Whatever the occasion, bracelets symbolize an undying love (but are less romantic than rings). Basically, they're perfect for all the things that jewelry can say (other than, "Will you marry me?").

1. Does jewelry in your store need to say something other than "will you marry me?"

2. Does your store already carry bracelets and need advice on how to sell them?

3. Are you looking to learn more about the options of selling bracelets?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Market one of a kind bracelets

Unique and one of a kind styles will make your business stand out, so look for many different kinds of bracelets

I recommend: Friendship bracelets, or any other kind of item marketed as a gift, should look, if not one-of-a kind, at least original in style. Don't purchase so many styles that look very similar to each other, or look similar to already popular styles. Stick to the brand that is the most widely sold. A Cartier or Tiffany & Co. charm bracelet is classics, while Adornables and PorterHouseCrafts have handmade stuff, the latter having recycled (more likely to be one of a kind) silverware bracelets.

Carry bracelets that will remind the wearer of a special holiday or event in their lives

There are so many occasions for which a bangle bracelet, charm bracelet, or even a diamond bracelet is appropriate to give. Make sure your store carries plenty of 'themed' bracelets.

I recommend: JewelBasket.com has a few suggestions for a "Mis 15 Años" bracelet, although these can also be bangle bracelets (sometimes 15 of them!), or a simple diamond or cubic zirconia tennis bracelet. Cherished Time Designs has some Sweet Sixteen bracelets, which are usually charm bracelets, involving a birthstone. The Catholic Company has some beautiful rosary bracelets, PersonalizedBoutique.com has some lovely name bracelets and mother bracelets (with the names and birthstones of her children), Nile Jewelry and Gifts has pretty scarab bracelets and other Egyptian-inspired silver bracelets, and EvilEyeOnline has plenty of Evil Eye bracelets. So far there are bracelets for just about every holiday and other occasion one can think of (graduation, mother-of-the-bride), and there are sure to be more added. Rubber bracelets representing a cause are also extremely popular.

Stock a good selection of bracelets from the inexpensive to the fancy

Decide ahead of time whether you'll sell very inexpensive stuff, or whether this will make the rest of your store look less impressive. If you're selling really cheap, that means you can buy really cheap, or for next-to-nothing at all. If you are going to stick to sterling bracelets, diamond bracelets, and maybe a white gold bracelet or two, I'd recommend first looking for local jewelry dealers. Buying online is often cheaper when buying bulk, but it's much riskier: bad lighting, no size estimators, different versions of sizers, and scams can set you back much more than you are saving.

I recommend: Pristine Planet has recycled and fair trade bracelets, Great Green Goods has recycled floppy diskette and record bracelets and cuffs, and although the recycled camera parts bracelets at Oye Modern are not necessarily cheap, they're good for inspiration. Bracelets at One World Projects are made from West African recycled glass, plastic, and brass and shells. Instructables shows you how to make your own bracelets from leather belts, and Repurposed4You.com has lots of ideas for making friendship bracelets or charm bracelets, like these bracelets made from pop tops.

Bracelets: Fashion of the wrist

I'll give you a few more examples of 'themed' bracelets. ID bracelets, ivory bangle bracelets, mood jewelry, silicone Livestrong bracelets, plastic lanyards, gold graduating class bracelets, cameo jewelry, Lucite Chanel cuffs, snap bracelets, watchbands and gold bracelets with watch face insets, rubber glow-in-the-dark bracelets or brightly colored raver beads (called 'candy'), arm cuffs, anklets, and Celtic jewelry. They were all popular once, and might be again. Pay attention to trends by checking out magazines or runway reviews. Another great way to keep up with what's in style is to let the customers create their own styles. Look for beading kits or bulk beads and bracelet-making supplies.

I recommend: Piney Hollow is the best bead store I've ever seen. The Style.com Accessory Report is helpful for more grownup trends, and Claire's is good for kids' new favorites. Start your own trends: make bracelets out of tire rubber, candy wrappers, license plates or whatever used material lends itself to a creative bracelet.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Create or purchase displays for each holiday, occasion, concept, birthstone, and theme you choose to specialize in. Have information handy on where the materials come from, what kinds of gemstones qualify for each birthstone, and how rare each of your pieces is in the market.
• •  Make sure your sterling silver bracelet is presented as such, on a flattering background color, like matte black. If you are going to sell your items online, photography is extremely important, so hire an expert. It will be worth it.
• •  If something's in style, it will sell, but if it's not, it might make the rest of your store seem out of fashion. Keep up on trends.
• •  Useful bracelets will probably always sell. Medical alert bracelets, reflector tape bracelets, and watches are all devices that we'll most likely always find a use for somewhere in the world.