A lot of thought is put into designing jewelry, as any designer knows. Besides choosing the right designs and materials to work with, it is no less important to create your jewelry in the correct sizing, so that your customers can enjoy perfectly fitted jewelry pieces.
You may have not paid too much attention to the matter of sizing before, but it is something you should defiantly take into consideration when creating your jewelry.
Instead of searching for tips, we have created a simple to use "Size Guide" that you can use at your convince when creating your amazing pieces:
Necklaces
Your choice of necklace length depends on the look you’re trying to create, as well as how it will fit. You can create necklaces at various lengths, from any material you choose to design with. It is important to know the basic length necklaces are usually made in, to make sure you create ones that are comfortable to wear.
1. Collar - this short necklace lies around the middle of the neck, creating an edgy statement look.
2. Choker - Very classic necklace that surrounds the base of the neck, short enough to be seen in almost any neckline or outfit.
3. Princess - Falling down just a little from the neckline, this length is probably the most basic and common of all necklaces. Very comfortable to wear and matches almost very neckline.
4. Matinee - With Just a few centimeters more, this necklace makes the neck look longer and looks great in a day or evening wear.
5. Opera - A rather long necklace to wear with high necklines, creating an elegant and classic look.
6. Rope - A classic and versatile necklace that can be worn long or wrapped twice around the neck, creating an effortless chic look.
1. Collar - 16in (40cm)
2. Choker - 18in (45cm)
3. Princess - 20in (51cm)
4. Matinee - 24in (61cm)
5. Opera - 30in (76cm)
6. Rope - 36in (91cm)
For example, you can create a short choker necklace from satin fabric or a long colorful beads Rope necklace.
All measurements need to be adjusted - For example, an average 16” or 45cm necklace would typically fall to just below the collar bone on a woman with a 12-14 bust size, of 5’ 5” height. The same length necklace would fall differently on someone of a different build and height.
Bracelets
When we create a piece for someone specific, the easiest thing to do is to measure their wrist and to create a perfectly matched bracelet. If you are making a bracelet for sale, it is best to make it 18cm long (including the clasp) which is the medium size in the chart size.
It is also recommended to add an additional 5cm chain so that they are able to adjust the size.
Bracelets are often hard to put on by yourself, which is why it is best to use a large and easy to use clasp.
If you are creating a bracelet that wraps around the wrist more than once, just make sure that each loop is at least 19cm long.
The smaller sizes in the chart are more suitable for children's sizes or people with very thin wrists and the larger sizes are more suitable for men's bracelets.
XS - 4.5 - 5.5in (11.4 - 14cm)
S - 5.5 - 6.5in (14 - 16.5cm)
M - 6.5 - 7.5in (16.5 - 19cm)
L - 7.5 - 8.5in (19 - 21.5cm)
XL - 8.5 - 9.5in (21.5 - 24cm)
*Measure around the wrist!
Rings
The most fun pieces of jewelry to create and to wear are rings; it is amazing how such a small item can bring so much joy and pleasure! In order for the ring to be fun to wear all day long, it needs to be comfortable and in the correct size.
A ring size may change between summer and winter as our fingers tend to swell up during the hot summer days compared to the cold winter days. You can always just change the finger you wear your ring on so that it is not too loose in the winter or too tight in the summer.
There is usually a difference in size between the right and left hand too, and so it is best to measure the exact finger you are creating the ring for. There are many rings that are open on the bottom part and their size can be easily altered. This is convenient especially when you are not sure of the exact ring size.
If you want to create a ring in a specific size, you can use our measurement table. All you need to do is take a measuring tape and measure the circumference of the chosen finger. The length we have measure is the length of the string you will make the ring with. For example, to make a size 9 ring we will use a 49cm string, etc. Use a ring mandrel to make sure you have to correct size.
Earrings
Earrings don't come in sizes, which is what makes them easy to make however you like. It is important though to make sure they are not heavier than 9 grams, so it will be comfortable to wear them for several hours.
Use an easy to open and close clasp that is not too small but still supports the earring from the back. Silicon clasps are especially good for heavy earrings and metal clasps for lighter stud earrings. Leverback hooks are very comfortable to wear, and when embedded with crystals, they will move and sparkle beautifully.
Whatever piece of jewelry you are creating, always remember to take the size into consideration.
Feel free to use our GITA size guide whenever in need, and don't forget - the most comfortable jewelry is the one you forget you are wearing, but others don't!
GITA team.