How to Make Sure Your Bracelet Will Fit
© 2012 Horsekeeping LLC © Copyright Information
The best way to get a good fit is to measure a cuff bracelet you already have that fits you well and look for a bracelet with those dimensions. The total inside circumference is the inside circumference of the bracelet from end to end plus the gap (the distance between the ends).
If you don't have a cuff bracelet to use for comparison, then measure your wrist where you want to wear the bracelet. There are several ways to do this.
1. Use a cloth tape measure to measure around your wrist where you will wear the bracelet. Use this measurement as your wrist size which corresponds to Total Inside Circumference on our bracelet pages. Read the rest of this article to see if you need to adjust your measurement.
OR
2. Wrap a piece of string (or ribbon) around your wrist where you will wear the bracelet. Make a mark on the string where the end meets the rest of the string. Remove the string and lay it on a ruler. Use this measurement as your wrist size which corresponds to Total Inside Circumference on our bracelet pages. Read the rest of this article to see if you need to adjust your measurement.
| All of our bracelet pages have one of the following measurments: | |
1. Total inside circumference which includes the gap. This corresponds more or less to your wrist measurement. (The best gauge is to measure a cuff bracelet that fits you well and compare to the bracelet you are considering.) 2. Inside circumference from end to end, plus the gap measurement. These two added together equal the total inside circumference which corresponds to your wrist measurement. For example, if your wrist measures 6 1/2", a bracelet that has a 5 1/4" inside circumference end to end and a 1 1/4" gap has a total inside circumference of 6 1/2" and should fit you well.
How well a bracelet will fit you will depend on the width of the bracelet (see Note below), whether you like to wear the bracelet tight or loose, alone or with other bracelets, in front of or behind the prominent bone on your wrist, changes in temperature (weather) and other factors. |
Total Inside Circumference corresponds more or less to wrist size. Example: If the Inside Circumference is 6" that would be suitable for a wrist approximately 5 3/4 " to 6 1/4" depending on how tight or loose you like to wear your bracelets. |
Note from Paula: I can't stress enough that the best way to get a perfectly fitting cuff bracelet or watch is to measure one that fits you well and compare its measurements to the measurements on the page of a bracelet you are considering buying. Be sure to take into account that if you are shopping for a wide bracelet (over 1" wide), you will need a slightly larger bracelet than if you are fitting a bracelet under 1" wide. When I wrap a string or dressmakers cloth tape measure around my wrist it measures between 6 1/2" and 6 5/8" and yet the 1/2" wide bracelet I am wearing today measures 6 1/4" total inside circumference, which includes the gap. So although I might wear a full 6 5/8" in a bracelet that is 1" wide or wider, a good fit in 1/2" wide bracelet is at least 1/4" smaller than my wrist measurement. Such a bracelet is steady, does not flop around, yet does not dig in anywhere. It is comfortable and perfection in fit. So bear that in mind as you shop. Depending on the width, you will likely prefer a bracelet slightly smaller or larger than your actual wrist size. Wider bracelets should be a little bit bigger than your wrist size. Very narrow bracelets can comfortably be smaller than your wrist size. |
Many cuff bracelets are adjustable.
They can be opened or closed up to about a 1/4 inch larger or smaller. The types that are NOT easily adjustable are those that are made from very thick, heavy metal or those with inlaid stones across the entire front and sides.
When you purchase a bracelet, realize that if you adjust it, it is not returnable. To adjust your bracelet, be very careful how you adjust it so you don't make it an odd shape or damage it. If you try to bend an area of your bracelet where there is a stone or inlay, you might pop the stones out. Generally when opening or closing a bracelet for fit, encircle one hand firmly over the last stone on one side of the bracelet and then make your adjustment by bending in or out the portion of the bracelet from the last stone to the end of the bracelet. Do the same on the other side.
Remember, some bracelets are not adjustable at all. Those that have stones or inlay all the way to the ends of the bracelet are not considered adjustable. Those that are made of very heavy silver would be very difficult to bend, so are considered not adjustable.
Bracelet Weight
We list the weight of bracelets for several reasons. First, the price of silver fluctuates but has been running high the last several years. The weight of a sterling silver bracelet factors into its price. Also, we list the weight because sometimes you are shopping for a substantial piece, like a heavy cuff, and sometimes you are looking for a very lightweight piece. You can compare the weights among bracelets to find exactly what you want.
Traditionally
precious metals and jewelry weights are listed in grams or Troy ounces. There
are approximately 31.1 grams in one Troy ounce.
As always, if you have questions
about a bracelet, write us at .
IMPORTANT NOTE: Bracelets that have been adjusted are not returnable. Jewelry return guidelines along with detailed shipping and return information can be found on our Return Policy Page.
NOTES
FROM OUR CUSTOMERS
"Just a quick note to say Thanks! I got the cuff in the mail and it's exactly what I expected. Fit's great, looks great and I was thrilled with the price! Thanks again for the quick shipment." - D