The Ultimate Guide to Buying Friendship Bracelets

A good friendship is worth celebrating – and in the wonderful world of jewellery, there is no better way to do that than with friendship bracelets. Effortlessly chic and endlessly customisable, these endearing pieces hold a unique presence in the collections of jewellery lovers of all kinds – crossing the boundary between elegance and intimacy, style and substance.

Here at Abelini, we stock a brilliant range of metal friendship bracelets featuring eclectic blends of silver, gold and gemstones in intricate designs welcoming the addition of custom charms and more. Truly timeless in appeal, friendship bracelets take us back to simpler childhood moments – capturing imaginations, celebrating connections and standing as a profound, purposeful way to celebrate those dearest to us.

Ready to celebrate your most special friendships?

Then join Abelini’s jewellery experts on our Ultimate Guide to Buying Friendship Bracelets…

Interested? We don’t blame you!

A Brief History of Friendship Bracelets

For as long as humans have had friends, we’ve found ways to honour them – friendship bracelets have played a key role throughout history.

The rich history of friendship bracelets spans all cultures and continents, with origins traced back to the indigenous peoples of Central and South America. There is also evidence of decorative knot-tied bracelets dating back to China circa 300 BC, while the woven style emblematic of modern friendship bracelets takes inspiration from the macramé style of 13th-century Arabic textiles.

Traditionally worn on the left wrist, hand-woven with detailed patterns and adorned with meaningful trinkets, each friendship bracelet carries its own special story of a unique bond! The act of crafting these symbols of unity is just as important as exchanging them – a ritual that cements and strengthens friendships. It’s clear why friendship bracelets, regardless of monetary worth, are often the most valuable pieces of jewellery you can own!

In recent decades, friendship bracelets have gained new popularity. In the 1970s, they became a symbol of peace and solidarity within the USA and further afield. Featuring in the wardrobe of youth activists and those fighting for equality in all forms, friendship bracelets stand today for racial and cultural togetherness as well as the togetherness valued by two specific individuals.

Human connection on a personal and grand scale – friendship bracelets stand for it all. Now, how should you choose your very own?

How to Choose a Quality Friendship Bracelet?

As you can imagine, choosing a piece of jewellery as thoughtful as a friendship bracelet requires some thought – mostly, thinking about the person for whom it is intended!

There are no real rules when it comes to selecting a friendship bracelet – however, the unspoken laws include making them with care, exchanging them to symbolise friendship, and wearing them until they fall off naturally (the perfect time to craft another)!

There are a lot of friendship bracelets out there – so, when it comes to choosing a premium quality friendship bracelet, you might like to keep in mind the following:

1. Recipient’s Style & Preferences

Start by considering your friend’s tastes and trends: do they favour bold and outgoing colours and styles or more subdued and classic vibes?

Think about the types of clothing and jewellery they usually wear, which will reveal clues regarding the style of friendship bracelet that will best represent their personality. But of course, a great friendship bracelet celebrates two souls in alignment – so don’t forget about how you play into their expression and vice versa.

2. Materials, Durability & Comfort

Next up, consider your ideal friendship bracelet material. Seek materials known for longevity – from metals to gemstones, choose providers that have great faith in their products and represent that via solid guarantees and after-sales support. If they are sporty or head into the great outdoors often, they may appreciate a material that is durable as well as comfortable.

Just as friendships go through highs and lows, stresses and challenges, so will your new friendship bracelet. Ensure your chosen bracelet can stand up to everyday wear and tear and is water-resistant, too.

And of course, for a friendship bracelet that is going to be worn daily, comfort is key!

3. Special Occasion

A third consideration is the occasion for which the friendship bracelet is being gifted. A birthday, anniversary or other special milestone? Or simply a spontaneous gesture to celebrate a fantastic friendship? This may well play into the type of friendship bracelet you select – or how you choose to present it to your pal…

4. Personality Matching

The challenge of pairing your pal with the perfect friendship bracelet is one of the many delightful steps in choosing your perfect piece of jewellery. Outdoorsy and adventurous? Earthen tones, leather materials and suitable charms are the sure path. Fashionable and bright? Intricate beads, precious gemstones and vivid metals will certainly play their part!

5. Craftsmanship

Made with care and precision, finely finished ends and fastenings are designed to last. Friendship bracelet lengths are generally 6-8 inches so that they can fit comfortably around the wrist. Take the time to read genuine buyer reviews so you can believe with confidence that your friendship bracelet isn’t going to fall apart – you don’t want to risk your friendship following suit!

Keep all this in mind to maximise your chances of finding a friendship bracelet that will stand the test of time – and stay looking fantastic along the way. Now we know what makes a good friendship bracelet, let’s consider the popular friendship bracelet styles from which you can choose…

Types of Friendship Bracelet

The best thing about friendship bracelets is that you never see two the same!

From the quirky homemade creations you dreamt up as a child, we arrive today at the main categories of friendship bracelets available from your favourite local jeweller – each of which brings its own special charm and inimitable appeal.

a. Red means love

b. Blue means loyalty and,

c. Yellow means happiness – and if you want to symbolise strength and power (or to acknowledge the mourning of a loss)

d. Black is the traditional friendship bracelet colour choice.

And if you’re into pixel art, you can also opt for an alpha friendship bracelet, which features woven cross-stitch-style patterns of horizontal rows incorporating letters or shapes. Remember, friendship bracelet patterns are traditionally read left to right!

Woven friendship bracelets are brilliantly bohemian, comfortable and casual – expressing through intricate tales of colour and texture the layers that make up your deepest, dearest friendships.

3. Metal Bracelets

Seeking a more durable and elegant style of friendship bracelet? Then a metal friendship bracelet may well be what you seek…

From sleek and simple to bold and extravagant, gold and silver friendship bracelets are ideal for elegant pals who appreciate the finer things in life – as well as those who want a friendship bracelet least likely to break! And for an even more affordable option, you can always grab a sleek stainless steel friendship bracelet!

There is still endless potential for these metal friendship bracelets to be augmented with personalised charms, engravings and all other customisations that capture your imagination. To many friends, these are the epitome of casual cool – blending exquisite metals and gemstones with the personal charms selected to represent friendships at their most poignant.

Thread, beaded and metal friendship bracelets each offer unique qualities – so whether you seek traditional charm, vibrant colour or stylish elegance, the perfect purchase is out there waiting…

If a magnificent metal friendship bracelet is what you seek then you’re in luck… Here at Abelini, we stock a wonderful range of metal friendship bracelets available in endless combinations of metal and gemstone quality to suit your ideal price point.

Caring for Your Friendship Bracelet

Just as you take time to look after your friend, caring for your friendship bracelet will keep it gleaming beautifully and resonating with as much meaning as the day you bought it.

Here are some key tips from Abelini’s acclaimed jewellers for proper friendship bracelet cleaning and maintenance:

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

1. Thread Bracelets

Thread-style friendship bracelets gather dirt and oil over time (especially if worn daily). Gently hand wash them with mild soap and lukewarm water, avoiding harsh chemicals or soaking for too long as this will weaken the thread fibres.

After washing, pat dry with a soft towel then air dry completely. Take this time to check for loose threads, which you can carefully trim or hold a flame to prevent fraying.

2. Metal Bracelets

Whether gold, silver or stainless steel, metal friendship bracelets will tarnish and lose shine through daily or prolonged wear. Clean this style of friendship bracelet using a soft cloth and a gentle cleaning solution designed specifically for metals.

Don’t want to purchase a special jewellery cleaner? No worries, just mix your own with a small amount of mild dish soap and warm water, then scrub gently using a soft toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly, dry with a soft cloth, and avoid exposure to harsh chemicals or perfumes that can discolour or damage!

3. Beaded Bracelets

Beaded friendship bracelets are often delicate – especially those featuring glass or gemstone beads – so a similarly delicate cleaning method is needed.

Start by wiping down gently with a soft, damp cloth. Seek a deeper clean? Then mix up a mild soap solution and rinse carefully. We find it best to avoid soaking for too long as this may cause the elastic elements of the friendship bracelet to weaken. Finally, dry thoroughly with a soft towel.

Pay close attention to the types of beads featured by your bracelet, as certain gemstones and glass can be especially sensitive to water or chemicals. If in doubt, ask the retailer or do a quick search online to find recommended cleaning methods for the types of beads that make up your bracelet!

4. Storage Recommendations

Just like any valuable jewellery, taking good care of your friendship bracelet extends to proper storage.

We recommend storing your friendship bracelet in a cool, dry and dark place that will protect the bracelet body from tangling and the gemstones or beads from scratching or dulling.

Lay thread and beaded bracelets flat or hang them to avoid warping, and keep metal bracelets in a jewellery box or dedicated jewellery pouch lined with fabric to protect against scratches. Lastly, avoid leaving your friendship bracelets in direct sunlight as this will certainly cause fading and speed up deterioration!

With these simple care and maintenance steps in mind, your friendship bracelet will remain a beautiful symbol of your special bond for years and years to come!

The Ultimate Guide to Buying Friendship Bracelets

We hope you have enjoyed this deep dive into friendship bracelets and are now feeling filled with inspiration about your future purchase!

These timeless symbols of connection and affection have been cherished across cultures and generations – they remain in trend as ever and are even gaining popularity here in 2024!

From the classic charm of thread bracelets and elegant metal bracelets to vibrant beaded designs, choosing the perfect friendship bracelet is about considering your pal’s personality and the unique qualities that make your connection so special.

If you need any expert guidance in selecting your dream friendship bracelet, Abelini’s friendly experts are excited to receive your call or welcome you in-store.

Thank you – and happy bracelet hunting!