Beaded Bracelets

A beaded gold bracelet is made of individual solid gold beads threaded onto a band or cord rather than soldered links. Because each bead sits independently, the bracelet flexes in every direction and lies flat against the wrist. Bead sizes here run around five millimeters, in barrel and sphere shapes, with diamond pave beads set in among them.

It should slide over the hand with a light pull and then sit snug, without gapping when your arm hangs down. Measure your wrist and order that size rather than adding room, because the cord gives as you put it on. If it loosens over the years the beads can be restrung at the showroom.

Solid gold beads hold their shape well. Hollow beads do not, and that is the difference worth asking about before you buy, because a dented hollow bead cannot be pushed back out cleanly. Gold does pick up fine surface scratches with wear, which is normal and polishes out. Bring the bracelet in once a year for a clean.

Yes, and it is the reason most people buy one. A plain gold bead bracelet gives the eye somewhere to rest between two diamond pieces, and its rounded surface keeps the stack from rubbing against the settings. Put the beaded one between a tennis bracelet and a bangle rather than at the outside edge.