All About Hmong Bracelet Wear

By Myrtle Cash


A Hmong bracelet is truly an outstanding buy. There are many kinds of ethnic jewelry around these days, but these are the best in quality and craftsmanship. You can enjoy wearing a bit of authentic ethnic style with these beautiful hand-made products.

Also known as the Miao, these hill tribe people first lived in Southern China. But when the Chinese moved there, the hill tribes were forced out. As a result, they built villages in the mountains of Laos, Vietnam and Thailand. They have steadfastly observed their cultural traditions and are also very adept at jewelry making, embroidery and weaving.

Their jewelry is highly original and striking. Much of their handicrafts are tied into their beliefs in the supernatural. According to their traditions, silver is valuable for keeping away evil and wearing it brings happiness and joy. That is why both women and men are often seen wearing jewelry.

The New Year is an especially important time for them. That is when more silver is bought, either to repair old jewelry or to buy new pieces. It is a time when all the households in a village put all of their silver on display to display their wealth.

Many Hmong people are skilled silver artisans due to their fascination with this metal. These hill tribe people are also very skillful in embroidery work and weaving textiles. The designs they use are intricately details with bright colors and bold, clean lines. Often they will use embroidery weaving or bead work to make colorful arm and wrist bands.

A wide range of materials is used for making these ethnic bracelets. Young people especially like those that are made of thick homespun cloth and embroidered with intricate designs. These are often very colorful and bright with pompoms for closings.

Other designs are made of high-grade silver such as the wrist cuff with an elephant motif. The elephant is revered in this culture, and when represented with the trunks curved upwards, it is a good luck symbol. These handcrafted silver bangles are usually worn in pairs, but can also be bought separately. These make high fashion accessories much sought after by ladies.

Men can also enjoy a variety of bracelet styles. One striking design in silver consists of a band of twisted coils and features thorn-shaped closings that overlap. This is handmade of high quality silver that is lead-free. Another design features coiled gold with balled closings. This design is suitable for both men and women.

This original tribal jewelry is in high demand and is readily available in department stores and fashion shops. Major internet shopping websites also stock these. In addition, high fashion sites that specialize in tribal jewelry also offer these at reasonable prices and convenient shipping.

Wearing a Hmong bracelet adds ethnic flair to your style and appearance. These are quality, hand-crafted fashion accessories that are sure to draw compliments and admiring looks. Made of high grade materials, they are sure to give many years of wearing enjoyment.