Indian bangles have been around for hundreds of years, but they are more fun and versatile than ever right now.  Indian metal bangles are common.  You can find metal bangles everywhere from the mall jewelry shops like Clair's to stores like Target.  These pretty metal bangles are great for little girls, but, hey, we're women.  We want the real thing, GLASS BANGLES.

Nothing is quite like glass bangles.  The luminescence, elegance, and unique sound is unmistakable.  Ever notice people's face when you tell them your bangles are glass?  Great isn't it!

Real Indian glass bangles can be quite hard to find in the United States and Canada.  They are not easy to import, as they are glass.  Importers typically will stock metal or plastic bangles (what am I, 6 years old?!) instead.  I am also finding the thick glass bangles occasionally.  Unfortunately, they lose the delicate look, feel, and most importantly, the sound of glass bangles.  

Once you find real glass bangles, there are infinite ways to wear glass bangles and every woman can incorporate Indian bangles into her own personal style...

Belly Dance and Indian Glass Bangles
Perfect for belly dancers!  No matter if you belly dance for fun (like me) or you are a trained professional belly dancer, glass bangles add a touch of ethnic elegance to any belly dance costume. 

Indian glass bangles are available in every color.  Mix and match your glass bangles until you have a perfect match for your belly dance costume.  Bangles covered in glitter look great under stage lights or in sunlight.  They make a completely different sound than coin hip scarves and add movement and flash to your wrists.

Even when just practicing, I wouldn't be caught without my glass bangles any more than I'd be caught without a hip scarf!

Dressing Up and Indian Glass Bangles
Indian bangles can have the most elegant look.  From dressing up for dinner to black tie events, glass bangles have a place.  Consider that glass bangles had their fashion origins based upon wedding jewelry for brides.  I prefer to wear an extra large set on each wrist with minimal jewelry when going formal.  Bold sets of elegant glass bangles will set you apart from all the tennis bracelets and gold watches taking your outfit from "oh how nice" to "wow! Did you see so-and-so?".

Glass bangles have been hugely popular for American weddings recently.  Not only for bridal jewelry, but for bridesmaids as well.  Think about how nice it would be to get bridesmaids jewelry that you can actually wear after the wedding!  Just about every color under the sun is available to create the perfect match for the wedding colors.  The hottest look right now is to have every bridesmaid wear a different set of bangles though all in the same colors.  Let the bridesmaids choose whether to wear a large set or a small set, glittery or subtle, depending on her own personal tastes.  Beachcombers offers custom services to get exactly what works for you.

Day-to-Day Casual Wear and Indian Glass Bangles
Though completely unique and ethnic, glass bangles are easy to add to your everyday style.  One of the most popular looks is jeans, a top, khussa Indian shoes (embellished flats and khussa slides tend to be more popular than beaded heels, but both look great), and glass bangles.  Try out either two small sets (one on each wrist) or one large set on only one arm.  Another popular look is a small set on one wrist with work clothes.  Glass bangles can soften a suit, pencil skirt, or slacks and give you a more feminine look.

Indian Glass Bangles as Gifts
One of the hottest trends for glass bangles right now is to give them as gifts.  As was mentioned, they are extremely popular for bridesmaids gifts.  Glass bangles can be a very personal thing and you can often find a best friend or sister picking them out as gifts for birthdays and showers.  The best way to give glass bangles as gifts, however, is to give a Bangle-of-the-Month Club Subscription.  These are available in 3, 6, and 12 month subscriptions and there isn't a woman or girl out there, that wouldn't love one of these unique gifts!

Another popular gift is the Beachcombers Bangle Gift Set, which includes 12 glass bangle sets specially selected by Beachcombers bangle designer, Jody, and a bangle display stand.

Anyway, who says you have to follow the current trends with Indian bangles?  Create your own unique look!  Try out Build-A-Bangle™ to create bangle sets exclusive to you. Have some fun! v

by Jody Rogers for Beachcombers Bazaar