How to correctly measure for a bracelet

There are many different kinds of bracelets today. It is pretty straight forward when determining your bracelet size but some times it gets just a little confusing. Below are some tips I have put together to make sure you always get the correct size. 

CHAIN  OR CUFF BRACELET 

• Use a measuring tape to measure the circumference of your wrist below the wrist bone. This will be your wrist size (I normally use a sewing tape measure)
  
• You can also use a strip of paper, mark where the ends meet and then measure your strip with a ruler.
• To find your bracelet size increase your wrist circumference by 1/4-1/2 inches for a snug fit. 
• If you want a comfort fit you should increase your wrist circumference by 3/4-1 inch
• There is no need to increase your wrist  circumference size for cuff bracelet designs like there is for chain bracelets. There will always be an opening of approximately 1 inch for sliding the cuff bracelet on and off. 

BANGLE BRACELET

I discovered in my jewelry making classes that many people think measuring your wrist is the proper way to measure for a bangle bracelet design. When shopping for a bangle bracelet you must measure the widest part of your hand as shown in the below photo. The bangle must be able to slide over your hand before it rests on your wrist.

• Use a measuring tape to measure the circumference of the widest part of your hand. Pull the measuring tape snug against your skin. Your thumb should be touching or close to your pinky finger.  We normally do this with our hands when sliding bangles on.
• It can be tricky to hold the measuring tape by yourself, have someone help to get an accurate measurement.

When shopping for bangles some some places will have different forms of measurements to choose from. Some will have just small, medium or large, or they will have the circumference or even the inside diameter of the bangle.  The below chart gives the approximate average sizes and their corresponding measurements.  If you already are an avid bangle collector knowing the inside diameter of your bangles should help making bangle shopping easy.

Converting your bangle measurements

I hope these tips helped. If you have any questions feel free to contact me HERE

Laura