I was inspired to start my own collection of hand harnesses after a piece of hand jewelry become an iconic arftifact the Soulcaster in the 5 Book Miliary fantasy epic THE STORMLIGHT ARCHIVES, by Brandon Sanderson. I became enamoured and here we are with a lovely line of extra bling. Shop our HAND JEWELRY and see for yourself.
Hand jewelry, however, has been around for a while and has roots reaching as deep as ancien Egypt and Summaria and has captured the imagination of cultures across the globe for centuries. So lets honor it with bit of an internet rabbit hole.
A Journey Through History
The use of hand jewelry dates way back, thousands of years ago, serving as a powerful symbol of identity, wealth, and protection for the wealthy. In ancient Egypt, bracelets and rings were crafted from gold and adorned with precious stones, often used as amulets to ward off evil spirits. The Greeks and Romans followed suit, integrating mythology and art into their hand harness jewelry designs, which were often passed down as heirlooms.
During the Renaissance, hand jewelry gained popularity in Europe, where ornate rings and bracelets often featured religious symbols.
In modern an historic Indian culture, hand jewelry like the "haath phool" (hand flower) became an essential part of bridal attire. This intricate piece connects rings to a bracelet with delicate chains, embodying the richness of Indian craftsmanship. Similarly, in Middle Eastern cultures, hand jewelry often carried spiritual and cultural significance, used in rituals and as markers of social status.
Names and Styles of "Hand Jewelry"
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Haath Phool: A hallmark of Indian weddings, this elegant jewelry symbolizes beauty and prosperity. Crafted with gold, gemstones, or pearls, it’s a true masterpiece.
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"Slave Bracelets" or Hand Harnesses: Popularized in the 20th century, this style connects rings to a bracelet with chains, which is were the term "slave" likely comes from in the name. Hand Harness is the more modern and commonly used term.
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Lariat Bracelets: These minimalist, adjustable pieces draw inspiration from lariat necklaces. Their sleek design makes them versatile and timeless.
Hand Jewelry Today
Modern hand jewelry reflects a blend of ancient tradition and contemporary design. From minimalist bracelets to avant-garde hand harnesses, these pieces continue to captivate wearers with their versatility and elegance. Hand jewelry is now more accessible than ever with the rise of internet shopping. Designers are now able to experimentwith materials, textures, and themes to cater to diverse tastes all around the globe.
Darkstar Machinations: Embracing the Legacy
At Darkstar Machinations, we take inspiration from the rich history of hand jewelry while reimagining it for a modern, SciFi-inspired audience. Our own line of hand pieces incorporates a streamlined scifi asethetic with this classically orante style.
Explore our hand jewelry collection- promise it wont disappoint.
Pictured below: HEXAGON a Lariat style bracelet.
