Astrid & Miyu excel when it comes to zodiac-inspired jewels. Crafted from the December birthstone, Tanzanite, this is the perfect friend bracelet for best friends obsessed with their star sign—and if you’re birthday twins, you’ll match, too! Want to personalize it further? Add click, clip-on and story charms, available in a variety of gemstones and letters.
Frequently asked questions
Do friendship bracelets have to match?
No! Now you’re older and know your best mates beyond the school classroom, you’ll be aware of their likes and dislikes. Chances are, a few of them are the total opposite of you, so you could go for similar styles in different colors or metals. Otherwise, opt for different styles entirely—it’s your intention that counts.
What is a friendship bracelet made of?
That totally depends on the style you choose and is usually detailed on the product listing, but common options include gold plating on top of stainless steel and sterling silver 925. If you’re keen to check out tarnish-free jewelry, be sure to look for pieces finished with a PVD – Physical Vapor Deposition – which is a coating process, often used on highly resistant, durable stainless steel. Plated jewelry is also tarnish-resistant, but it won’t stay that way forever.
How to style friend bracelets
Donning a collection of sentimental tennis bracelets is the easiest way to brighten up an outfit and make for a fun addition alongside all your usual jewelry suspects. So whether you’re wearing a dress or calling on your beloved Bermuda shorts, layer up.
How I choose the best friend bracelets:
First: opening 45 tabs of beaded bracelets and chain bracelets I’d happily receive or would willingly gift to my best friend to mark our six years of unwavering friendship. Next: reaching out to various jewelry brands to request samples of their bestsellers in this category, including birthstone bracelets, engraved bracelets, gold friendship bracelets, and silver friendship bracelets. I then proceeded to wear them to work, while showering, and even when lounging to check their quality, comfort, and overall design.
After wearing each piece multiple times, I reviewed it against the following criteria:
FunctionalityDid the friendship bracelet go on easily, and did it stay in place? Was it of good quality and aesthetic? Did I have any issues in terms of twisting or discomfort?DesignWas the bracelet high quality? Did it wear well? Did it tarnish or discolour at all during testing?Price pointWould I be willing to spend that much on a single piece of jewelry again? Or would it be within my budget when shopping for a gift?DeliveryHow quickly did the friend bracelet arrive, and what were/are the associated costs?
Aside from being a jewelry enthusiast—at the very least, I’ll be wearing five rings and two bracelets at all times—I’ve got professional credentials, too.
I’ve been reviewing functional fashion essentials — be that cotton underwear, shapewear and activewear — and accessories, including jewelry, for almost three years. That’s one year at Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan and Men’s Health, followed by 22 months at Glamour. During that time, I’ve seen countless trends and advancements, including a boom in statement jewelry options.
While some might consider it wasteful to call in samples of every single style in this edit, I did sample brands I had no experience with. Otherwise, I relied on jewelry brands my fellow editors and I already know and praise loudly for offering hard-wearing, tarnish-free jewelry.
