Update: This article was just reviewed for the 2024 season at Eden Hand Arts,
and all information is updated for the current shopping experience.
If you’re looking to purchase an original Cape Cod bracelet that’s authentic, I’m here to answer all your questions, and tell you everything you need to know when looking for the right bracelet.
Lots of jewelry stores now sell this iconic design, but the truth is, there’s only one place where you can buy a real, authentic and original Cape Cod bracelet, and it’s located right on the Cape. Be sure to keep reading so you can support the original designer, and know that you’ve purchased an authentic bracelet.
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Who Makes The Original Cape Cod Bracelet?
Eden Hand Arts in Dennis is the original designer and creator of the Cape Cod bracelet, sometimes referred to as the screwball bracelet. This is absolutely the only place you can buy an authentic and original Cape Cod bracelet, and the only place you should buy one. Eden Hand Arts has also trademarked their design, so all others are copycats and not authentic.
Sadly, many jewelry stores across the Cape, the country and online, now sell the same style, profiting off the original artist’s design. Many of them even claim they are the authentic bracelet, and advertise outside their stores with signs saying “Come to to buy the original Cape Cod bracelet!” but just know that they’re not at all selling the real thing.
So when thinking about buying a Cape Cod bracelet, I highly encourage you to buy it directly from Eden Hand Arts.
How To Tell If A Cape Cod Bracelet Is Real & Authentic?
If it’s a true Eden Hand Arts bracelet, it will have one of two things marking it as authentic:
→ The single and double screwball bracelets will have a little tag on it that looks like a tiny charm in the shape of a heart. On the tag will be an etched apple with the word Eden inside of it.
→ For all other bracelets, since a tag can’t be attached, the word Eden will be etched on the inside.
If the bracelet doesn’t have this tag, or the word Eden etched inside, it’s not an authentic and original Cape Cod bracelet.
Many other jewelry retailers now include their own tags on their bracelets so that they can claim their own as an original Cape Cod bracelet, but this is not the case. I know it’s confusing, but just remember, if the tag doesn’t have an apple with the word Eden on it, it’s not authentic. Simple as that.
How Much Do Eden Hand Arts Cape Cod Bracelets Cost?
For a single screwball Cape Cod bracelet (the most common style), you can expect to pay around $100 for an all-silver bracelet, about $200 for a silver bracelet with a gold ball, and the price goes up from there for an all-gold bracelet. Prices will vary depending on the style and combination of materials, and prices may go up a little each year to account for inflation costs.
Note About Pricing: As Eden is discreet about their pricing, I’m not able to confirm pricing after 2022, so please keep this in mind as you prepare for your shopping experience with them. It’s best to go prepared with extra cash, or your checkbook. Also, expect prices to continue to go up each year, so this pricing could very well be out of date.
How Many Different Styles of Cape Cod Bracelet Are There?
There are many, in fact! When we talk about Cape Cod bracelets, we’re usually referring to the screwball bracelet, which is a simple band with a ball that screws each end together. For this style, you can get a single or double ball bracelet, and choose the metal for your band and screwball (the most popular being a silver band with a gold ball).
But Eden Hand Arts also designs a lot of different styles of not only bracelets, but lots of different jewelry pieces including necklaces and earrings. Other popular designs for their bracelets are the Herring and Fisherman’s Knot.
Why Is The Cape Cod Screwball Bracelet Famous?
This bracelet became famous in the late 90s when Amy Jo Johnson wore it consistently during the first two seasons of the show Felicity. While there’s nothing about the design of the bracelet that really screams “Cape Cod,” it’s just widely become iconic, and known for having originated in this region.
Since then, the Cape Cod bracelet has gained popularity because of its simple and practical design, which makes it easy to wear. It also signifies that you have an appreciation or attachment to Cape Cod, and it’s extremely popular in the New England area. It makes for a great piece to invest in if you fall in love with Cape Cod (like most everyone does!).
How To Visit Eden Hand Arts
In full disclosure, it’s not easy to visit Eden Hand Arts, but I promise you, it’s worth it to get an authentic and original Cape Cod bracelet. And, it’s almost a rite of passage when you purchase your very first Eden bracelet, so definitely worth the effort and special experience!
The only place to buy an Eden Hand Arts bracelet is at their store location, which is located in Dennis, MA on Cape Cod. They do not have an online store, and they don’t do business via mail order. The only way to shop with them is in-person, at their actual store, and they’re only open from June through Labor Day, Wednesday through Saturday each week.
For Eden’s opening and closing days for the season,
they highly encourage you to refer to their Facebook page.
As of 2024, Eden Hand Arts now requires tickets to shop in their store!
Tickets to visit the store open up on Monday of each week (to visit the following week, so about one week in advance). Once your request is submitted, you’ll get a confirmation online if your ticket request has been confirmed. There is a chance your requested time slot will not be available, so it’s good to prepare for a back-up date.
For more information on visiting Eden Hand Arts,
I suggest visiting their website here and reading the entire page about what to expect.
And there’s good news if you know exactly what you want! Eden Hand Arts has something called a Onesie Line, which is a designated tent just outside of their shop for people who can tell them exactly what they want, get measured for the correct size, and be on their way. The Onesie Line does require a ticket for the 2024 season, but this is a great option if you don’t have a need to visit the inside of the store, where the wait times can be a bit longer.
When I purchased my first Eden bracelet, this is what I did. I was in and out in 10-15 minutes.
Remember, this is a small mom-and-pop business, and each piece is handmade by an artisan, which makes their jewelry that much more special and exciting. So while it seems overwhelming to visit at first, I promise you, it’s actually not that bad. All the rules are in place are to help you have the best experience possible.
They also have these rules in place for visiting because they need to make sure they have enough product to sell during your visit. As mentioned, each piece is made by hand by an artisan, and they’re not mass-produced in a factory. They can only make so many pieces in a day, and to ensure everyone has plenty of things to choose from during their visit, this is the system that works for them.
The shop is also dealing with pressure from neighbors to control customer parking and crowds in their small area, so they’re doing the best they can to keep everyone happy. I’ve always had a positive experience here, but you do have to do into with some grace and understanding.
Tips For Visiting Eden Hand Arts
→ Set a calendar alert or reminder for the Monday morning prior to the week you want to visit the shop to request your ticket online. That way, you won’t forget. Submit your request as early as possible.
→Bring cash or a check book. There is no ATM on site, and the shop is cash and check only.
→ There is a chance you may not be able to get a ticket for your visit to Cape Cod. In this case, I suggest you try again next time before purchasing a bracelet elsewhere. I truly believe this little shop is special enough to support them, and that it will be worth it once you’re able to buy an original Cape Cod bracelet. If you’re not able to get it the first time around, you’ll have a story to tell once you finally get one!
→ Please respect their rules about no photos or videos while visiting. This helps to protect new and original designs from being stolen by competitors. That’s why you don’t see a lot of photos in this post.
→ Be patient and kind, as with everything in the world. Just like any small business, they struggle to make many different kinds of people happy with limited means, while also creating new designs for each season, and hand-crafting each piece themselves on-site. Compassion and a smile will go a long way.
How Should A Cape Cod Bracelet Fit?
The great thing about buying an original Cape Cod bracelet directly from Eden Hand Arts is that the artists will measure your wrist during your visit and get you fitted with the perfect size. They offer about 50 different sizes for bracelets to ensure the perfect fit for everyone. It will be much like a ring sizing appointment, and you’ll try on a few sizes to make sure you walk away with the best one.
Your bracelet should be snug enough that you can’t completely rotate it while on, but loose enough that you should be able to slide it over your wrist bone without it getting stuck or caught.
Can You Get A Cape Cod Bracelet Wet?
Yes! In fact, Eden Hand Arts says these bracelets are made to be worn, and there’s no need to take them off for any reason, except when going through airport security (the metal could set off the metal detectors, and if you place the bracelet in a bin, you run the risk of losing the tag that authenticates the bracelet).
Do Cape Cod Bracelets Tarnish?
It’s possible, especially if you often subject the silver to chlorine in pools, or your skin naturally becomes more acidic during a period of time. But if you otherwise treat it with care, it doesn’t tarnish easily. If you do notice some tarnishing, Eden Hand Arts recommends a gentle cleaning with regular silver polish.
I’ve had my first Cape Cod bracelet since 2016, and I never take it off unless I’m traveling somewhere by plane. It stays on during showers, washing dishes, painting the house, swimming in the ocean, gardening and basically anything I do. I haven’t needed to polish it once since getting it, and it’s held up incredibly well.
Why Is It Called The Cape Cod Bracelet?
Simply because it was designed on Cape Cod, and for no other reason.
You may also find these posts helpful:
- Best Shopping On Cape Cod
- Best New England Gifts
- Best Time Of Year To Visit Cape Cod
- Best Towns To Stay In On Cape Cod
- Best Things To Do In Provincetown, MA
- What To Pack For A Trip To Cape Cod
- Best Ice Cream On Cape Cod
- Things To Do In Harwich, MA
- Cape Cod vs. Nantucket: Which Is Best For You?
That’s A Wrap On How To Buy An Authentic & Original Cape Cod Bracelet
Now that you know how to buy an original Cape Cod bracelet, you’re ready to make your first trip to Eden Hand Arts! Supporting this amazing and local small business that has such an appreciation for its customers and the Cape Cod region is a truly wonderful experience. And your new bracelet is sure to remind you of all your amazing Cape Cod memories.
Disclaimer: This post is not, in any way, sponsored by Eden Hand Arts. I simply believe in their business, and their designs, and wanted to encourage everyone to purchase directly from their shop, as opposed to buying their designs from another business. I truly believe your experience here will be worth it, and you’ll enjoy supporting the original designer of this iconic bracelet!
