Stretch Bracelets

483 items

NOVICA's Stretch Bracelets Collection. Artisans from around the world use beautiful beads, in an array of materials such as semi-precious gemstones, wood, ceramic and recycled glass, strung on elasticized cord to create unique, comfortable stretch bracelets.

The Village Council

Your answers straight from the village experts

+ - What makes a women’s bracelet eco-friendly?

Artisans the world over utilize the natural materials at their disposal to create beautiful, sustainable jewelry. Wood, bamboo and dried gourds. Coconut shells, rattan and terra-cotta. Even natural grasses lend themselves to a jeweler's creativity while art glass beads and pendants can be made from discarded bottles. Some artisans reclaim precious silver from photographic negatives. Colorful magazine pages can become tightly-rolled beads protected by a coat of varnish. Always creative, artists craft their bracelets out of innovative, eco-conscious materials.

+ - How do I know if my bracelet is handmade?

Handmade women's bracelets each have their own unique characteristics. Color, texture, size and design all vary. Often, the technique alone will tell you, for example, hand-knotted, braided or woven bracelets. Leather bracelets with cutout motifs or embossing are usually crafted by hand.Thai jewelry by Karen silversmiths shows hand-stamped geometric or floral motifs and beads are usually made of fine silver, which is more malleable than sterling. Similarly, filigree jewelry is a meticulous handcrafted process. Most bracelets with natural, sustainable or recycled materials are handmade. Even some of the most sophisticated and modern gold and silver may be signed by the artist who made it.The most common indicator that a bracelet is handmade is the detailed and intricate design. Novica artisans demonstrate their techniques in the many videos on www.novica.com youll find the links on their product descriptions and also on the artisan bio page.

+ - What bracelet-making techniques have been passed down through generations?

Traditional bracelet-making techniques have been passed down over generations around the world. Women's bracelets in gold and silver are usually crafted with the lost wax technique. The image is sculpted in wax and enveloped in a mold materia. As molten gold or silver is poured into the mold, the wax image melts and the metal takes its place. However coiling fine strands of metal results in Andean filigree jewelry. Balinese artistry applies polished spirals and tendrils as well as tiny globes known as jawan to sleek silver jewelry. And a few contemporary artisans even weave or crochet the slender silver strands.Jade was highly prized by the Maya and still has an important place in modern Guatemalan jewelry. Amber from the rich mines in southern Mexico adorns the women's bracelets, necklaces, and earrings of the area. Macrame and beading are popular everywhere for boho style. And West Africas handmade beadwork is renowned the world over.

+ - Do any women’s bracelets have particular cultural significance?

women's bracelets carried immense cultural significance in ancient times and they still do. In Perus pre-Hispanic societies, gold represented the sun, and jewelry indicated social status and identity, as it also did among the Maya of Mexico and Central America. In India, bangles or kangans showed a woman was married and are a part of the 16 adornments customarily worn by a Hindu bride. Traditional West African beads are a sign of cultural identity. Each one has a meaning and tells a story.Today, women's bracelets are still culturally significant. In India, jewelry often depicts religious symbols and meditative mantras. Balinese bracelets may also depict dragons, thought to be the protectors of the gods, or the Hindu Barong deity, also a protection symbol. Motifs stamped into Karen hill tribe silver encourage living in harmony with nature. The hand-knotted bracelets of Guatemala symbolize friendship but evolved from a silent protest for loved ones missing during the country's armed conflict. Today, friends each tie a bracelet on the others arm and make a wish. The bracelet is worn until it wears out and falls off so the wish will come true.

+ - What are the most popular materials to make women’s bracelets?

Silver, gold, brass and copper have been popular for thousands of years and are often set with colorful gemstones. Artisans in different regions of the world take advantage of unique local resources, such as Brazilian golden grass, leather and coconut shell from Thailand, and carved bone jewelry from Bali. Intricate openwork carving, known as jali, can be seen in bangles from India. West Africa has a long tradition of beadwork, with beautiful beads made from recycled glass and even plastic becoming popular in recent years.

Featured Reviews

Wood and recycled plastic beaded stretch bracelet, 'Kindness'

Susan

May 21, 2026

I wear this all the time!

This is such a good bracelet. The one I received is darker than the one shown in the description, but still in shades of brown and perfect for how I want to wear it. I hope you can see the fine detail on these beads in my picture. The stretch is good and feels strong. The description says the beads are of wood and recycled (yay!) plastic, but they all feel and look like wood. I am very happy with this purchase and I highly recommend the beaded jewelry of Catherine Offei Kwapong!

Stretch Jewelry

Beaded Jewelry

Recycled Plastic Jewelry

Wood Jewelry

No Stone Jewelry

Eco-Friendly Jewelry

Jewelry

Jade beaded stretch bracelet, 'Jade Elephant'

Trinity

May 5, 2017

Exquisite Jade Bracelet with Elephant Charm

I just received my bracelet along with another gift I ordered from Thailand. I can't even begin to express how absolutely thrilled I am with this jewelry. This is not a small beaded bracelet. The jade beads are substantial which only serves to enhance the beauty of this piece. It is elegant and the elephant charm is a gentle reminder of how we all need to protect these beautiful creatures. I love knowing that this piece was made my hand and I would like to thank Somluck for making this piece. I will definitely order more lovely pieces from this artist. Novia is incredible and I am forever a fan!

A Nice Beaded Bracelet

Awesome Bracelets To Wear

Beautiful

Carved Elephant Charm

Charming

Colorful With Quartz And Aquamarine

Cute

Cute Daily Jewelry

Detailed

Different

Eco-friendly beaded stretch bracelet, 'Market Beauty'

Catherine

Jan 13, 2026

What a beautiful bracelet!

I was very surprised by the beauty and craftsmanship of this bracelet! It is stunning! The connection to the artisan who created it is so special and I appreciate the note and information included in the package. Speaking of the package, it also was beautiful! In a day where everything seems to be mass-produced and ordered online for convenience and immediate gratification, Novica and your artisans bring a breath of fresh air. So special! Will definitely order again!

Jewelry

Featured Artist

Somluck Komolmith Cultured pearl and gemstone jewelry

(401)

"I design almost all the jewelry I wear because I like to be different and original."

"My name is Somluck Komolmith. My nickname is Aoun, which means 'fat' but I'm not fat. :) I was born December 16, 1964, the youngest of five... read more

More useful facts

Stretch Bracelets

NOVICA's Stretch Bracelets can be a wonderful work of art for the myriad materials involved. Warren and Robbin's exotic bracelet designs feature cow bone and buffalo horn, while a beaded stretch bracelet from Kati Torda are a celebration of Ghanaian traditions. NOVICA's unique collection of handcrafted Stretch Bracelets includes coconut shell from Thailand, ornate ceramic beads from Africa, and glistening gemstones from India and Brazil.