In Rwanda, like else where in many other societies, bangles have all along been known to be one of the traditional pieces of jewellery that add to the overall look of a woman.

But, today brides during marriage ceremonies as well as other women and girls, are always known to wear bangles as a prime accessory whether they are attending any event, or on any day.

Bangles that are commonly worn on a day-to-day basis are made out of ivory, glass or stainless steel metal. They are made in various attractive colours, and women love to match them with the colour of the attire that they wear.

Some bangles are plain, while others have designs etched on them, but all designed in astonishing designs. To the Masai of Kenya and Tanzania, bangles depict the culture and tradition of a woman.

However, in other societies presently, women and girls have followed the western culture and no longer wear bangles as a cultural thing, but as part of fashion to enhance their beauty.
Sharon Gahire is a 25 year old marketing manager.

She is very particular about her appearance. She knows that she wants to be corporate, especially attending meetings and dealing with clients. She knows the trick that a wonderful personality is necessary along with the business skills to become successful.

That is why she takes utmost care to avoid common fashion mistakes which can possibly turn into fashion disasters.

"One fashion mistake and your whole look goes for a toss. You have to preserve your individuality while following the rules of fashion,” warns a fashion designer.

Bangles are an integral part of the culture as well as fashion. Most women love wearing colourful bangles that match their outfits. Some women wear their wrist watches along with a set of bangles.

However, very many other different designs and styles of bangles have been created from local jewellery. And each bangle has been crafted with diamond and gold in a different way.

Therefore, while there may be a kind of bangle that may appeal to you, there are other types many women folk will simply adore!

"Just like other accessories, bangles are also equally necessary for any woman, because they look more stylish and chic,” says Azeda Uwimbabazi. 

Most women make mistakes while wearing bangles. Exhibiting heavy jewellery is definitely a fashion disaster. Many women accompany their ethnic look by wearing heavy earrings and many bangles. 

Jane Katusiime, 30, is a bank accountant. She says though most women and girls are obsessed with jewellery. So they end up wearing heavy earrings and many bangles at the same time. They should avoid muddling everything at a time to avoid a huge fashion error.

"I love bangles and I’ve bought many of different colours to match whatever I wear. This is a definite trend, and it is fashionable to many girls,” Joan Mugabe.

Bangles are among the latest trends on the market one can go for and it’s no longer as it was in the past. Today men have also embraced the trend and are going for tasteful accessories.

"Bangles are now popularised by a countless number of men, and it has evolved to into a fashion statement,” Clever Kamanzi says.

The good news is the jewellery world is always in change and every day new fashions appear and others disappear. Also, there are a lot of fashions that existed in the past but disappeared and after many years they appeared again.

Bangles have been on trend for the past couple of years, but designers have updated the look by making the bracelets wider, bigger and are full of embellishments.

Contact: lindaonly2005@yahoo.com