Do you know your Cuff from your Brangle?

Cuffs, Bracelets, and Bangles: What's the Difference?

When it comes to adorning your wrists, the world of jewellery offers a beautiful variety—but it can also get a little confusing. What's the difference between a cuff and a bangle? Is a bracelet a catch-all term, or something more specific?

Whether you're building your own collection or shopping for a gift, understanding these distinctions can help you find the perfect piece — so let’s explore the differences between bracelets, cuffs, and bangles, and how each one can add its own touch of magic.

Bracelets: The Umbrella Term

Think of bracelet as the general term that covers all types of wrist adornments. Whether it's flexible, rigid, clasped, or slipped on—if it wraps around your wrist, it's a bracelet. It can be made from a wide range of materials, be delicate or chunky, minimal or highly detailed.

A bracelet can also have a specific meaning. A bracelet tends to drape loosely, be fluid in movement and have a clasp or a means of fastening and unfastening. The size of a  bracelet is usually described as a length, and can be extended with extra chain or jump rings.

Best for: Delicate styles, evening looks and layering

Bracelet - Fluid with a clasp

Bangles: Sleek and Circular

A bangle is typically rigid and an unending piece which slips over the hand and rest loosely around the wrist. Bangles can be thin and stackable or thick and sculptural.

Traditionally, bangles have deep cultural roots in South Asian, Middle Eastern, and African traditions—but modern interpretations come in many styles and materials.

Bangles are usually described in internal diameters and can be tricky to size as you need to take into account, not only the size of your wrist, but the size of your hand. People who have slim wrists but large hands may not suit a bangle as it will have to be large enough to go over the wrist but may then look loose and oversized on the wrist. Bangles can also tricky as gifts as you need to know hand size as well as wrist size.

Best for: Stacking in multiples, adding rhythm and movement to your look.

Bangle - Rigid and closed

Cuffs: Bold and Open-Ended

A cuff is again typically rigid and wide, with an open gap or overlap that allows you to slide it onto your wrist from the side. Cuffs don’t usually have clasps—they rely on their shape to stay in place – but can usually be moulded slightly when on the wrist for a closer fit. These are one of the most flexible in sizing for the wearer.

Cuffs are known for their bold, statement-making presence. They often feature intricate designs, stone settings, or textured surfaces.

Best for: Bold styles, layering with thinner pieces, and showcasing handcrafted detail.

Cuff - Rigid and open-ended

Slider & Adjustable Bracelets: Youthful and Fun

Sliders and adjustable bracelets are a popular sub-style within the bracelet category. These are designed with mechanisms—like sliding knots, beads, or silicone-lined clasps—that allow you to tighten or loosen the bracelet for a perfect fit. They’re especially great for gifting, since you don’t need to worry about exact sizing, and they add a playful, practical touch to any wrist stack. You’ll often see these styles in minimalist designs or with meaningful charms.

Best for: Gifting, easy wearability, stacking

Sliders - Adjustable and fun

Brangles: The Best of Both Worlds

"Brangle" isn’t a standard term in traditional jewellery terminology, but you might have heard the term floating around, especially in fashion posts or at craft fairs. A brangle is a hybrid of a bracelet and a bangle—usually with the rigidity of a bangle but with the added flexibility of an opening or clasp like a bracelet. Think of it as the lovechild of the two: it has the slip-on appeal and clean lines of a bangle, but with the functionality and comfort of a bracelet.

Brangles are perfect if you love the look of a bangle but prefer an easier fit—especially if you have smaller wrists or don’t want to squeeze a closed circle over your hand.

Best for: A modern twist on tradition, easy wearability, and statement styling with comfort in mind

Brangle - Rigid with a clasp

And finally, the Stretchy: Popular and Fun

Stretchy bracelets are another favourite for their effortless wearability. Made with durable elastic cord, these bracelets simply stretch over your hand and bounce back to fit snugly around your wrist—no clasps or adjustments needed. They're especially popular for beadwork and gemstone designs, where the focus is on natural beauty and comfort.

Stretchy bracelets are great for stacking and layering, and they’re often used in symbolic or intention-setting jewellery, like chakra or meditation pieces.

Best for: Gifting. Quick on-and-off wear, casual layering, and gemstone-focused designs.

Stretchy - Flexible and fun 

Choosing the Right Style for You

Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you decide:

Type	Structure	Fit	Clasp	Style
Bracelet	Flexible	Snug or loose	Yes	Delicate, classic
Bangle	Rigid	Loose	No - closed	Classic, stackable
Cuff	Rigid	Snug to firm	No - open ended	Bold, statement
Sliders/Adjustable	Flexible	Snug or loose	No - closed
Brangle	Rigid	Loose	Yes	Bold, wearable
Stretchy	Flexible	Snug to firm	No - closed	Versatile, fun

Looking for your next wrist treasure?

Whether you're drawn to the elegance of a bangle, the drama of a cuff, or the versatility of a bracelet, each style tells a different story. And when it’s handcrafted with care, it becomes more than an accessory—it becomes a piece of your personal legend

Explore our latest collection of handcrafted cuffs, bracelets, and bangles—each one inspired by the raw beauty of reclaimed materials and gemstones. Click here to visit the online shop.