Bracelets: Types, Sizes, Choosing & Styling Tips
How to determine the size of your bracelet?
Bracelet fit is important for comfort and style. To find out your exact bracelet size, use a measuring tape or piece of string to measure the size of your wrist. You should measure just above the wrist bone, and then add 0.8-1 inches (~2cm) to your wrist size to get the correct bracelet size.
To find out your bangle bracelet size, close your fingers together like when you are putting on a bangle, again use o strip of paper to measure around the closed hand at the widest point which is the circumference of your hand.
The standard bracelet length is 6.5 to 7.5 inches, 7 inches is the most common. Large bracelets are between 7.5 to 9 inches. Bangles usually are 7 inches in length with a 2.5-inch diameter.
Bone structure
The bone structure is the frame of the person and can be divided into three basic types: fine, medium and strong. Visit our Accessory guide to find out your bone structure.
Fine Bone Structure: Fine, thin, lightweight, sheer, flat, delicate bracelets; gemstone, charm, narrow bangle, cable bracelets.
Medium Bone Structure: Medium thickness and length, classic bracelets; medium-sized round beaded bracelets, double-wrapped leather bracelets, cuff and hinged bracelets.
Strong Bone Structure: Strong, thick, heavyweight, chunky bracelets; medium-width bangles, link bracelets. Avoid thin, delicate metal gold chain or silver charm wire bracelets or narrow open bangles and stretchy ones.
Types of Bracelets
Bangle
A large, stiff, rigid ring that is worn around the wrist, arm, or ankle, usually from metal, wood or plastic, has no clasp, opening and, pendants or other ornaments hanging from them
Cuff
Type of inflexible, solid bangle without opening; don’t have clasps or any type of closure, wide cuffs have a bold, confident look
Wristwatch
Combination of watch and bracelet
Gemstone
Formed by a chain with different types of precious stones
Cage Cuff
Open, delicate cuff style bracelet, usually used as a statement bracelet
Leather
Leather or suede, unisex, stylish bracelets that appeal mostly to the youth
Cable
Single stainless steel cable formed, bangle style bracelets
Hinged
Fixed around the wrist by a spring-type clasp that makes it easy to add to your wrist
Crossover
Bangle style bracelet made combination of two different elements crossing each other
Stretchy
Stretchy, flexible bracelets that wrap around your wrist, made of beads or stones and end without a clasp
Open Bangle
Thin, bangle-style bracelets with open ends at the front
Statement
Large, mostly brass, oddly shaped, different style bracelets to make a statement
Chain
Made of metal loops linked together to create a chain, metal, gold and silver ones have these have value and durability
Friendship
Decorative, colourful, bracelets given between friends to symbolize their friendship, typically made of thread or string and are woven in any number of ways to create the pattern
Slider
Open style clasp through which a ribbon or chain can be passed. The front part of the slide is often very detailed while the rear has one or two bars somewhat like a buckle
Tipped
Simple bangle of woven stainless steel bracelets capped with stones, pearls, beads etc.
Beaded
Consists of one or several rows of beads, have a bohemian style and are very versatile
Strands
Composed of multiple strands connected with a single clasp, the strands may have beads or gemstones embedded in them
Tennis
Consists of a row of individually set and uniformly sized diamonds or other gemstones, it's classic and sophisticated.
Charm
Bracelet with decorative pendants, beads, stones, or trinkets depending on your mood and preferences. Some types are already in place when acquired by the owner, rather than a collection of charms gathered over time
Toggle Clasp
These are not of any category but need to be mentioned because of the way they terminate, they have a toggle clasp i.e., a bar and a ring closure
Wrap
A bracelet winds around the wrist once, twice, or many times, bead and leather wrap bracelets are very trendy
Link
Made by joining or linking several comparable constituents or pieces of jewelry by using a variety of materials including metal and precious stones
Identification
Simple chain bracelet that may have charms or a plate with a name or a message engraved on it
