6 Best Friend Bracelets to Shop, Handpicked by Glamour’s Gifting Editors

Frequently asked questions

No! Now that 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.

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.

Donning a collection of sentimental tennis bracelets is the easiest way to brighten up an outfit and makes 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.

First: by 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: by 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 review it against the following criteria:

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, or 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.