What is a Memorial Bracelet?
The term Memorial Bracelet was coined by Rob Tacy in 2001 when he launched MemorialBracelets.com on October 23rd to raise funds for the children who became orphans because of the attacks on 9/11. These original Memorial Bracelets were designed after the POW/MIA bracelets worn in the 1970’s and are engraved with information about the person being memorialized.
Why are Memorial Bracelets so Meaningful?
Memorial bracelets are more than jewelry—they are a promise to remember. Every time you look at your wrist, you see a name, a story, and a life that mattered. For many, it becomes a daily ritual of reflection, gratitude, and connection, and a way to keep the memory of the person alive by sharing their story with others who ask about the bracelet.
What does wearing a Memorial Bracelet symbolize?
Wearing a Memorial Bracelet from MemorialBracelets.com is a powerful way to honor, remember, and carry the legacy of someone who has passed. Whether it’s a fallen service member, first responder, veteran, or loved one, these bracelets serve as a daily reminder that their life and sacrifice are not forgotten. Many people choose memorial bracelets as a wearable memorial that keeps the memory of the person and their story alive.
Who Can Wear a Memorial Bracelet?
Anyone can wear a memorial bracelet. While they are rooted in the tradition of honoring military members—especially the iconic POW/MIA bracelets—today they are worn by:
- Family members and friends
- Veterans and active-duty military
- First responders
- Patriotic Americans
- Anyone wanting to honor a loved one
- You do not need to have personally known the individual. Wearing one is a sign of respect and remembrance.
Are Memorial Bracelets appropriate as gifts?
Yes— Custom engraved bracelets from MemorialBracelets.com are one of the most meaningful sympathy or remembrance gifts you can give. They show thoughtfulness and provide something tangible that the recipient can wear and cherish. A personalized memorial bracelet is often seen as a lasting alternative to flowers.
Do Memorial Bracelet purchases support veterans or first responders?
Memorial Bracelets has donated over $475,000 by donating $2.00 for each product purchased at MemorialBracelets.com to charities that support the wounded and the families of fallen military members and first responders.
What does a black bracelet symbolize?
People wear black bracelets to raise awareness or to help keep the memory of someone who has passed away. The bracelet is custom engraved with information about the person and personalized in a way that gives it special meaning for the person wearing it. The name on the bracelet could be a friend, relative, military member, victim of terrorism, or first responder. Wearing the bracelet acts as a wearable memorial that helps comfort the wearer, keeps the memory of the deceased person alive, and enables the wearer to share the stories of that person’s life with others.
Where can I get a Custom Icon engraved on a Memorial Bracelet?
Memorial Bracelets offers cuff and paracord bracelets and dog and MOLLY tags where you can submit a copyright-free, high-resolution, black-and-white line drawing to have a custom icon created and engraved on your bracelet or tag for an additional fee. They will send you a digital proof for your feedback or approval prior to engraving, and you can have your custom icon re-engraved on other products in the future without paying the fee again to have the custom engraving file created.
What is the best type of Metal for a Memorial Bracelet?
Memorial Bracelets are commonly crafted from anodized aluminum or stainless steel. Both materials feature an attractive brushed finish and are resistant to rust and tarnishing, even when exposed to moisture. Colored aluminum bracelets are available in black, blue, and red; they are lightweight and more flexible than stainless steel. On the other hand, stainless steel bracelets are heavier and more rigid.
Choosing between the two materials for laser or recessed engraving comes down to personal preference. What truly matters is that your bracelet fits comfortably and is durable. That's why we use metal that is thick enough to be sturdy, not flimsy. Our bracelets feature rounded ends and beveled edges, and we offer four different sizes and two widths to help you find the perfect fit.
What is the best type of engraving for a Memorial Bracelet?
We offer Memorial Bracelets with two different types of engraving: laser and recessed. For recessed engraving, we use a special diamond bit to engrave through the colored surface, revealing the natural aluminum underneath. This creates an elegant effect that reflects the light. Laser engraving colored aluminum also creates a strong contrast. The text and icons appear bright white against the black, blue, or red background of the bracelets, making your message stand out.
If you prefer a more subtle approach, recessed-engraved stainless-steel bracelets blend with the metal color since both the engraving and bracelet share the same color. In contrast, our laser-engraved stainless-steel bracelets show the message and icons in bold black, clearly visible against the shiny silver metal.
Laser engraving is long-lasting and won't fade over time, but keep in mind that scratches on the metal can affect how the engraving looks. If you're in a job where your bracelet might get bumped into metal surfaces, the recessed engraving option is a better choice, as it is engraved deeper and will last longer.
How do I find the right-sized Memorial Bracelet?
Memorial Bracelets are adjustable, but to ensure a comfortable fit, it's important to select the right size. This will help you avoid having to bend the bracelet each time you put it on or take it off. Repeated bending of metal in the same spot can weaken it over time, leading to breakage.
To choose the best size for your Memorial Bracelet, measure your wrist using a tape measure and note the measurement. Alternatively, you can use a piece of string or aluminum foil and measure the piece that fits loosely around your wrist.
We offer bracelets in four lengths: 6”, 6.5”, 7”, and 8”, along with two widths: ½” and 5/8”. Since one size does not fit all, here's a general guideline: 6” and 6.5” typically fit most women, while 6.5” and 7” are suited for most men. An 8” length is ideal for larger men. The ½” width was traditionally used for the Vietnam War POW/MIA bracelets in the 1970s, while the 5/8” width is more common for bracelets worn in memory of post-9/11 service members who were KIA.
Today, the choice of width is a matter of personal preference. However, we recommend the wider 5/8” bracelet if your design includes four lines of engraving or a detailed custom icon, as it allows the characters to be engraved larger for enhanced readability.
