How To Properly Size & Wear A Cuff Bracelet

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How To Properly Size & Put On A Cuff Bracelet Without Bending it.

Cuff bracelets are versatile accessories that can be layered to create a unique stack or worn alone. This style of bracelet can add a touch of elegance, edginess, or even boho chic to your look. However, if you have never worn one before getting it on and off may seem tricky.

Cuff bracelets are designed with an opening that allows them to roll on and off the wrist. They are NOT designed to be pulled open and squeezed closed each time they are worn.

Once your cuff has been adjusted to fit your wrist, leave it in that shape. Put it on and take it off by rolling it over the narrow side of your wrist.

Repeatedly bending any metal back and forth causes metal fatigue. Over time, this can weaken your cuff, distort its shape, and eventually cause the metal to crack or break.

The key to a long-lasting cuff is simple: ADJUST ONCE. ROLL ON. ROLL OFF. DO NOT BEND.

Step 1: Choosing The Right Cuff Bracelet

Choose a cuff bracelet that complements your wrist size and matches your personal style. Think about how you are going to wear it. Will it be stacked with other bracelets or worn in tandem with a watch? Consider whether you want to wear the cuff on your dominant hand or the opposite one.

Step 2: Choosing The Correct Size

The most important thing to consider is getting a proper fit. This is the key to ensuring the longevity of your piece and helps prevent metal fatigue. Each artist has a different way of sizing their jewelry. Some measure the bracelet from end to end, some offer the inner diameter, and others the circumference. When ordering, it is important to read through the process so you can provide the most accurate information.

If you buy from String of Jewels, I ask for an accurate wrist measurement. This provides me with the best information to ensure a custom fit. (Figure 1)

For a fitted cuff measure your wrist and order that exact size.
For a loose cuff, add 1/4 inch to your wrist measurement and order that size.
If your wrist measurement falls between sizes, we generally recommend sizing up to the next 1/4" size for a more comfortable fit.

For Example
If your wrist measures 6.5 inches, the cuff is made to fit that size.

When measured flat, the metal part of the cuff is about 6 inches from end to end. Once it is formed into a curve, a small amount of that length is "used up" in shaping. It also includes about a 1-inch opening for sliding it on and off.

Most of our cuffs are slightly adjustable and can be opened or closed by about 1/4 inch if needed. The goal is to find your best fit ONCE and then leave it that way, making only small, occasional adjustments.

The cuff should roll onto your wrist, not be bent open and closed every time it is worn. This helps keep its shape and ensures it lasts for years.

Step 3: Adjusting The Size

Most cuffs can be adjusted slightly to achieve the proper fit. This adjustment should be made when you first receive your bracelet, NOT every time you put it on or take it off.

The goal is to adjust the opening so it is just large enough to roll over the narrow side of your wrist. Once you find the correct fit, leave the cuff in that position.

If the opening is slightly too small, gently adjust the cuff outward a small amount. If it is slightly too large, gently adjust it inward.

Make small adjustments only. Do not repeatedly bend the cuff back and forth while checking the fit.

Once the fit is correct, no further adjustment should normally be necessary. To check the size turn your hand to the side with your thumb facing up (like you are going to shake someone's hand). Push the opening of the cuff onto the fleshy part of your wrist just above your wrist bone. The opening should be just big enough to push the bracelet onto your wrist (This may take a little wiggling). (Figure 2)

If the opening is too small hold both sides of the cuff and gently pull the two ends apart, making the space between the ends wider. If the opening is too large, holding both ends push them together (Figure 3). Be careful not to bend the cuff out of shape.

NOTE: Harder metals like sterling silver, copper, brass, or bronze and wider cuffs will need more pressure to adjust to make them smaller, so work carefully.

If your cuff bracelet is too big, you can still adjust it at home.

Steps:

Place the cuff in the palm of your hand (figure 4).

Gently squeeze the sides toward each other.

Make small adjustments at a time, pausing to check the fit.

Repeat until it feels secure and comfortable.

Tip: Avoid using too much pressure at once. Bending it too far or too quickly can distort the shape of the cuff.

Step 4: ROLL It On. Do Not Bend It Open..

Turn your hand so your thumb is facing upward, as if you were going to shake someone's hand.

Place the opening of the cuff against the narrow, fleshy side of your wrist just above the wrist bone. Gently push the opening onto your wrist and ROLL the bracelet into position.

DO NOT pull the ends of the cuff apart to get it over your wrist.

To remove the bracelet, simply reverse the process and roll it off.

Your cuff should remain essentially the same shape when you put it on, while you are wearing it, and when you take it off.