Building a fine jewelry collection with bracelets? The first place to start is with your measurement. Discovering your wrist circumference is the first step to aligning yourself with the perfect piece of arm candy that fits just right.
Luxury jewelry is not a one size fits all measurement. To enjoy the precision craftsmanship of your gold or platinum jewelry, you’ll want to pay extra close attention to your recorded measurements as well as the materials and weight of your jewelry.
The experts at Ferko’s Fine Jewelry are here to help you receive personalized sizing guidance to find your perfect bracelet fit. But until then, here’s how to measure your wrist step by step to find your ideal bracelet size.
Simple Methods to Measure Your Wrist Size
There are simple DIY ways to measure your wrist at home to find your bracelet measurement. The best part is that you likely already have a few of the materials you will need at home.
Regardless of the method you choose to discover your wrist size measurement, the general rule of thumb is to add ½ to 1 inch to the final number for your bracelet size. This will ensure your jewelry has a proper, comfortable fit where it’s not too loose nor too tight.
Using a Flexible Measuring Tape
A flexible measuring tape is one of the easiest, reliable ways to measure your wrist circumference. It’s a straightforward process for finding your perfect bracelet size if you follow the following steps:
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Find a soft, flexible measuring tape, like the one you’d use for sewing.
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Wrap the measuring tape around the part of your wrist where you plan to wear a bracelet.
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Record your measurement on a sheet of paper or your phone, and add a ½ to 1 inch for your final size.
The String or Paper Strip Method
Need to measure your wrist without a tape measure? You can still find your size with paper or string without having a flexible tape measure on hand. Here’s how you do it.
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Take a piece of string or paper and wrap it around your wrist in the spot where you plan to wear the fine jewelry.
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Use a pen or maker to make a mark where the material overlaps.
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Lay the string or paper out flat.
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Use a standard tape measure or ruler to record the length.
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Add the ½ to 1 inch of extra room.
Digital Measurement Tools and Apps
Thanks to the advancements in modern technology, you can also use digital measuring tools or apps on your smart phone for determining wrist size. More smart phones are made with a measuring app that’s simple to use.
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Open up your phone’s measuring app.
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Follow your app’s specific instructions of moving the phone around your wrist at the start and end points for your measurement.
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Read the recorded measurement on your phone’s screen and add ½ inch to 1 inch.
When to Seek Professional Sizing
It’s easy to collect your own wrist size measurement, but sometimes it’s best to go straight to the pros.
If you’re planning on investing in an heirloom-quality piece of jewelry, then it’s highly recommended to allow a professional jeweler help you determine your size. You don’t want to purchase an investment piece that doesn’t come with a proper fit.
Professional jewelers can use their expertise and specialized tools to record your ideal measurement and then lead you to the ideal size for your jewelry.
Understanding Bracelet Sizing Standards
Once you’ve collected your bracelet size, the work doesn’t stop there. You will then need to try on standard bracelet sizes for men and women, and possibly convert your measurement on an international scale.
Common Bracelet Size Ranges for Women and Men
Every wrist and bracelet is different, but there are standard bracelet sizes for men and women that your measurement may align with.
For women, the ideal size range is 6.5 inches to 7.5 inches with 7 inches being the most common size. For men, the typical range is 7.5 inches to 9 inches with 8 inches being the most common.
Finding the right fit requires you to try on different bracelets within this range to see what size gives you the most comfortable fit. It’s possible that you may have to go up or down to a size that doesn’t fall within the standard range, which is why trying on various sizes is crucial before you commit.
International Sizing Conversions
Depending on where you shop, you may notice bracelet sizes measure differently than inches. Some international bracelet sizes measure in sizes like small, medium, large, and extra large.
Here’s how to convert your wrist circumference measurement to find your international size.
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International Size |
Inches |
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Small |
5.26-5.75 in. |
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Medium |
5.76-6.25 in. |
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Large |
6.26-6.75 in. |
|
X-Large |
6.76-7.25 in. |
Since this is just a basic conversion chart, it’s important to note that your precise measurement may be larger or smaller than what our chart shows. It’s always best to get your wrist professionally measured to find your perfect fit, especially if you’re purchasing fine jewelry from a European brand.
The Difference Between Wrist Size and Bracelet Length
Measuring your wrist to find your ideal bracelet size involves a little math. The measurement you collect after wrapping a measuring tape around your wrist is not the same as your bracelet size.
Your wrist size is the measured circumference of your wrist while the bracelet length is the circumference of the jewelry. Remember that your bracelet size is supposed to be slightly larger than your wrist measurement by half an inch to one full inch for a proper, comfortable fit.
Accounting for Clasp and Closure Types
Depending on the type of clasp or closure your bracelet is made with, you may need to add additional length to your final measurement. Some clasps require a small amount of extra room in order to allow the bracelet to fit properly and still feel comfortable on your wrist.
Ideally, you should always add at least ¼ inch to all bracelets to account for clasps and closures, but this extra room creates a more snug fit. If you want your bracelet to come with more room, then a ½ inch should do the trick.
Factors That Affect Your Ideal Bracelet Fit
Here are a few more factors that may affect the overall fit of your bracelet.
Comfort Considerations: Loose vs. Snug Fit
The feel of your bracelet around your wrist comes down to personal choice. Do you like your bracelets to fit snug or loose? This preference will definitely impact the fit of your bracelet since it determines whether you’re rounding up a few inches for extra space or staying close to your first collected measurement.
Bracelet Style and Weight Impact on Sizing
Is your bracelet adorned with diamonds like a stunning tennis bracelet? Then you’ll definitely want a snug fit to keep the piece from falling off your wrist. These bracelets tend to be a little heavier than other, more dainty bracelets because of all the diamonds, so opting for a smaller size ensures your bracelet moves comfortably without slipping off.
But, if you prefer lighter and dainty bracelets like this Dangling Solitaire Bracelet, then you can get away with a looser fit. Dainty bracelets are more flexible and forgiving in movement since they don’t have extra weight from an overload of gemstones.
Seasonal Changes in Wrist Size
Like your fingers with rings, your wrist fit can change depending on the season. It’s normal to expect a tighter fit in the warmer months when your blood vessels dilate and then a looser feeling in the winter when your vessels constrict.
Adjustable Options for Fluctuating Sizes
To keep your bracelet snug, secure, and comfortable all year long, we highly recommend searching for bracelets that feature adjustable options. Bracelets that are made with several clasps features to tighten or loosen your bracelet give you maximum flexibility to adjust your fit depending on the season or how loose and fit you want the bracelet to be.
Specialized Sizing for Different Bracelet Styles
Lastly, when finding the perfect bracelet fit, you’ll want to consider the bracelet style you’re shopping for. Some bracelets require larger sizes than others because of how they’re made, like bangles and cuffs.
Bangle and Cuff Bracelet Measurements
Unlike tennis or chain bracelets, bangles and cuffs don’t come with clasps. These bracelets are meant to slide onto your wrist, which means you will need a larger circumference size for the bracelet to fit over your hand.
Tennis and Line Bracelet Fitting
Tennis bracelets require a tighter fit to keep them from falling off your wrist. Since tennis bracelets are also made with clasps, they can wrap around your wrist without needing to slide over your hand.
Chain and Link Bracelet Sizing
Chain bracelets, like our 14k Gold Figaro Chain Bracelet, also should fit snugly around the wrist, like your tennis bracelet. Though they aren’t bedazzled with sparkly diamonds, they’re still a statement bracelet meant to stay in place and complement your outfit, so a tighter fit is the way to support the look.
Statement and Wide Bracelet Considerations
Speaking of statement bracelets, fit for this style comes down to preference. Wide bracelets like our 14k Unique Bold Triple Strand Bracelet can get away with a looser fit since the material is larger than our 14k Marquise Shape Round Diamond Bangle Bracelet, which should have a more snug fit.
Getting the Perfect Fit at Ferkos Fine Jewelry
It can be challenging to collect your own wrist size measurement, especially when you’re wanting to measure for an exquisite piece of jewelry. We know that even with standard bracelet sizes for women and men, sometimes it’s best to get a custom measurement by a professional to find your unique dimensions.
Are you shopping for the perfect bracelet to add to your fine jewelry collection? The experts at Ferko’s Fine Jewelry are ready to help you measure for the perfect fit so you can enjoy your bracelet comfortably for years to come.