Accessorizing 101: What is bracelet stacking, and how do you make the perfect stack?

Accessorizing 101: What is bracelet stacking, and how do you make the perfect stack?

Most women want to accessorize — but very few know where to start. 

So, as is often the case in our capitalistic world, many women default to the most expensive jewelry they can possibly afford. They mistake price for meaning, judging themselves (and hoping to be judged by others) based on the net worth of the things that adorn their bodies.

But as bestselling author Og Mandino once said, “True wealth is of the heart, not of the purse.”

Thus, as you begin your accessorizing journey, start with the heart.

The bracelet stack is an excellent first step on your accessorizing journey. “Bracelet stacking” means assembling a series of bands (often six), each of which is bedecked with a symbol that’s meaningful for you. A great bracelet stack touches on past, present, and future: important moments from your history, the present-day principles they’ve created, and how you plan to live your life going forward. 

Here’s how to create the perfect stack.

Start by examining who you are and where you want to be

Accessorizing can — and should — be about giving glimpses into your life’s journey. To find the right symbols, start with some good old-fashioned introspection, to see what forces are impacting on the inside and the outside.

  • Who you are. It’s time for some interview questions that everybody loves: If your friends described you in five words, what would they be? What do you think are your defining personality traits? What three principles have been most instrumental in helping you navigate life’s difficulties? What were those difficulties, and who was involved?
  • Where you want to be. Now for some visioning questions: What does the superhero version of you look like? If you could be remembered for a single impact on your community/the world, what would it be? What reminders do you need — on a physical, emotional, and/or spiritual level — to keep yourself grounded as you navigate the upcoming challenges in life?

Yup — it gets deep. The experience might be like going through the photos in your attic (remember taking actual, physical photos?): You might not have looked at them for a long time, and they might bring up some pleasant/unpleasant memories. But afterwards, you’ll know a little more about who you are and where you come from. 

Now, find symbols that represent the answers to those questions

Not unlike tattoos, the accessories you choose will be a part of your daily life. Picking symbols that speak to who you are and where you want to be will give you small, daily reminders of your essence and your mission. These will be the symbols that adorn your bracelet stack.

My personal symbols are skulls and Buddhas — skulls for toughness, Buddhas for peace. I’ve had a lot of obstacles thrown my way in the course of my life; skulls remind me that I can handle them, Buddhas remind me that I can handle them with peace of mind. 

Most stacks consist of six bands and symbols (for those of you who picked Luck, Peace, Love, Nature, and/or Balance, Good Charma has readymade stacks that you can view here). At the end, add an adornment — a birthstone, an extra symbol — to be the icing on the cake, the wax seal on a beautifully written letter. 

No two people are exactly alike. We all were built by different experiences and influences, and we all concoct our own set of principles to live by. Your bracelet stack will be entirely you — of you, by you, for you. This way, it will show the world something of your essence…not just your bank account. 

Ready to get started? Check out Good Charma’s stacks here

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