What are Slide Bracelets? Slide bracelets are composed of "starter" or cable bracelets adorned with diamond and gemstones slides. The slides are interchangeable and can easily be added or removed for different looks. They can be used as luxurious fashion statements or to create treasured heirlooms, passed as a living history from family member to family member..
There are many, many styles of slides. Our slides are all designed to be worn vertically or horizontally, adding to the uniqueness of your bracelet. Many of our designs are inspired by Victorian elegance. Some feature more contemporary designs utilizing exotic gems such as tsavorite garnet and black diamonds! We have also added white gold styles so you may create a two-tone bracelet.
Where did slide bracelets originate? During the Victorian Era (1837 to early 1900's) smaller watches and wrist watches were beginning to be produced and the heavy hunting case watches started to become more of an ornamental item. Successful businessmen would display their wealth with the luxurious jewelry their wives wore, thus the women would adorn themselves with the hunting case watches, wearing them as necklaces.
Women would add decorative "slides" to their necklace chain. The "watch slide" was used to shorten or lengthen the necklace by sliding it up or down. Watch Slides were jeweled, engraved and ornate pieces of jewelry fashioned from designs of old watch fobs.
After the Victorian Era, in the 1930s, women and antique enthusiasts began to collect these watch slides from family heirlooms and estate sales. They would cut the necklace chain and string the slide on a double strand gold chain bracelet. The slides are drilled with four holes so the two strands of chain can pass through them. Each slide was stuffed with cork on the inside around the chain so it would hold the slide in place on the chain. Slides were added until the bracelet was filled and complete. These were called "Watch Slide Bracelets." Each bracelet was a unique piece of jewelry. Each slide was a different shape and was set with different popular and precious gemstones. *Modern bracelets do not use cork, as cork has to be replaced frequently. And many slides are separated or held in place with spacers. The spacers fit between the slides, holding them in place.
When did slide bracelets become popular again? To collector's, slide bracelets have always been "popular." No two bracelets are alike and each slide represents the piece of someone's history. In the 1990's there was a resurgence of popularity among jewelry enthusiasts. Slides and Slide Bracelets became very popular. There are thousands of styls and sizes to choose from. From Victorian inspired slides to contemporary designs using unusual gems, slide bracelets allow one to create their own heirloom or family tradition. The completed bracelets today rival the luxurious designs of the first slide bracelets.
Where to begin? A starter slide bracelet makes a wonderful gift for anyone! It is a one-of-a-kind item that grows with the receiver! Slide bracelets have become traditions in many families. |
