much better idea of the style of bracelet that you enjoy as well as knowing what to ask for when making a purchase.

by Kaye Lefier, Contributing Editor at ChasingTreasure.com, online store specializing in wooden jewelry boxes and leather jewelry cases. Kaye is an avid Jewelry Collector and writes about Jewelry and Jewelry Trends.

Tips and Trends About Bangle Bracelets

Bangle Bracelets have been a trend for hundreds of years. This is one item that will never go out of fashion. One reason is the versatility of the bangle. There are so many different styles; we could talk about them for days and days. But let's sum up what makes bangle bracelets so popular and trendy.

* Bangle bracelets come in various shapes, styles, and colors and can be made from various materials like precious metals, semi-precious metals, wood and even plastic. You can purchase bangles from every price point imaginable...like 1.00 and up for fashion jewelry and up to thousands of dollars for high-end bangle bracelets made from precious metals. They are affordable for everyone!

* Bangle bracelets come in various styles: (a) cuff bangle bracelets (b) hinged bangle bracelets (c) slip-on round, square or oval shaped bangle bracelets (d) coil styled bangle bracelets - to name just a few of the styles you'll find in department stores and jewelry stores.

* If you are not much of a standard watch person you can find bangle bracelets that have watch faces on them which are very much in-trend for this year. They look great when paired with other bangles of similar style and material.

* When storing your bangle bracelets try to store them lying flat in a good jewelry box and not laying on top of one another as they can scratch and dent easily. If you have a lot of bangle bracelets in your jewelry wardrobe consider purchasing a ladies watch box and storing your bangles inside of that or a free standing velvet display bar for a beautiful design piece.

With Bangles, you never have to worry about having too many or that they will go out of fashion. Enjoy wearing them as often as possible and with all of your favorite outfits and you will be the trendiest gal around.

by Kaye Lefier, Contributing Editor at ChasingTreasure.com, online store specializing in wooden jewelry boxes and leather jewelry cases. Kaye is an avid Jewelry Collector and writes about Jewelry and Jewelry Trends.

Winter 2012 Bracelet Stacking Trend

Some jewelry trends are hot and then fizzle away but this year we are seeing one favorite trend continue to grow and grow. The Bracelet stacking has gone crazy. You will see teenagers, young adult women, middle-aged women and even senior women sporting around this jewelry trend throughout the winter 2012 fashion season. Even on the Golden Globe awards, actresses wore 3-5 and more bracelets of various colors, stacked beautifully showing some gorgeous colors and enhancing their dresses.

Here are some tips how you can get the look!

* You can purchase several bracelets of varying widths...from thin chain styles to chunky bangle bracelets.

* Purchase bracelets made from varying materials from fashion metals, wood, enamel, plastic and everything in between. Really mix up those materials for a unique & customized look.

* When it comes to stacking your bracelets you want a minimum of 3 bracelets but 5 is preferred and you can stack up as many as you would like to wear on a single wrist! We have seen Hollywood stars stacking up as many as 10 beautiful bracelets on one single wrist!

* You can sport bracelets all from one color family or mix them up for coordinating and contrasting looks. There are really no rules when it comes to color so wear whatever colors or looks you like best to show your own unique style and look.

A fabulous way to show off this look is to take a simple dress in a solid color like black and bring in pops of color through the bracelet stacking. Or you can bring in a combination of glitz through rhinestones or crystals and colored gemstones. Pair it with some matching earrings and you are rocking the look!

Bracelet stacking is a fun and elegant way to wear your jewelry and one that we think will be around for a while, so enjoy it!

by Kaye Lefier, Contributing Editor at ChasingTreasure.com, online store specializing in wooden jewelry boxes and leather jewelry cases. Kaye is an avid Jewelry Collector and writes about Jewelry and Jewelry Trends.