Is your bracelet too big? Then first check whether it really is too loose. If it slides over your hand when you let your arm hang, it is too big. After that you have three options: exchange it for a smaller size, have it shortened by a jeweller or combine it smartly with other bracelets.
Which choice works best depends on the type of bracelet. A chain bracelet is easier to adjust than a bangle. In this blog you can read what to do in each situation.
How do you know if your bracelet is really too big?
A bracelet sometimes feels loose while it actually fits fine.
Do the two finger test
Slide two fingers between your wrist and the bracelet. If that fits exactly, it sits well. If three fingers fit easily, it is on the loose side. You can read more in our blog about the two finger rule for bracelets.
Do the shake test
Let your arm hang relaxed by your side and gently shake your hand back and forth. If the bracelet stays above your hand, it fits well. If it slips over your thumb, it really is too big.
Saturn Bracelet Small Sodalite
Pay attention to the time of day
Many people notice that their wrist feels fuller on a warm afternoon than on a cool morning. A bracelet that feels a bit loose in the morning often fits just right later in the day. So wear it for a few days before you decide.
Can you have a bracelet shortened?
That depends entirely on how the bracelet is made.
A chain bracelet
A chain bracelet is the easiest. A jeweller takes out a few links and puts the clasp back on. Do ask first whether the links can be removed, because with some designs that is not possible.
A stretchy beaded bracelet
A jeweller restrings a stretchy beaded bracelet with one bead less. It is better not to do this yourself. The knot decides how strong the bracelet stays. Elastic also stretches a tiny bit over time. In our blog why does a stretchy beaded bracelet stretch out you can read how to prevent that.
A bangle or tennis bracelet
A bangle has a fixed shape and cannot be made shorter. In a tennis bracelet, the stones sit in fixed links. With a model like that, always ask for advice first before you have anything adjusted.
When is it better to exchange your bracelet?
If the bracelet has only just arrived, exchanging it is often the quickest solution.
Check the return period
At Sparkling Jewels you have 14 days after receipt to return your order. You can only exchange at the shop or webshop where you bought the bracelet. So don't wear the bracelet outside yet if you are unsure about the size.
Choose the right new size
Measure your wrist again before you exchange. That way you avoid the new size not fitting either. Use the explanation in our blog how to measure your bracelet size. For bangles and tennis bracelets you then choose between S, M or L. Is it a bangle? Then first work out the diameter of a bracelet.
Saturn Bracelet Small Pink Opalite
How do you still wear a loose bracelet beautifully?
Sometimes a slightly looser bracelet is actually an advantage.
Combine it with a tighter bracelet
Wear the loose bracelet next to one that fits a little tighter. The tight bracelet keeps the loose one in place. Together they form a relaxed, playful stack. A stretchy beaded bracelet is great for this, because it shapes itself around your wrist.
The beaded bracelets are strung by hand and have a length of 18 centimetres. The silver coloured version is 925 sterling silver and the gold coloured version is gold filled. The product page also mentions a 10 year warranty on these beaded bracelets.
Stop it from turning
A loose bracelet turns around more quickly. As a result, you sometimes see the clasp on top of your wrist. In our blog why does my bracelet keep turning around my wrist you can read how to solve that.
How do you prevent it from happening again?
With a few simple checks, you will buy the right size straight away next time.
Pay attention to bead size
Thick beads take up more space on the inside. A bracelet with 6 millimetre beads therefore feels tighter than a bracelet with 3 or 4 millimetre beads of the same length. Fine beads feel a little roomier.
Choose experience and control
The brand has been working with ateliers in Italy, Bangkok and Hong Kong since 2014. The founder visits these ateliers regularly and checks the details, from the clasp to the setting of a stone. Unsure about the size of a model? Then check the length on the product page of each item in the bracelet collection.
Interstellar Bracelet Smoky Quartz
Frequently asked questions about a bracelet that is too big
I'm happy to answer a few frequently asked questions:
Can I make a stretchy bracelet smaller myself?
I would advise against it. The knot is the weakest point of the elastic. A jeweller restrings the bracelet and ties the knot securely.
How big is too big?
If more than three fingers fit between your wrist and the bracelet, or if it slides over your hand, it is too big.
Does a bracelet get tighter by itself?
No. A bracelet never shrinks. Elastic actually stretches a tiny bit the more often you wear it.
Can I wear a bracelet that is too big around my ankle?
That hardly ever works. An ankle is usually much wider than a wrist. A bracelet that is too loose on your wrist often still won't fit around your ankle.
Want to know more, or have questions? The experts at Sparkling Jewels are happy to help.
