All About Jewelry Sizing
Sizing is key when it comes to fashion and accessories, especially as far as jewelry is concerned. Getting the right size, be it an earring, bracelet, necklace, or ring is crucial if you want your jewelry to fit comfortably and securely.
You may have already figured this out as far as rings and bracelets are concerned. However, earrings and necklaces also have different sizes that could affect the overall fit and appearance.
So, if you’re looking to purchase new jewelry, it’s important to know all about jewelry sizing. Let’s dive into how you can find the right sized jewelry for yourself!
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Earrings
Earring sizing depends on two different factors - the size of the piercing, and the size of the earring.
Piercings are measured in gauges, while earrings are typically measured in millimeters.
Piercing Sizes
Piercings are available in different sizes, depending on the needle used:
- 20 gauge - the standard ear piercing size, which measures 0.8mm in diameter and is the most common size
- 18 gauge - this measures 1mm in diameter
- 16 gauge - this has a diameter of 1.2mm
- 14 gauge - this has the largest diameter at 1.6mm
It is likely that your piercing is the standard 20 gauge, but you can measure it with a gauge tool or ask your piercer for clarification.
Earring Sizes
The most common earring sizes are typically 5-10mm in diameter, but some styles such as hoops and danglers may also have a length measurement.
When you’re measuring an earring’s size, make sure that you consider the diameter and length, as well as the thickness to get a fit that is comfortable for you.
The hook or stub of the earring should slide through your piercing’s hole with ease, without causing discomfort or pain. It should also be long enough for you to attach the backing securely in case of a stud.
Bracelets
Bracelets are typically measured in centimeters or inches, and the most common sizes are typically 6 to 8 inches or 15 to 20 centimeters.
Some bracelet styles such as cuffs or bangles also have a width measurement. You must pay attention to it, lest you end up with a cuff or bangle that looks too bulky.
To measure your bracelet size, you can wrap a thread around your wrist and mark where the two ends met. Then, measure that on a ruler to get an approximate size which you can refer to while buying your jewelry on the website’s size guide.
You can also use a flexible measuring tape to make the process easier.
Keep in mind that you may not find the exact measurement of your wrist size, but it should be close enough that the bracelet doesn’t slide off or move too much. Also ensure that you don’t hold the measuring tape or thread too tight as this could impact what fit you go for.
Necklaces
When selecting a necklace, you have to consider two factors - the size of the necklace itself, and the size of your neck. Both are typically measured in inches or centimeters.
Necklace Size
The most common size for necklaces is around 16 to 18 inches or 40 to 45 centimeters. Some necklaces such as chokers and lariats may also have a length measurement that tells you how much the pendant will dangle below the necklace to help you select the right one that feels comfortable for you.
When you select a necklace, pay attention to its length and thickness. Thinner necklaces can provide a completely different look compared to thicker necklaces, even if they’re the same length, metal, and style.
Neck Size
Keeping the size of your neck in mind is especially important if you’re looking for chokers or necklaces that generally fit tighter around the neck.
Measuring your neck size for a necklace is similar to how you measure your wrist for bracelets. Wrap a thread around your neck and measure the length with a ruler, or use a flexible measuring tape instead.
To understand how a necklace will sit around your neck, you can cut a piece of thread matching the length of the necklace mentioned on the website. Then, just place it around your neck to see whether you are comfortable with the size or not.
Rings
Rings can seem a little complicated, as they require two measurements: the ring size which is measured in US or UK sizes, and the size of the finger, which is measured in millimeters or inches.
Ring Sizes
The US ring sizes system offers a broader range of small sizes compared to the UK and goes all the way down to a 31.33mm circumference.
On the other hand, the UK size system covers a broader amount of large sizes on the scale.
Additionally, the US sizes are referred to by numbers, typically between sizes 4 to 14, with half sizes also available between sizes 4.5 and 14.5.
Meanwhile, UK sizes are indicated with letters, typically from size H to Z+6, with half sizes available between size H.5 to Z+6.5
It is important to note that US and UK sizes cannot be directly compared, and it is important to convert the sizes based on the website or company’s size chart.
Finger Sizes
The size of your finger is typically measured in millimeters or inches, and the most common sizes are usually around 15 to 20mm or 0.5 to 0.8 inches.
To measure your finger, you can use a ring sizer tool to get an accurate measurement. You can also use a piece of thread or flexible measuring tape to measure the finger that you want a ring for, similar to how you measure your wrist for a bracelet.
Use this measurement to understand what your most accurate ring size is with the help of a size chart.
Jewelry That Fits is Always a Hit
Jewelry sizing can seem difficult to get right, but it doesn’t have to be. While most people only focus on the measurement of the particular jewelry in question, it is important to also know the measurement of your body parts to get the most accurate size and fit.
Now that you know how to find the right sized jewelry for yourself, you’re all set to get shopping and add to your accessory collection.
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