With earrings, necklaces and rings already making up the holy trinity of essential jewellery, bracelets are often an afterthought. The fear of over-accessorising is real, but when done right and with confidence, wrist candy can add serious oomph to the overall look. In short, bracelets are for the bold.
They’re also immensely versatile, capable of blinding guests on the red carpet the way Regina King did with her Harry Winston Draperie diamond bracelet at this year’s Academy Awards, or matching the chameleonic looks of Nicki Minaj’s flashy outfits. Stars like Miley Cyrus and Rihanna prefer to pile them on, mixing a myriad of different styles for unique combinations.
Like anything else, there are classics that can be spotted a mile away and paired with everything, such as the Cartier Love and Juste Un Clou. These can serve as foolproof pieces in any accessory arsenal, but it also pays to play around with zanier designs. Your wrists deserve that much, and we’re here to point the way with 2020’s latest designs.
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Clash de Cartier
Amazonite rose gold and amazonite bracelet, $80,500
If you found the standard Clash de Cartier offerings a little too punk, this variation with amazonite beads on rose gold treads more traditional territory. Shop on cartier.sg
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Tiffany & Co.
T1 Narrow Diamond Hinged Bangle, price upon request
Tiffany & Co.’s iconic “T” motif recently got a modern reimagining in the brand’s new T1 collection, featuring bevelled edges and a smattering of diamonds on gold. Browse the full collection on tiffany.com
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Louis Vuitton
LV Volt Curb Chain small bracelet in yellow gold, $10,500
Artistic director Francesca Amfitheatrof was buzzing with enough ideas to give Louis Vuitton’s new Volt collection five different lines, all of which play with the letters “L” and “V” to dynamic success. Available on louisvuitton.com
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Van Cleef & Arpels
Perlée Coeleurs bracelet, small model, $25,100
There’s nothing like a colourful hardstone to give a classic design a zing of personality. Here, the Perlée collection’s signature beaded style is paired with a fiery carnelian set against diamonds and rose gold. Inquiries on vancleefarpels.com
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Chanel
Coco Crush bracelet in beige gold with diamonds, $7,450
Chanel recently introduced adorable mini versions of its Coco Crush rings, but if you can’t enough of that lovely quilted pattern, the bracelets are still at your service. Inquiries on chanel.com
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Piaget
Possession double bangle in pink gold, $13,200
It’s been 30 years since Piaget gave women jewellery we could (and wanted to) play with. The Possession’s anniversary collection includes this piece with a playful twist in pink gold—and a turning band on each end of course. Available on piaget.com
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Chaumet
Bee My Love pavé bracelet in rose gold, price on request
The inviting angles of geometric jewellery practically beg to be stacked. In the case of Chaumet’s Bee My Love bracelets, we recommend giving in fully. Inquiries on chaumet.com
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Solange Azagury-Partridge
Modern Marriage bangle, price on request
Thin and simple bracelets are valued for their versatility but there are times when a bracelet can afford to make a statement—in this case literally (and cheekily) with a very different message on the opposite side. Inquiries on solange.co.uk
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OThongthai
Del Mar bracelet in 925 silver, price on request
Whether or not the restrictive new normal is the reason behind this year’s chunky chain link trend is up for debate, but what isn’t is how well this white gold beast will fit in. Available on othongtai.com
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Melanie Georgacopoulos
Double Pearl Nacre bangle, price on request
Pearls get a 21st century update with this architectural offering by Grecian jewellery designer Melanie Georgacopoulos. The yellow gold bangle ends in two 12mm South Sea pearls. Inquiries on melaniegeorgacopoulos.com
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Gigi Clozeau
Diamond Star beaded bracelet, $1,077
Beaded bracelets don’t have to be a crowded affair. The sheer daintiness of this Gigi Clozeau bracelet calls for a less-is-more approach. Available on farfetch.com
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Octavia Elizabeth
Thick Etoile cuff, US$4,200
The 15 diamonds nestled snugly in this hammered gold cuff evokes the romance of a starry night. Available on octaviaelizabeth.com
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Musa by Bobbie
Bead bracelet, $566.83
Tibetan Sherpa coral, tiger’s eye and aquamarine are interspersed with beads to create a stylish accessory that its designer Bobbie van der Vlugt hopes will bring its wearer protection and good fortune. Available on matchesfashion.com
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Bottega Veneta
Coiled Leather cuff bracelet, US$830
Not all bracelets have to look or feel icy. The soft warmth of napa leather coiled around your wrist is as comfortable as it is chic. Available on farfetch.com
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Azlee
Diamond and Gold charm bracelet, $6,830
There’s are ways to do charm bracelets with sophistication, and one of them is to keep it simple—the way Azlee did with elongated links and a diamond-paved charm. Available on matchesfashion.com
