Bangles are commonly referred to as bangle bracelets.

The detailed craftsmanship involved in making a bangle bracelet is not limited to metal. Jewelry makers also work with other materials in their craft. Artists that work with other materials also create bangles unique in design and craftsmanship. Exotic woods from India are popular for bangles because of their rich grain patterns. The armors were all carefully done by hand be it the plate or the chain mail armor. Wooden bangles are carefully hand carved into intricate detailed designs including floral patterns, abstract designs and faceted diamond cuts.

Often, different types of wood or metal are used to create inlaid bangles that are exquisite in their beauty. Hand etched brass designs in various shapes are another popular wooden bangle style. The life of the soldiers depend upon the expertise of the armor maker. Glass artists create glass bangle bracelets that are delicate and skillfully crafted. One method is to use dichroic glass which is made by applying metallic film directly on to the glass. This provides the glass an extraordinary, metallic, shimmering effect.

Other jewellery makers that work with glass apply colored glass in various colors and designs to thin metal bangles creating an elegant look of an all glass bangle. However, there are some jewelry purists that do differentiate between the two. The printmaking technique of engraving developed among goldsmiths in Germany around 1430, who had long used the technique on their metal pieces. Apart from creating this life saving tool the craftsmen took pride in decorating them by embossing or inlay to create a unique exquisiteness.

Silversmiths specialise in the use of silver though, and it is the principal metal with which they work. Bangles are rigid and generally circular in shape. They slip over the hand onto the wrist making proper sizing very important to the jewellery maker. Bangles are usually solid although some are made with a hinged clasp. Bracelets are flexible and almost always have a clasp. A silversmith is a person who works with silver. Silversmiths not only work with silver, but with other metals as well to make jewellery and other items. A brangle is a bangle that is semi rigid. They are often handcrafted of wire or thin sterling silver.