7 Reasons Why Bourbon & Boweties Bracelets Are Still A Must-Have In 2025
The iconic, wire-wrapped bangles from Bourbon & Boweties have dominated the Southern preppy jewelry scene for over a decade, and as of late 2025, their popularity shows no signs of slowing down. Founded on a simple, heartfelt idea, the brand has successfully blended high-end aesthetics with accessibility, making its signature pieces—adorned with hand-selected semiprecious stones—a staple in modern women's accessory collections. This deep dive explores the brand's enduring appeal, its latest 2025 updates, and the specific design elements that continue to make it a best-seller.
Since its inception, Bourbon & Boweties has evolved from a hobby into a nationally recognized jewelry powerhouse, celebrated for its unique, handcrafted approach. The brand continues to release fresh collections, including new arrivals and restocks, ensuring its signature aesthetic remains current and desirable for both long-time fans and new customers alike.
The Creative Force: Carley Ochs' Biography and Brand History
Bourbon & Boweties was born from the creative vision of its owner and designer, Carley Ochs, in 2012.
- Full Name: Carley Ochs
- Role: Founder, Owner, and Designer/CEO of Bourbon & Boweties.
- Inception: The brand started as a hobby when Ochs began creating unique jewelry pieces for her friends and family.
- The First Bracelet: The very first Bourbon & Boweties bangle was created using beautiful jade stones that Ochs brought back from a trip to China, initially intended as hand-made souvenirs.
- Early Growth: The company quickly outgrew its humble beginnings in Ochs' grandmother's garage in Plant City, Florida.
- Major Milestone: Carley Ochs successfully convinced the luxury department store Nordstrom to carry her line, a pivotal moment that propelled the brand to national recognition.
- Brand Philosophy: The core idea is to create jewelry that is "Made in America" (referring to the hand-crafting and assembly) and uses stones "bought from all over the world," resulting in a unique, sophisticated, and distinctly Southern-preppy style.
Carley Ochs' design philosophy centers on celebrating individuality, blending style with sophistication, and ensuring each piece is hand-crafted.
7 Reasons Why Bourbon & Boweties Bracelets Dominate the Jewelry Market
The enduring success of Bourbon & Boweties is rooted in a combination of unique craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and a clever design that encourages collectibility. Here are the top reasons why these bangles remain a must-have accessory, especially with new 2025 updates.
1. The Signature Wire-Wrapped Bangle Design
The defining feature of the brand is the hand-crafted, copper wire-wrapped bangle. This technique gives the bracelets a rustic yet refined look, setting them apart from mass-produced jewelry. The wire wrapping is often gold plated, providing a luxurious finish that is both durable and stylish. This signature style is instantly recognizable and has become synonymous with the brand's preppy Southern aesthetic.
2. Use of Genuine Semiprecious Stones
Unlike many fashion jewelry brands, Bourbon & Boweties utilizes genuine, hand-selected semiprecious stones and natural stones in its designs. This commitment to natural materials ensures that no two bracelets are exactly alike, adding to their unique charm. The extensive list of stones used provides incredible topical authority and variety for collectors:
- Geodes
- Smokey Quartz
- Lava Stones
- Turquoise
- Jade
- Polished Coral
- Crystal and Agate
- Shells (for a coastal feel)
3. The Collectible "Stacking" Phenomenon
The bracelets are designed to be stacked, encouraging customers to purchase multiple pieces to create a personalized "arm party." This stacking phenomenon is a major driver of sales and allows wearers to mix and match different colors, stones, and textures. The collection includes various styles, such as the classic bangle bracelets, beaded stretch bracelets, and custom-designed pieces like the Barrel Bangle, perfect for a bourbon enthusiast.
4. The Broad and Accessible Price Range
Bourbon & Boweties successfully occupies a sweet spot in the market. While offering the look and quality of fine jewelry, the price point remains accessible to a wider audience. Bangle bracelets and beaded earrings typically start around the $12.00 mark, though prices vary significantly based on the stone and complexity of the design. This allows for easy gifting and collecting without a massive financial commitment.
5. Fresh and Relevant 2025 Collections
The brand remains highly active and current. Updates from 2024 and 2025 confirm new releases and restocks are frequent. The company maintains several popular collections that cater to different interests, ensuring year-round relevance:
- Game Day Collection: Focused on team colors and spirit, highly popular in the Southern US.
- Rose Gold Collection: Catering to the demand for this specific metal finish.
- Bangle Bracelets: The core collection, featuring hundreds of unique stone combinations.
- Kovel Collection: A specific line featuring chunky stones like Red Fire Agate.
6. The "Made in America" Craftsmanship
While the semiprecious stones are globally sourced, the jewelry is hand-crafted and assembled in the United States, specifically in the Tampa/Plant City area of Florida. This commitment to local, handcrafted quality resonates strongly with consumers who value artisanal work and supporting domestic production, giving the brand a significant marketing edge and a reputation for being "well made."
7. Strong Consumer Sentiment and Positive Reviews
Customer feedback consistently highlights the brand's unique appeal. Reviews frequently mention that the bracelets are "Super cute," "Well made," and offer "something different" compared to standard jewelry offerings. The combination of natural stones, vibrant colors, and the distinctive wire-wrapped style makes them a beloved accessory, suitable for everything from casual wear to formal events, solidifying their status as a versatile and enduring piece of jewelry.
How to Identify and Style Authentic Bourbon & Boweties Jewelry
Bourbon & Boweties is a recognizable brand, but knowing the key identifiers can help ensure you purchase an authentic piece. Look for the signature gold plated wire and the distinct, often chunky, natural stone setting. The brand also produces other jewelry, including beaded bracelets, earrings, and rings, all following the same design principles of using high-quality materials like mixed metal and gold-plated components.
To style these pieces, embrace the stacking trend. Start with a few core bangles in neutral stones (like Smokey Quartz or Crystal) and then add a pop of color with a Game Day or Turquoise piece. The bracelets are designed to be mixed with other fine jewelry, allowing them to bridge the gap between costume jewelry and genuine gold pieces effortlessly.
The continued success of Bourbon & Boweties, marked by frequent new arrivals and participation in major trade events like the Atlanta Market in 2024, proves that Carley Ochs' original vision is still a powerful force in the accessory world. Their unique blend of Southern charm, quality craftsmanship, and natural beauty ensures the wire-wrapped bangle will remain a relevant and cherished item for years to come.
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