IF YOU DON'T own a set of gold bangles, get on it immediately! Why? Because bangles are timeless. They easily translate from day to evening, they update classic looks, and they can be worn over and over again with just about anything.
Jewelry designers have glammed it up this season with gemmed versions of the bangle. NYC design house Ippolita and local jewelry hotspot Persona created organic-feeling bangles with circular and oval gemstones and diamonds, while David Yurman and Boston-based Lazuli added gemstones in a slightly more geometric way to their versions of the bangle.
With so many options to choose from, be bold and pull a Madonna, circa 1985: pile them high and get noticed at the office as you clink and clank your way to the ladies room. For a slightly more subtle take, three is your lucky number: pink gold, yellow gold, and white gold are a stunning combination. Costume jewelry works, but don't be afraid to make an investment. You'll wear them forever - or until you lose them. Always insure your goods!
A) Custom-designed white gold, yellow gold, pink gold, and white and black diamond bangles, $1275 to $1350 at Persona Jewelry (Hotel Commonwealth, 504 Comm Ave, Boston, 617.266.3003).
B) Wired gold bracelets and 18-karat gold-plated sterling silver bangles, $220/set of five; and wired coil amethyst bracelet, $210/set of two, both at Lazuli Jewelry (581 Boylston Street #805, Boston, 617.375.7879).
C) David Yurman diamond bangle, $1195; David Yurman blue topaz bangle, $1550; and David Yurman blue topaz, gold, and silver bangle, $950, all at Neiman Marcus (5 Copley Place, Boston, 617.536.3660).
D) Ippolita diamond gold bangle, $2250; Ippolita "Briolette" garnet gold bangle, $2500; Ippolita smoky quartz gold bangle, $2300; and Ippolita gold bangle, $525, all at Neiman Marcus.
