Bracelets Buying & Fit Guide

Bracelets have been around for centuries - in fact, evidence of bracelet wearing has been found as far back as the cuffed bracelets worn by Egyptians in around 5000 BCE. Worn around the wrist, they're items that are designed to be seen - both by the wearer and those around them - and their symbolism makes them a fantastic gift for either a partner or a good friend.

There are various styles of bracelet to choose from, from delicate chain bracelets to bangles, from cluster bracelets to the traditional tennis bracelet design. You'll find diamond bracelets crafted from a variety of metals, and with diamond shapes, sizes and settings to suit all tastes.

If you've been wondering about the symbolism behind bracelets, whether they're still fashionable, how they should fit and how to work out your bracelet size, read on. Our bracelets buying guide will answer all of these questions and more.

What Do Bracelets Symbolise?

Of course, some people simply wear bracelets because they like the way they look and feel. However, there is sometimes also some symbolism behind this popular item of jewellery.

The circular shape of a bracelet can symbolise infinity, making it a particularly meaningful gift for a loved one. Bracelets throughout history have been worn for all sorts of reasons: to encourage the winter to end and the spring to arrive, to ward off evil, or to demonstrate marital status. Bracelets can also be a way to demonstrate a cause you're interested in or something you're passionate about, from simple charity bands to ornate charm bracelets.

Are Diamond Bracelets In Style?

Diamond bracelets are a classic jewellery choice, and as such, they never go out of fashion. From a simple tennis bracelet to something more ornate, they're just as popular now as they ever were.

Choose a classic design, and you can be sure that it will continue to remain in fashion for years to come. Choose something more contemporary, and you may see that trends change - however, what matters is that it's a style that you love to wear.

Depending on the diamond bracelet you choose, it may be a piece of everyday wear, or it may be something you choose to wear specifically to dress up an outfit for a more formal occasion. There's no right or wrong - it's all down to your personal taste.

How Should A Diamond Bracelet Fit?

The first thing you will want to decide is on which wrist your diamond bracelet will sit. Generally, those who are right-handed choose to wear diamond bracelets on their left wrist, and those who are left-handed wear them on the right. The reason behind this is simple: by wearing it on your non-dominant wrist, it is less likely to be subjected to wear and tear. Of course, this will depend on whether you wear a watch, and on which wrist you wear it, if so. While there is nothing wrong, style-wise, with layering bracelets and watches, by wearing both together you run the risk of one or the other becoming scratched.

You will also want to make sure that your bracelet is neither too loose nor too tight. Too loose, and you risk losing it - too tight, and you will end up experiencing discomfort. As a general rule of thumb, being able to fit one finger between your wrist and the bracelet is a sign that you've found a bracelet that fits perfectly.

How Many Inches Is A Typical Bracelet?

We are often asked what the most common bracelet size is for a woman. Generally, we find that the average women's bracelet size is around 7 to 7.5 inches. Remember, however, that this can vary significantly from person to person.

No two women's bodies are the same - and this applies to wrist size, too. 7 to 7.5 inches is the average bracelet size (not wrist size), but every wrist is different. Some have incredibly slender wrists, while some have wrists that are larger, and often this does not correlate with clothing size. Curvy women can have slender wrists, while those who are more petite can have larger wrists: "average" is not predetermined by body type.

It can be tempting to buy a bracelet designed for the average bracelet size and hope that it fits when it arrives. However, the best way to find the right size bracelet is to measure your wrist before buying. By doing so, you can ensure that you know you're buying the perfect fit, giving yourself peace of mind with no need to stress about whether it's right.

How Do I Know My Bracelet Size?

To establish what size bracelet you need, the first step is to measure your wrist size. Using a piece of string or ribbon, or a narrow strip of paper, measure tightly around your wrist where the bracelet would sit. Mark the string, ribbon or paper where the two ends meet, and use a ruler or tape measure to establish your wrist size in inches.

For a chain bracelet, add around 0.75-1 inch to your wrist measurement when choosing your bracelet size. The rule is similar for cuff bracelets: by adding this extra amount onto your wrist measurement, you'll ensure that you don't end up bending the bracelet out of shape when you put it on.

When buying a bangle-style bracelet, you'll also need to take knuckle measurements into account. Because of the inflexibility of a bangle, you'll need to check that the size you're buying isn't too small to go over your knuckles.

Whether you're buying a bracelet for yourself or for someone else, we hope our bracelets buying guide has given you the information you need to make a decision on your next purchase. At Abelini, you'll find a huge range of diamond bracelets, in a range of materials, from silver to platinum, and in a variety of styles to suit all tastes. Browse our diamond bracelet collections here to find your perfect purchase.