Posted by Kristin on 4/9/2018 to Jewelry Information and Guides

Whether you're just starting out as jewelry designer, or if you've been making jewelry for years, one of the most important tips to instantly increase your sales is to make for everyone. This means having a variety of sizes in your inventory. When you take the time to think about all of your potential customers and their unique sizes, it will pay off.

When I first started making jewelry, specifically bracelets, I would use my wrist as a general reference for how big to make a bracelet. I quickly realized (within minutes of showing my first design to a coworker) that I have tiny wrists and should NEVER measure my own to make bracelets for other people.

The general rule for women's bracelets is 7”. So, if you plan on making wholesale bracelets, this size should be the bulk of your inventory. Whether you are selling your jewelry at craft markets, jewelry shows, on etsy, or on your own online store, having a wide range of sizes will appeal to more people. That's the end goal, right? To sell more, make your customers happy, and to make your jewelry desired by everyone. Having size options allows your customers to choose what's right for them. Options, including size and color, makes the shopping experience and purchase more personalized. Make a few bracelets for your customers with small, petite wrists, and a few for larger wrists. Your customers will appreciate it, and you’ll increase your overall sales because your designs will be tailored to everyone.

The chart below is a basic guideline for average bracelet sizes and are approximate measurements. When determining the size of your bracelet, you should take into account the length of the clasp you are using, as some clasps are longer than others.

Bracelet Sizing Chart for Women:
Petite: 6-6.5"
Average: 7"
Large: 8"
Extra Large: 8.5" +

Design ideas for women's bracelets!

Bracelet Sizing Chart for Men:

Small: 7.5"

Average: 8"

Large: 8.5-9"

Extra Large: 9.5"

Design ideas for men's bracelets!

Necklace Size Chart

This same rule applies to making necklaces: always have a range of sizes! Necklaces are easier to accommodate for all of your customers because you can use extension chains to lengthen the necklace or you can make adjustable sliding knot necklaces using cord or Indian leather.

Women's Size Chart for Necklaces

Collar Necklaces: 14-15 inches

Collar Necklaces sit tightly around the neck

Choker Necklaces: 15-16 inches

Choker necklaces sit at the base of the throat

Pendant Necklaces: 18-19 inches

Matinee Necklaces: 18-24 inches

Sit above the bust

Opera Length: 28-32 inches

Sit at the bust or about 1-2 inches below

Rope Length: 42-45" +

Sits below the bust, at or below the navel

Click here to browse all necklace chains

DIY Necklace Inspiration!

8 Comments

Michelle Shaw

Date 4/17/2018

Greetings, Luv the picture of necklaces. I was reading the blog and to my surprise viewed this picture of my necklaces. I am a long time buyer of Best Bead products. If possible can you tell me how and where this photo was taken. Thank You Michelle Shaw Victorian Folly

Kristin

Date 4/19/2018 2:09:00 PM

Hey Michelle! Thanks for reading our blog. I found the picture on a stock photo website here: https://unsplash.com/photos/TxCbfMc854c This picture was taken and/or uploaded by a photographer named Alex Chambers. Really great picture and beautiful necklaces. Hope that helps :)

Wendy Oellers-Fulmer

Date 4/21/2018

Great article. I have found however that with the flat leather, my ladies are wearing smaller than their usual sizes as the bracelet fits more to their skin. Size 7 is usually too large.

Suzanne Williams

Date 8/10/2019 3:50:00 PM

Funny thing. I'm finding kind of the opposite AND in using 20 mm leather the length of leather has to be about 1/4"+ more than if using 10mm. An "oops" lesson learned!

Great article. I have found however that with the flat leather, my ladies are wearing smaller than their usual sizes as the bracelet fits more to their skin. Size 7 is usually too large. Would love to have a blog about how to take care of leather and metal components as my customers are always asking.

Cheryl McKeever

Date 11/3/2018

I am impressed with the information I'm gathering from the blogs. Just getting into them. Since sizes rangedbased on the type of leather, do you already have cut samples of leather for individuals to choose from?

Netaya jewels

Date 9/26/2019

Hey Nice and very informative blog ,I am impressed with the information I'm gathering from the blogs. Thanks for sharing such beautiful information with us. I hope you will share some more info about Designer jewellery, Please keep sharing.

Nancy Kee

Date 7/8/2020

In order to buy the red python to try it out, so to speak, do I have to register as a wholesale buyer if I’m just wanting to try something?

Exorti

Date 8/28/2020

Awesome post. I’m a normal visitor of your blog and appreciate you taking the time to maintain the nice site. I’ll be a frequent visitor for a really long time.

Arlo Charlie

Date 3/23/2023

We have a super handy size chart for you. Need help determining your bracelet size? Use the ruler in our size guide to measure your wrist or refer to our bracelet size chart to find your size. https://erijewelry.com/

Basic Size Charts for Bracelets + Necklaces

Bracelet Sizing Chart for Women:
Petite: 6-6.5"
Average: 7"
Large: 8"
Extra Large: 8.5" +