Silver Cuff Bracelet: A Unique Personalized Gift

I have in one corner of my jewelry case a squarish, velvet-covered box - my bracelet box. It contains among other things, several slim silver and enameled bangles that tinkle most musically, a beautifully engraved sterling silver bracelet that was a bridesmaid's gift from my sister, and two lovely cuff bracelets. One is a heavy, carved copper cuff bracelet from my mother, while the other is a sterling silver cuff bracelet, a bride gift, engraved with traditional Haida designs.

My mother's bracelet box, a beautifully turned, round, wooden lidded bowl always sat on her dressing table. Along with several other bracelets, it used to hold her favorite, a beautiful red-gold square-cornered, tubular bangle. It was a gift from our dad's Uncle Tom who brought it from South Africa along with several other curious pieces that became family favorites.

The Ibex horns, the balancing monkey, the curare-tipped arrows we were only allowed to admire from a distance, and the deadly-looking machete in its fringed, leather scabbard were some of his souvenirs from the Boer Wars. My dad inherited them when Uncle Tom died, and I remember them always having pride of place above our mantle.

My mother's beautiful gold bracelet, grown smooth with years of wear, is made even more well-loved by virtue of some curious, small dents and scars - caused by generations of teething babies.

Mother would never have them hammered or polished out. She always said it was a part of our family history, a living record of my sisters and me, along with those of nieces and nephews, and every other teething baby whose sore gums were soothed by the cool golden "teething ring".

It now graces my sister's arm, while her bracelet box sits on my dresser, repository of a few special girl-hood treasures, and my prized cuff bracelets.

One of my favorite bracelets, a lovely jade bangle, came to me from San Francisco. I haven't been there yet, but my mother loved that city. She adored Fisherman's Wharf, the markets, and the streetcars, but most of all, she loved Ghirardelli Square and Gump's.

She raved about Gump's...and the shoes...and the chocolates. Among her other booty, she brought back some delectable Ghirardelli chocolates which she did share, meting them out as if they were made of gold. They were amazing, mind you, and we didn't have online shopping then.

She didn't share her shoes, but that year in my Christmas stocking, I found a small, flattish bracelet box that bore the markings of a famous San Fransisco jewelry store.

These two lovely cuff bracelets would make great gifts. I have received some really beautiful bracelets on various occasions. I have also given them as gifts.

Traditionally, an engraved silver mug or spoon is given as a Christening gift.

Friends of mine have changed that tradition slightly - on more than one occasion, they have given a sterling cuff bracelet, engraved with the child's initials and birth-date instead, to be put away for the little girl to wear at her confirmation.

Cuff bracelets make a stylish addition to any dressing case. While working in an arts and crafts chain, I had the opportunity to learn advanced beading techniques.

Combining my attraction to semi-precious stones with a love of teaching, I was soon running classes in beading techniques.

By the time I left for greener pastures, I had created several lovely beaded cuff bracelets, some similar to the pearl beauty featured above, as well as a multi-strand yellow jade variation similar to the amethyst bracelet pictured on the right.

I love these next cuff bracelets. They are all so very different. All three of these lovely cuff bracelets are finely crafted from sterling silver.

The simple yet sophisticated triple band of polished silver is elegant enough for an evening out, but suitable for office wear.

The filigree band is slightly more ornate but still equally at home with either day or evening wear.

The hinged cuff is certainly more ornate than the first two.

The weight of the design makes it a fabulous accessory for any outfit from a tailored evening suit to a silk shirt paired with classic jeans and high heels.

The tiny, silver bead filigree on these cuffs creates a beautifully intricate, raised design. Their delicacy reminds me of the lovely brides' maid gift from my sister.

Mine features lovely, silvery Balinese dancers etched into a black enamel background, all suspended on a dainty filigree band.

Whether you are attracted to an ornate filigree two-toned cuff, or you prefer the modern simplicity of a sleek band adorned with chic, polished onyx, you are sure to find something in your price range.

I like these two examples of jewelers' art equally well but for different reasons, depending on my mood or what I plan on wearing. The onyx is so modern and sleek, but would look right at home with a nifty vintage ensemble, just as well as a sleek modern outfit.

These two lovely pieces draw on a rich Celtic heritage for their designs. The traditional Celtic knot featured in the narrower bracelet is often used as a decorative element in jewelry and textiles.

The slighter wider cuff combines the Celtic knot with a raised wave pattern that encircles the cuff. Though wider than the other bracelet, it will look lovely with almost any style of outfit, from smart office wear to a dressy evening engagement.

This beautiful, carved cinnabar bracelet is a reasonably-priced take on an amazing, carved antique jade cuff I saw in a museum exhibit many years ago. Set with cabochon, bezel-set rubies, emeralds and lapis lazuli, the original is richly carved and engraved.

The lovely bracelets are decorated in that same tradition of fine workmanship, but is not set with costly gems. Rather, it shines as a wonderful, unadorned example of carver's art.

© 2010 Text by Elle Fredine, All rights reserved