Un bracelet which is also a ring? Pure avant-garde, Miranda Priestley de would say The devil wears Prada. With a centuries-old history, rooted in Indian culture, the hand-kissed jewel it is a mythical, fascinating and versatile creation. Whether it enriches the look of a star on the red carpet, or accompanies an outfit for an aperitif on the beach, the hand kisser is the accessory with which to feel strong and sensual.
The meaning of the hand-kissed jewel
Consisting of a thin chain that joins a bracelet and a ring, to be worn on the index and middle fingers, the hand kisser has a very ancient history. According to legend, it was worn by the most important and influential women in society, who through this accessory signaled their social belonging and their marital status. The jewel is therefore closely connected with the gesture of etiquette of the same name, during which women were called to offer their hand to a man, in an exchange of esteem and mutual appreciation – as well as often a sign of a loving courtship.
Traditionally, the kiss of the hand is part of the jewels kit that her Indian brides they wear on their wedding day, along with foot rings, bracelets and anklets. In a more colorful and eye-catching version, the hand-kissed bracelet characterizes the “uniform” of the belly dance dancersthanks to which it becomes an absolute synonym of femininity, seduction and elegance.
In the footsteps of Anne Hathaway
Over time, the kiss-hand jewel, both in gold and silver versions, has also contaminated Western culture, conquering the hearts of celebrities. Among the stars who seem to be unable to do without it is there Anne Hathaway, which on more than one occasion has combined sumptuous and glamorous dresses with equally dreamy hand kisses. At the premiere of the film Interstellarfor example, Hathaway paired a blue Richard Nicoll slip dress with a hand kisser studded with gold and silver stars.
Most recently, at the 2020 Critics Choice Awards, she wore a golden Atelier Versace dress accompanied by this special diamond-covered jewel. To shine to the fullest.
How to wear the hand kiss
In the styling of this jewel, two opposite paths can be taken. On the one hand there is the minimalism, the one made of bracelets with a fine workmanship and a thin structure, perfect to wear without other accessories. On the other hand, one can follow the maxim of the more, the betteraccompanying the hand kiss to a large number of bracelets and rings, in one mix and match of materials and colors for a wow effect.
The most minimal hand kiss, perhaps in gold and decorated with a small diamond or a colored stone in the center, can turn out to be an element of charm and refinement, especially when peeping out of the sleeve of a silk shirt or a tailored blazer, to create a winning contrast. For the summer and festival looks, space for experimentation and al maximalismwith hand kisses, bracelets, rings, earrings, bijoux and bodychain that brighten tanned skin.
Unique and original, the kiss-hand jewel is once again the protagonist of the summer.
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