Raksha Bandhan

The sister ties the bracelet around the brother's wrist and prays for his happiness and wellbeing, in exchange for her brother's protection.

The ritual is observed on the full moon in the lunar month of Shavran Purnima and is celebrated by Hindus across the world.

While this special occasion symbolises the strengthening of the bond of love between siblings, Rakhis are also tied on the wrists of close friends and neighbours to promote a sense of unity and commitment to each other, and to encourage social harmony.

Nowadays Rakhis are handcrafted with multi-coloured threads, ideally silk, and often adorned with semi-precious stones and beads. Drawing inspiration from this ancient tradition, Astley Clarke re-imagines the Rakhi in coloured silken cord and 18 carat yellow gold plated 'friendship bracelets'. Gold chains accentuated with hand-cut gemstones and symbolic charms offer an elegant alternative.

For that special someone, shop Friendship Bracelets.