Ultimate guide to finding the right bracelet fit

When it comes to accessorising, finding the perfect bracelet that sits elegantly on your wrist is an art. A well-fitted bracelet is not only comfortable but also adds a touch of sophistication to your ensemble. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you select the ideal bracelet length, ensuring it complements your style and fits just right.

How long should a bracelet be?

Classic bracelets, like the elegant Rivière designs, are at their best when worn loosely on the wrist for a timeless look. Ideally, they should be about 1-2 cm longer than the circumference of your wrist. This allows the bracelet to encircle your wrist elegantly without being so loose that it slides over your forearm.

Women's bracelet sizes: the standard length for bracelets starts at 16 cm (XS) for narrow wrists and extends up to 20 cm (XL) for larger wrists.
Men's bracelet sizes: the standard bracelet size is typically 20 cm.
Children's bracelet sizes: For children, bracelet sizes range from around 10 cm for newborns to 15 cm for teenagers.

a women opening her jewellery box, wearing a stunning women’s bracelet

Rigid bangles and cuff bracelets

When it comes to rigid bangles or cuff bracelets, a slightly more generous fit is advisable. Wider bangles, in particular, have a larger contact surface area and, if too tight, can press or rub uncomfortably against the wrist bones or the lower part of the forearm. Opting for a size that offers a bit more room can prevent discomfort and allow for a more graceful look.

Ultimately, how loose or tight a bracelet fits is largely a question of taste. If in doubt, a bracelet that is slightly too wide is much more comfortable to wear and looks more elegant than a bracelet that is too tight and sits firmly on the wrist.

How do I measure and determine the right size for a bracelet?

Determining the right size for a bracelet is essential for comfort and style. Here's a simple guide to help you measure your wrist accurately and choose a bracelet that fits just right.

Measuring your wrist

The easiest way to determine the size for a bracelet, e.g. a gold bracelet, is by using a soft measuring tape. Follow these steps:

Wrap the measuring tape around your wrist: ensure it encircles your wrist completely without being too tight
Take the reading: note down the measurement where the tape meets its starting point

If you don’t have a soft measuring tape, you can use a piece of lace, yarn, or thread. Here’s how:

Wrap the lace around your wrist: make sure it encircles your wrist fully but isn’t too tight
Mark the overlap point: where the end of the lace meets the rest, mark it
Measure the lace: use a ruler or yardstick to measure the length up to the marked point

Choosing the right fit

Once you have your wrist measurement, here’s how to choose the right bracelet fit:

Tight fit: choose a bracelet that matches your wrist measurement exactly
Normal fit: add 1-1.5cm to your wrist measurement for a comfortable, slightly loose fit
Loose fit: add 1.5-2cm to your wrist measurement for a very loose fit

Measuring for broader bangles

For wider bangles, you’ll need to measure a bit differently:

Calculate the width of the bangle: for example, if the bangle is 5cm wide, measure 5cm up from your wrist towards your elbow
Measure the forearm: ensure the bangle fits comfortably at this point, which is usually the tightest spot

Consider hand dominance

Keep in mind that your left and right wrists might have slightly different circumferences depending on which hand you use more in everyday life. Typically, the wrist on your dominant hand is a bit thicker due to increased musculature. For right-handed individuals, this means the right wrist is usually thicker, and the opposite is true for left-handed individuals.

Buying a bracelet as a gift

If you’re buying a bracelet as a gift and can’t measure the recipient’s wrist, you can get an idea of their size by checking their existing jewellery. Measure the size of a bracelet or wristwatch they frequently wear and enjoy.

By following this guide, you can ensure that your bracelet fits perfectly, providing both comfort and elegance.

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What should I do if my bracelet is too long or too short?

women wearing a high-quality bracelet with a yellow gold clasp - Designer bangle in gold with flowers, set with diamonds

Many bracelets with a carabiner clasp offer the option to hook the clasp onto variouseyelets so that the width can easily be adjusted as required. The same is true for drawstring fastenings, which can be adjusted to suit. Open bangles can often be slightly adjusted in length by carefully bending them.

The situation is different for bracelets with a box clasp, a type of clasp that is often used for wider or particularly high-quality bracelets such as the tennis bracelet. The slider is inserted into a small box and locks into place, partly with an additional figure of eight next to the clasp. With this type of fastening, it is not possible to make personal adjustments.

My bracelet is too wide

A bracelet that is too wide can be shortened around the clasp by a jeweller or online jeweller with relatively little effort. To do this, one or more links are removed from the chain of the bracelet and the clasp is then fixed or soldered to the new end. Shortening a diamond bracelet featuring all-round settings is slightly more difficult, as the procedure is more complicated. With a closed bangle, the procedure is also fairly time-consuming; a piece must be cut out, re-soldered and polished so that no traces of machining remain visible afterwards.

Depending on the type of bangle and the amount by which it needs to be shortened, two pieces may need to be removed to preserve the symmetry. If you wish to make any changes, you should ideally choose the jeweller or goldsmith from whom you purchased the jewellery in the first place.

My bracelet is too tight

A bracelet that is too tight is more tricky. As with all pieces of jewellery, reducing the size is always easier than enlarging it. For normal chain links, e.g. links made of white gold or yellow gold, additional links can be inserted. To do this, contact the supplier from whom you purchased the piece of jewellery in the first place.

Lengthening becomes particularly challenging with elaborately crafted bracelets or bangles. In theory, any alteration is possible, but you should always ask in advance whether the value of a piece of jewellery makes its adjustment by a professional worthwhile.

Find your perfect bracelet at BAUNAT

Selecting the perfect bracelet involves more than just picking a design that catches your eye. By understanding your wrist size, considering the clasp type, and choosing the appropriate bracelet style, you can ensure a comfortable and stylish fit that complements your unique look. At BAUNAT, we are committed to helping you find the ideal bracelet that not only fits perfectly but also resonates with your personal style.

Explore our exquisite bracelets collection and let us assist you in finding a bracelet that is both a beautiful accessory and a reflection of your individuality. Feel free to reach out to our team for personalised advice and guidance on your jewellery journey.