Buying jewelry online can be a challenge because you cannot try on a necklace or bracelet to see how it fits or hangs. Hopefully this Sizing Guide will make it easier to compare the online descriptions and pictures to pieces you already own, and make it more likely that you will find a perfect fit the first time.
Necklaces
The length of a necklace with clasp is measured from end to end, including any extension, by laying it straight on a flat surface. For continuous loops or items with sliders, the loop is pulled straight and measured, then the measurement is doubled to get the actual length.
The descriptions list the maximum length including any extension. The extension length is also given so you can determine the shortest length possible when wearing the piece. All measurements given are accurate to within 1/2 inch.
Pieces with extensions or slider knots/beads are listed as adjustable. If the clasp of a longer necklace can be hooked into the body of the piece, leaving a dangling end, it is listed as convertible.
For pendant necklaces, the length of the pendant may also be given, if it consists of more than one bead.
To get an idea of how a catalog item will fit, take a necklace of similar style that you own, and measure it as indicated above. Put the necklace on and view it in a mirror to see how low it hangs and how it lays around your neck. Then compare the length with the description in the catalog. If the lengths are very close, it is likely the new piece will fit and hang in a similar way.
But, a length match alone is not enough.
Remember that for a given necklace length, bulkier beads and gemstones will not fit around your neck as loosely as a chain with a pendant. Simple wooden beads and pendants are much lighter than gemstone beads or wire-woven cabachons, so they are not as likely to pull the necklace into a V shape. And braided or unbraided leather cord is relatively stiff and even with a heavier pendant it will not hang as gracefully limp as a chain or a strand of wire-wrapped pearls.
If you keep these suggestions in mind as you browse our shop, you will have a good chance of liking the piece you buy once it arrives.
Bracelets
The bracelets on the site are fixed length with a clasp. They are opened and laid straight on a flat surface, then measured end to end allowing for the overlap of the clasp. Measurements given in the descriptions are generally accurate to within 1/4 inch.
There are two easy ways to determine if a bracelet in the catalog is likely to fit you.
The first way is to take a bracelet of similar style and clasp type that fits the way you like, and measure it as above. If the catalog measurement matches, the new item should also fit. If the new item is more than 1/4 inch shorter, it will probably be too snug and not a good choice. More than 1/4 inch longer, and the new item will be a looser fit.
The second way is to measure your wrist. Take a piece of string (not anything that stretches) or a cloth measuring tape, and wrap it closely around your wrist where you prefer your bracelets to rest. The string or tape should touch skin all around but not be pulled tight. Mark where the string overlaps and measure it. You might do this two or three times to be more accurate.
Generally, a bracelet that is 1/2 inch longer than your wrist measurement will fit comfortably but not so loosely it falls down over your hand. You may prefer a looser or tighter fit and choose accordingly. Keep in mind that a bracelet the same length as your wrist measurement will almost certainly be too tight. especially if it has a magnetic or other bulky inflexible clasp.
Style does affect fit. For a given bracelet length, large beads, stiff inset pieces, and magnetic or other bulky or inflexible clasp types will cause the bracelet to fit more tightly. Leather, in contrast, can be gently stretched, allowing a slightly shorter bracelet to still be comfortable to wear. The Celtic Knot and Bar styles can also be squished together slightly to tighten up a loose fit. Be gentle when doing this, please!
Shopping the catalog with these guidelines in mind should help you find a bracelet that fits just the way you like it!
(Note: These bracelet sizing guides do not apply to stretchable bracelets.)
Color
The pictures for the catalog were taken against a white background using LED lighting at 6000K (cool white). However, monitors and screens vary widely in color rendition. Also, colors may look quite different in sunlight, or indoors under incandescent or fluorescent lights. This is normal, and therefore, we make no claims that the perceived colors of the piece that you receive will exactly match what you viewed in the catalog.