How to Measure Your Bracelet Size

A line of light should rest on the wrist the way a hand rests in another: close, but never tight.

A ring either fits or it does not, but a bracelet has more personality. It can sit neatly near the wrist bone, slide gently toward the hand, or drape loosely like a ribbon of light. Which of those you prefer is a matter of taste, yet all of them begin with the same simple measurement. A few careful minutes now mean your bracelet will feel natural from the first day you wear it.

Wrist size and bracelet length are not the same

Your wrist measurement is the circumference of the wrist itself. Bracelet length is the full length of the piece laid flat, from one end to the other. The difference between the two is ease: the extra room that lets a bracelet move, sit comfortably and close without pinching. A bracelet exactly the length of your wrist would feel tight, because the links and stones take up space on the inside of the circle.

That last point matters more than it might seem. Thicker or more sculptural links, and bracelets set with stones all the way around, occupy more room inside the loop than a fine chain does, so they generally need a little more ease to feel equally comfortable.

Measuring your wrist at home

1. Use a flexible tape measure. If you do not have one, a strip of paper or a length of string that does not stretch works well.
2. Wrap it around the wrist you plan to wear the bracelet on, at the spot where you like a bracelet to rest, usually close to the wrist bone.
3. Keep it snug against the skin without pressing in.
4. Mark the point where the end meets, then lay the strip flat and measure it against a ruler in centimeters.
5. Repeat once or twice. If the results differ slightly, use the average.

The wrist of your dominant hand may be a little larger than the other, so measure the one you will actually wear the bracelet on.

Adding ease for comfort

Once you know your wrist measurement, add room according to the fit you enjoy. A widely used rule of thumb looks like this:

• Close fit: about 1 cm more than your wrist, for a bracelet that stays near the wrist bone.
• Comfortable fit: about 1.5 to 2 cm more, the choice many people find easiest for everyday wear.
• Relaxed fit: about 2.5 to 3 cm more, for a bracelet that moves and drapes toward the hand.

These are starting points rather than rules. If you already own a bracelet whose fit you love, lay it flat and measure it from end to end; that length is often the most reliable guide of all.

Lengths offered, design by design

Bracelet lengths at Aetheris are chosen on each product page, and the range differs from one design to another. The Eternal Galaxy Line Bracelet, a continuous line of round diamonds, is offered from 15 cm to 23 cm. The One-Stone Cuban Bracelet, a sculptural Cuban link chain anchored by a single diamond in the shape of your choice, is offered from 16 cm to 23 cm. Both move in steps of one centimeter. For anyone who thinks in inches, here are the approximate equivalents:

When you land between two lengths

If your wrist measurement plus ease falls between two lengths, think about how the design wears. Many people like a continuous line of diamonds resting fairly close to the wrist, where the stones sit evenly around it, while a bolder link chain is often enjoyed with a more relaxed drape. When in real doubt, a bracelet with a little extra room is usually more comfortable than one that feels tight.

Each bracelet is made to order in the length you choose, and a piece made to your measurement cannot be returned or refunded for a change of mind, so measure carefully before ordering. If you would like a second opinion on your numbers, write to aetheristechhk@gmail.com before you place the order.

Find your line of light

With your measurement in hand, explore the Wristlight bracelet collection. Choose the Eternal Galaxy for an unbroken circle of light, or the One-Stone Cuban for strength and a single, personal point of brilliance, then settle on a metal with the help of our guide to gold, platinum and silver.