Interchangeable Beaded Watch Bands
From LoveToKnow Watches
If you change your watch with every outfit, have you considered an interchangeable beaded watch band? These beautiful items transcend the fine line between watch and jewelry, offering the wearer the opportunity to bring a bit of glamour to the wrist.
Say Good Bye to Boring Watch Bands
A beaded watch band is an absolute must for the person who loves wearing great jewelry and looking good, but also needs to keep an eye on the time. These are a wonderful alternative to plain old watch bands that stay the same, day in and day out, for years to come. Beaded watch bands can be changed as often as you like! A sparkly watch band for night time wear, formal colors for day wear, funky beads for the weekend – no problem! Each of these looks can be achieved using a single watch face with a selection of interchangeable bands.
What are Interchangeable Beaded Watch Bands?
These are a clever innovation and allow watches to become as flexible as items of jewelry. An interchangeable beaded watch band system includes a watch face with loops at either end to which the band is attached. A fastener is attached to either end of the watch band, this is similar in look to the clasps on necklaces. These fasteners are firmly clasped to the loops on the watch, forming a watch band.
Types of Beaded Watch Band
The bands are typically beaded and they can be as simple as a few classically cut beads to the full on glamour of a crystal-encrusted, handwoven band that is as unique as the wearer.
Beaded watch bands are either threaded using elastic thread which allows some give in the band, allowing it to be fitted over the wrist while still sitting snuggly on the arm, or strung onto a bead wire or thread with no stretch. The bands without stretch will typically have a fastening or will be worn loose in a similar manner to a bangle watch.
The variations of beads that are used are almost endless and might include:
Gemstone Beads
There are gemstone beads to be found in a whole variety of colors and shapes. Rose quartz, a pale pink stone, is highly popular and complements a range of colors and styles. Rose quartz is also said to have healing and positive qualities including being the stone of love, bringing romantic fortune to the wearer. Other interesting stones include the greens of jade and aventurine, or gentle pearly colors of moonstone or opal.
Glass Beads
There are many different types of glass beads, and some popular beads used by artists are hand formed lamp work beads. These beads are formed by a bead worker using a blow torch and different colored glass rods. Every lamp worked bead will be slightly different and the rich mix of colors of glass gives the bead maker an almost endless palette to work with.
Natural Beads
There is a growing trend towards natural beads and these include bone, shell, nuts and seeds, wood and bark. These wonderful materials give beads that are deep in color and texture and make great watch bands.
Acrylic and Plastic Beads
Acrylic and plastic beads can be a good option for watch bands. Their robust nature means that they are able to withstand the knocks and bumps which items worn on the wrist often receive. Think of the number of times you bang your wrist against furniture or even just a key board and you will realize why this is important.
Acrylic and plastic are also light, meaning that large, flamboyant items can be made without them being uncomfortable to wear.
Where to Buy Beaded Watch Bands
These unusual watch items can be found at craft stores and markets as well as jewelry and watch stores. Bead jewelry artists can also custom make bands if required.
There are a number of opportunities to buy these items online and as well as eBay.com and Etsy.com. For more places to purchase, ake a look at some of these websites:
If you are feeling creative, some companies sell kits to make your own beaded watch bands. These include:
So – why not let your watch reflect your own individuality? Choose a watch band to match your mood and style!
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