Islamic Rosary

The Arts and Crafts movement that emerged in England in the late 19th century saw a dehumanization of design in the rise of industrialization and mass production of objects. Its practitioners prized craftsmanship and a close connection between the artisan and the entire process of what they were making. This included the design of Arts and Crafts jewelry and watches, which evolved as the movement spread to the United States in the early 20th century.

While much of the Arts and Crafts furniture realm was dominated by male designers like William Morris and Gustav Stickley, several women came to prominence in Arts and Crafts jewelry design, including British metalworker Charlotte Newman and American enamelist and metalsmith Elizabeth Copeland. Many creators were part of guilds, encouraging an exchange of ideas, with some focused on jewelry, like England’s Guild and School of Handicraft — founded by Charles Robert Ashbee — and Birmingham Guild of Handicraft.

In contrast to the Victorian era, with its decadent gemstones and heavy mourning jewelry, designers of Arts and Crafts jewelry looked to the past and abroad for inspiration, from simple medieval shapes to East Asian styles. The movement’s emphasis on natural forms overlapped with Art Nouveau. Flourishes like leaves and flowers formed from silver, aluminum and copper can be found in bracelets and necklaces designed in this style, while rings and earrings are adorned with affordable gems such as turquoise and freshwater pearls.

Arts and Crafts jewelry designers used materials that were often simple, such as semiprecious stones and enamel, which is one of the oldest forms of surface decoration. Artisans prioritized the use of artistic techniques to elevate the jewelry rather than expensive components, and every piece was intended to be one of a kind — a work of wearable art.

Find antique Arts and Crafts jewelry boxes and a collection of Arts and Crafts jewelry on 1stDibs.

From the dazzling glass and shellwork jewelry favored by the Roman gentry to traditional Buddhist ceremonial mala, antique and vintage beaded bracelets have a storied history that spans centuries. These simple yet elegant accessories have held many different meanings in many different cultures.

The ancient Egyptians wore beaded bracelets whose symbolism was connected to specific colors of stones. The rosaries of Catholicism likewise infused sacred meaning in each bead. Native Americans used beads made from whelk and clamshells, known as wampum, as a form of money.

Craftsmanship, materials and design have all contributed to making the beaded bracelet an object of importance and value. Today, wearing a beaded bracelet is a subtle way to make a bold statement. These all-occasion items pair perfectly with both casual and formal attire and never look out of place, no matter whose wrists they’re adorning.

Browse the 1stDibs collection of beaded bracelets — and other types of bracelets — to explore the variety and beauty of these unique pieces that reflect an ever-evolving form of jewelry.