Sunday, May 15, 2011

Finding a Bracelet that Fits

Bracelets are a great accessory. I love them because not only can everyone else see the cool bracelet that I’m wearing, so can I.

In order to find a bracelet that fits well, there are two measurements that you need to know:  the circumference of your wrist and the inner circumference of the bracelet.

The circumference of your wrist is how big around your wrist is. When you know that number, it’s easy to know what size of bracelet you want. For comfort, it is usually suggested to wear a bracelet that is about ½” (1.2 cm) bigger than your wrist. This will give you a bracelet that isn’t super tight around the wrist, but that won’t be travelling from your wrist to your elbow every time you move your arm.

Now for the bracelet – the critical measurement for a bracelet is the inner circumference of the bracelet, not the length of the bracelet. Why is that? Often, those two numbers don’t match up. For example, as you can see, the length of this bracelet is 9" (23 cm),


but the inner circumference is only 7 1/4" (18.5 cm).



The materials used in the bracelet affect this ratio. The chunkier the materials, the bigger difference there will be between the two numbers. But even materials that don’t appear very large can lead to a difference between the two numbers, as you can see here.


The length of this bracelet is 8 1/2" (21.5 cm)

The inner circumference of this same bracelet is 7 1/2" (19 cm), which comfortably fits a 7" (18 cm) wrist.

What if, like me, your wrist isn’t average size? Don’t give up on bracelets! Look at handmade bracelets. Even if you don’t find the correct size right off, sometimes the maker of the bracelet can adjust the size of the bracelet if asked, or even custom make a bracelet in a specific size for you.

With all this talk of bracelets, it’s now time to look at a few, don’t you think?

Golden Amber Bracelet by Erika Price

Beadwoven Bracelet - Acid Lime Green by Gwen Beads

Flower Mixed Metal Disc Bracelet by Paintin by Faith

Tiger Eye and Goldstone Bracelet by J3 Jewelry

Sterling Silver Black Leather Macrame Knot Bracelet by Wickwire Jewelry


Featuring artisan handmade creations by the Starving Artists jewelry team. SATeam members create handcrafted jewelry and beads. More information about our team and its current shop owner members can be found at SATEAM.etsy.com and here on ArtFire.

11 comments:

mcstoneworks said...

Some really cool bracelet designs and great info on sizing bracelets.

tjrjewellery said...

Educational post!

Cat said...

Very interesting information and some beautiful pieces!

Carole said...

That is way too technical for me, but thanks for sharing. Very pretty bracelets, too.

Jeanne/J3Jewelry said...

How silly do I feel? That's a bracelet mandrel! I didn't know they had those.... oh gosh I shouldn't admit that. Well now, that will take a whole lot of fiddling (i.e. time) away from my bracelet planning. Most Especially for chunky bracelets. Such pretty bracelets on show here, and I was tickled that mine is included. :)

northern girl said...

Jeanne, it's actually a bracelet sizer. I find the sizer to be a very handy tool to use when making bracelets.

DawninCal said...

Great information about sizing and what a great selection of bracelets!

I need one of those sizer thingies - the one I currently use is my wrist.

TheSillyCurmudgeon said...

Awesome informative posting- the right tools for the job...a time and frustration saver...booyah!

Great info and I really like the selection of bracelets that were chosen, too. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Great info and lovely bracelets. Thank you.

AMDesignsbyAngela said...

I need a handy, dandy bracelet sizer, I also currently use my own wrist. Your bracelet selections are super examples of SATeam talent.

Jeanne/J3Jewelry said...

Ah well... sizer then... I guess I just think of it as a mandrel since they have measurements on them. Although the bracelet sizer can't be banged on....