A SHORT HISTORY OF BRACELETS: CRAFTED BY ARTISANS SINCE ANTIQUITY
If it is difficult to know when the first bracelets appeared, they were undoubtedly among the very first jewels worn by humans. Since antiquity, bracelets and cuffs were signs of power, wisdom, protection but also testimony of beauty and elegance. Bracelets, then worn by men as well as women, were both pieces of jewelry protecting the wearer against certain beliefs (you could not then take it off) and ornaments displayed for aesthetics.
Made from simple and natural materials, craftsmen quickly started to apply new techniques to integrate stones and metal into their creations. Jewelers developed this art to produce increasingly intricate and sophisticated models, transforming bracelets into authentic and luxurious jewelry pieces.
THE HIGH-GRADE MATERIALS USED TO CRAFT VALÉRIE VALENTINE’S BRACELETS
Valérie Valentine creates her bracelets using top quality materials to give them their elegance and sturdiness. Consequently, the majority of women’s bracelets by Valérie Valentine (the cuff bracelets) are composed of a copper base wrapped in a leather sleeve that has been intricately crafted. Our soft bracelets such as the Alizée or the Swing are made of a leather band studded with Swarovski® crystals. Each finished piece has undergone an antiallergenic treatment.
Displaying a wide range of designs and reflecting the expertise of our master jewelers, our bracelets can be crafted from plunged lambskin, a fine material soft to the touch, suede goatskin, also a very velvety hide, and sometimes from more exotic python skin. These pieces are then adorned with leather details and finished with Swarovski® crystals or crystal dust, and even pearls. These elements make our bracelets truly luxurious accessories, entirely made in France.
The finished creations, bracelets and chic cuffs, all handmade with the greatest attention to detail, are real masterpieces of jewelry, a study in harmony and distinction. For all our accessories, we offer a custom-made service if you are looking for a unique design tailored to your personal taste. Please contact our studio for more information.
Fashion tip: discover this unmissable new trend. All the fashion it-girls are wearing their bracelets stacked on their wrists. So, don’t be shy. Stacking is key for a more-is-better look. If they are thin, do not hesitate to place 7 or 8 bracelets on your wrist. If they are wider, go for a maximum of 3. Rigid or soft, made from fabric or leather, adorned with a chain or Swarovski® crystals, the possibilities are limitless! You can mix gold and silver tones too but try not to juxtapose too many different materials and colors.
WHICH VALÉRIE VALENTINE BRACELET FOR MY WEDDING?
You have your dress and the rest of your outfit. You have chosen your hair accessories. The shoes you will wear are waiting in your wardrobe. But have you given any thought to your jewelry? A detail not to be overlooked if you want to look amazing on your big day.
An iconic piece to complete a wedding gown, the first thing to consider in choosing a bracelet or a cuff is the size (or diameter) of your wrist, which can vary a lot from one woman to another. If your wrist is narrow, you will prefer thin, delicate bracelets. On the other hand, if you have a wider wrist, you can go for larger cuffs or bangles. In each case, you can mix styles and widths for a more dynamic look. However, try not to wear a bracelet too tight or uncomfortable on your wrist. Don’t forget to carefully check the measurements of your coveted bracelet or cuff. For your convenience however, all Valérie Valentine cuffs are adjustable to the size of your wrist. This is the advantage of wearing a cuff and the main difference between these designs and a more classic bracelet.
The Maison Valérie Valentine collections include a large choice of bridal bracelets and cuffs, all made by hand in France. But if you prefer a customized leather design, our creative studio team will be delighted to craft a most beautiful and unique piece, made only for you.