Turquoise bracelets are one of the oldest forms of jewelry, and have adorned the wrists of royalty and the wealthy since ancient Egyptian times. Worn to beautify and bring attention to the wearer's arms and wrists, the simplicity and versatility of turquoise bracelets will continue to make them a popular jewelry choice. There are turquoise bracelet types for many different tastes, including the popular styles of cuff, bangle, beaded, tennis, and charm bracelets.

The Cuff Bracelet

The simple "C" structure of the turquoise cuff bracelet is popular for being easy to put on, wear, and take off. They are traditionally wide and made primarily of stiff materials such as metal, wood, and leather. Due to its large area, the cuff has room for monograms, quotes, or any other personalization, as well as precious stones like turquoise. Many cultures have their own styling for the turquoise cuff bracelet. Notably, the Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi tribes each have their own distinctive style and produce some of the most recognizable and remarkable specimens of the cuff style.

Initially employing Moorish and Mexican designs, the Navajo style evolved and became famous for finely stamped designs in silver and for pairing silver and turquoise. The aesthetic balance of turquoise and silver, with neither overpowering the other, can be recognized as a Navajo-style cuff. After learning silverwork from the Navajo, the Zuni developed a new style using silver as a base for gemstones. The Zuni style cuff stands out being notoriously large and lavishly decorated with turquoise, lapis, coral and other colorful stones. The Zuni taught the Hopi the silversmith art, and eventually the Hopi developed their own style with a distinctive silver overlay technique.

The Bangle Bracelet

The turquoise bangle bracelet has seen a resurgence in popularity with Hollywood's elites sporting the bands at large media-gathering events. With numerous shapes and styles from narrow and simple to bold and chunky, bangle bracelets can enhance anyone's look. Depending on the occasion and personal taste, bangle bracelets can be paired, stacked, or worn alone. Being constructed of materials such as wood, silver, gold, glass, and plastic makes the bangle a fashionable solution for anyone. Making up a solid "O", the bangle is a popular jewelry choice for young children as there are few, if any, components to break or be swallowed.

The Beaded Bracelet

Similar to the bangle, the turquoise beaded bracelet has been reintroduced recently to the limelight by famous Hollywood starlets. Limited only to the imagination of the designer, the beaded bracelet can incorporate many types of beads and can vary in the number of strands. For a formal look, a single-strand with subtle and elegant turquoise stones hits the mark. For a more eclectic or hip look, multi-strand versions with larger stones gives you a fashionable edge. Available in stretch and adjustable lengths, beaded bracelets are an attractive one-size-fits-all option for any turquoise bracelet enthusiast.

The Tennis Bracelet

During the 1987 U.S. Open, tennis star Chris Evert was involved in a match when her in-line diamond bracelet broke. The match was temporarily halted while she recovered the stones. Not only did the incident coin a new name for the item, but also it sparked an enduring jewelry trend that expanded tennis bracelets to include other precious stones, including turquoise. With its fluid symmetry and functional flexibility, the turquoise tennis bracelet is practical for any event.

The Charm Bracelet

Charm bracelets date back to ancient times where the charms or stones were attached for protection, luck, wealth, and signs of social status. With many cultures believing the turquoise stone to possess powers of protection, luck, and wealth, charm bracelets featuring this beautiful and powerful stone have been around for centuries. Evolving through history, the charm bracelet has become less of a talisman and more of a fashionable decoration. It is the most customizable bracelet, allowing the owners to attach their own charms. Acting as a sort of storybook, each charm can symbolize life's milestones and personal interests. Being among the most casual bracelets, the charm bracelet makes a personal statement rather than a fashion one.