Rubber Bracelet

Bracelets, along with necklaces, have been around for literally millennia. They were among the first pieces of jewelry that people created to decorate themselves with. It makes sense when you consider the simplicity of a bracelet or a necklace. Early bracelets were made from stone, metal, bones, or even seashells. Generally any material that could be shaped and fashioned into a bracelet was used. As time passed and people became aware of how to work with other materials bracelets changed form and style. From beaten gold, to burnished copper to the rubber bracelet that is such a fad these days.

But bracelets as jewelry have not always had the sole purpose of decoration. Many bracelets had religious or superstitious significance to some people. In some parts of Eastern Europe, for example, there is a tradition to tie white and red strings around your arm in a bracelet. The belief is that it pleases the goddess and thus she will let winter end and hurry spring along. In Central America there are bracelets that are said to protect a person from the evil eye and they are often give to newborns to protect them from jealousy and other dangers. Even the rubber bracelets have a function beyond simple decoration.

The rubber bracelet was first seen during an awareness campaign in 2004 that was collaboration between Lance Armstrong and Nike. These bracelets took off, however, and now many other charity organizations have jumped on to the proverbial bandwagon. Since the bracelets are easy to make, inexpensive to make, and the message printed on the plastic can be customized to suit anyone, they are the ideal items to help spread the message or awareness of many organizations. But as many rubber bracelets that exist out there that are linked to some organization there are others that are simply there for the beauty of the thing.

Bracelets have a come a long way since people first started making and wearing them. Some of them had great significance or were gifts given by lords to their loyal followers. In some cultures they were nothing more than simple adornments with which to improve one's appearance. From gold bangles, to rubber bracelets, to wood carved pieces; bracelets come in all shapes and sizes and are bound to be around for some time yet.