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How to Size a Bangle

Bangles are so much fun to wear- they just have this wonderful, solid feeling to them when they sit on your wrist. If you’re looking for one, chances are you’ll need to get one that’s the right size. Read on to find out more about bangles and getting the correct fit. How Are Bangles Different…

bangle-size

Bangles are so much fun to wear- they just have this wonderful, solid feeling to them when they sit on your wrist. If you’re looking for one, chances are you’ll need to get one that’s the right size. Read on to find out more about bangles and getting the correct fit.

How Are Bangles Different Than Other Bracelets?

The age-old question; bangles are obviously a type of bracelet, but not all bracelets are bangles! In order to be considered a bangle, the item must be solid in construction. That can mean either one whole piece, like a carved jade bangle, or an assembled piece, like a hinged bangle.

bangle-gold
A vintage gold-filled bangle

How To Measure Your Bangle Size

Because of the way bangles are designed, getting them onto your wrist can be quite a challenge. Here’s a quick guide on how to get the best fit.

bangle-size

Alternatively, if you have an existing bangle that already fits you, you can measure either the circumference or the diameter of that bangle to get your ideal measurements.

How Do I Size An Existing Bangle?

If you have a bangle that is currently too small or too large, it may be possible to adjust the size of the bangle. This is dependent on several factors, however:

  • The bangle must be made out of a material that can be worked with: Stone bangles, such as jade bangles, cannot be sized. These pieces are physically carved out of one stone; the moment you break it open, it will be never be the same.
  • The bangle’s design must allow for sizing: Hinged bangles cannot be sized; the process will affect the mechanism. Bangles that are covered in intricate detailing may be sizable, but it is not recommended because the process will visibly distort a portion of the piece.
    hinged-bangle-size

To resize your bangle, simply use the measuring guide above to find your hand measurement, then add between 1/4 inch and 1 inch to reach your desired fit. Follow this chart for guidance:

bangle-size-chart

How Is A Bangle Sized?

  • Note Diameter Size: The best way to size down a bangle is by measuring the diameter. If you need it to go from 2 to 3 inches, we’ll be able to measure that accordingly.

    sizing-bangle
    A stainless steel bangle we sized down for a customer.
  • Cutting & Sizing: Once we know the size it needs to go to, our jewelers cut into the bangle and add or remove metal in order to size down or up. They ensure the bangle is the correct shape (oval or round) before sealing the cut.
  • Polishing & Finishing: After the sizing process, the jewelers polish and finish off the bangle. Depending on the bangle’s design, the process can be a quick buff, or it can be a complicated process involving stone setting and tightening, enameling, and even plating.

You’re now up-to-date on how to measure your bangle size and how to get a bangle sized! If you have something you’d like to size, get started with our custom repair service.

Community Discussion

Questions, experiences, and expert answers from the QJR community.

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  1. T
    terry

    can you make a solid stainless steel bracelet bigger

    ReplyLink
    1. R
      Ryan✦ QJR Expert

      It can depend on design, but this typically poses no problem! I’ve followed up directly via email 🙂

      ReplyLink
  2. E
    Elema

    Hi, can you resize/readjust bangles?

    ReplyLink
    1. C
      Catherine✦ QJR Expert

      Hi Elema, it depends on the bangle’s style and base metal. We’ll reach out via email to request photos!

      ReplyLink
  3. M
    Merle

    Hi..I have bangle 7.5 but I need size 8..what to do..its not sizable.Help!

    ReplyLink
    1. C
      Catherine✦ QJR Expert

      Hi There, we’ll reach out via email for photos of the piece!

      ReplyLink
  4. M
    Martha

    I see you say a stone bangle cannot be sized. I have a lapis bangle with a flat interior (not a completely rounded surface) and I was wondering if the flat inside can be sanded down so as to enlarge the center?

    ReplyLink
    1. C
      Catherine✦ QJR Expert

      Hi Martha, We’ll reach out via email to request some photos! 🙂

      ReplyLink
  5. KL
    Kate Louise Hooker

    Hi i own this cuff and it is too small. Would it be possible to make it any larger? Thank you.

    ReplyLink
    1. C
      Catherine✦ QJR Expert

      Hi Kate, we have reached out via email with further details!

      ReplyLink
  6. MD
    Mary Daniels Pegues

    Up size 3 gold bangles

    ReplyLink
    1. C
      Catherine✦ QJR Expert

      Hi Mary, we’ll reach out via email shortly! 🙂

      ReplyLink
  7. LP
    Lyn Paris

    Are you able to resize a silver bangle

    ReplyLink
    1. C
      Catherine✦ QJR Expert

      Hi Lyn, we’ll reach out via email with further details!

      ReplyLink
  8. SR
    Sheila Rookard

    Can you resize 7 day bracelet 14k

    ReplyLink
    1. C
      Catherine✦ QJR Expert

      Hi Sheila, We’ll reach out to you shortly!

      ReplyLink
  9. T
    toni

    can you resize a resin bangle?

    ReplyLink
    1. C
      Catherine✦ QJR Expert

      Hi there, please email us a picture! Our email is [email protected]

      ReplyLink
  10. YD
    yasmine davey

    hello, is it possible to resize a wood and copper bangles, i have a small wrists and i can only find a normal size bangles that slip out of my hand and do not look nice on my hand. been wondering for a while if its possible as i have a few that i love but due to being big they just sit in the basket 🙁

    ReplyLink
    1. A
      Annabelle✦ QJR Expert

      Hi Yasmine,

      It would depend on the design. We can only resize bangles that are mostly metal, and the wooden component may be an issue as the metal will have to be heated during the sizing process.

      ReplyLink
  11. E
    Elema

    Hi, is it possible to have my bangle resized?

    ReplyLink
  12. KL
    Kate Louise Hooker

    Picture two

    ReplyLink

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