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 7/8" and 7" and yet the
1/2" wide bracelet I am wearing today measures 6 5/8" total inside circumference,
which includes the gap. So although I might wear a full 6 7/8" in a bracelet that
is 1" wide or wider, a good fit in 1/2" wide bracelet is actually 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. So depending on the width, you may likely prefer a bracelet
slightly 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. The Importance
of Bracelet WeightWe 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. | 
to see Vintage Bracet size selections. 
NOTES
FROM OUR CUSTOMERS