What Is My Bracelet Size?
How can I be sure?
When shopping online we are never really sure right away if that perfect bracelet we want will fit just by looking at the size in the description. How can we be sure it will fit perfectly? There is a quick and easy way to determine your perfect bracelet size and just a few factors that will influence which size to choose once you have your actual “wrist” measurement.
Measure your wrist at the smallest part; You can use a string, and even dental floss will do. Lay out your measured piece of string onto a ruler and note that number in inches. You don’t need to round up or down, the actual measurement is your starting point. Now you have determined your “wrist” size.
Your “bracelet” size is determined by the thickness of the beads or chain. The thicker the bead or chain, the longer the bracelet will need to be. This is because larger beads and chain take up space inside the stringing cord, the part that touches. your wrist.
The following is your typical rule of thumb, or rather rule of wrist:
Take your wrist size and add length as follows:
- For thin chain add 1/2 inch in length
- 2 to 3mm beads add 3/4 inch in length
- 4 to 6mm beads add 1 inch in length
- 7 to 8mm beads add 1-1/4 inches in length
- 9 to 10mm beads add 1.5 inches in length
As an example, my wrist is 6″ around. If I wear an 8mm beaded bracelet I will make it 7-1/4 inches long. This is for a comfortable, not too tight or loose fit.
If you prefer a more loose fit you can size up by a 1/4 of an inch which should have your bracelet move slightly down from your wrist, but not far enough to interfere with your thumb or hand movements. I don’t recommend that you size down with a beaded bracelet as that will put too much pressure on the clasp when you try and put on your bracelet.
I have learned this sizing rule from my own valuable experience making jewelry for myself and for my clients and have found it to be an accurate assessment for sizing yours and my perfect bracelet.
This assessment holds true for men and women, it is the same no matter what wrist size you begin with.
“If your bracelet doesn’t fit perfectly, it will sit in your jewelry box forever unworn and neglected.” Rachel Layman
A note of interest: A bracelet made with larger beads – 9mm and greater will need a small amount of cord space visible when the bracelet is laid out straight before being put on. This is due to the nature of the bending; as the bracelet bends around your wrist if enough empty space isn’t left on the strand then the bracelet will not have a soft enough “drape” to allow it to wrap around your wrist properly. If the beads are too crowded, it will not bend around and clasp easily, rather
it will have to be forced into a circle which will cause too much pressure on the clasp ends and the result could be a broken bracelet.
Once your large bead bracelet is put around your wrist the empty spaces will not be seen because they “magically” disappear while you enjoy wearing your beautiful bracelet.
Thank you for reading my post and feel free to reach out to discuss the right size for your favorite Dancing Phoenix Jewelry bracelet.
As always I create all of my jewelry with love and care, Happy new year! Rachel Layman