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Ultimate Crystal Bracelet Guide

how to determine bracelet size

You wear crystal bracelets to benefit from their healing energy and to adorn your aesthetic beauty. Learn how to make your gemstone jewels last, which wrist to wear them on for healing, and how to find your perfect fit every time. All of your bracelet questions are answered in this in-depth guide.

Bracelet Sizing Guide

Keep reading to find instructions on how to find your perfect bracelet size for both your wrists and your ankles. If you prefer to see it done in video form, check out the video tutorial below.

Do you know your true bracelet size? 

If you are used to buying bracelets blindly online, you are probably getting an average size 7 in the mail. However, this sizing may be too tight or too loose compared to your true size. For example, most women and even some men that I know in real life have wrist sizes that hover around a size 6. 

Don't make a haphazard guess. Measure your actual wrist size once and for all and you can continue to buy bracelets online with confidence!

Bracelet & Anklet Sizing Video

Prefer to get a visual presentation? Click to watch our bracelet and anklet video tutorial. 

Bracelet Size Chart

Please note that your bracelet size is not determined exclusively by your height nor weight. Your body frame determines your wrist size. Make sure to measure your wrist as instructed above for an accurate fit.

Bracelet Sizes

Wrist Length

Toddler

4-5 inches

Extra-Small

5-6 inches

Small

6-7 inches

Medium

7-8 inches

Large

8 - 9 inches

Extra-Large

9-10 inches

How to determine your bracelet size

  • For stretch bracelets and bracelets with clasp closures, use a measuring tape to measure your wrist. Nestle the measuring tape into the nook between your hand and your arm bones. This is the smallest point between your hand and your arm.

  • Make sure the measuring tape is firm around the base of your hand (aka your wrist). It may be easier to have a friend measure for you. 

  • If you do not have a measuring tape, use a string or strip of paper. Wrap it around your wrist and use this length to measure against a ruler. This method may not be as accurate as the a measuring tape.

  • Use the length of your wrist's circumference (in inches) to buy your new bracelet.

How can I measure my wrist without a measuring tape?

An alternative method for finding for bracelet size if you don't have a measuring tape handy is to use a piece of string and wrap it around your wrist.

Make a note of where the string meets around your wrist. Use this length to measure against a ruler. The string's length will determine your wrist size.

How to determine your anklet size

  • For stretch and clasp anklets, use a measuring tape to measure your ankle exactly where you want the ankle bracelet to lie. 

  • If you do not have a measuring tape, use a string or strip of paper. Wrap it around your ankle and use this length to measure against a ruler.

  • Use the length of your ankle's circumference (in inches) to buy your new anklet.

How to determine your bangle size

  • If you are buying a solid bangle with no clasp nor flexibility, loosely measure around your knuckles rather than your wrist to make sure that the bangle will fit.

  • Join your fingers together as though you are going to slip your hand into a bangle.

  • Wrap the measuring tape around the largest part of your hand. 

  • Use the length of your wrist's circumference to buy your new bangle.

How do I know what size beads to get?

Besides your bracelet length, you will have to know what bead size you desire. Bead sizes range from very small 5-6mm beads to large 17-18mm beads.

We use ranges in the bead sizes because they are usually hand-polished and will vary slightly in size. 

The most popular bead size for stretch bracelets is 7-8mm or 9-10mm. For those who like more petite bracelets, you can choose 5-6mm. For those who like to be bold and feel the power of their crystals, choose sizes above 12mm.

Here is a visual example of bead sizing to give you an idea of what you can expect with your beaded bracelets: 

hand wearing bracelets in all bead sizes

How should the bracelet fit on my wrist?

Depending on your preference, your bracelet will either fit snugly around your wrist or it will be a little loose. If you like a secure fit, choose bracelets that are your exact wrist measurements. If you like your bracelets a little loose, add 1/4 inches to your wrist measurement. Don't add too much to your actual wrist length or the bracelet will slip off of your hand completely. 

This does not apply to bangles which will always be a little loose at the wrist. Bangles are measured for your knuckle size rather than wrist size. 

two arms wearing green malachite stretch bracelets

How much does my bracelet stretch?

If you're considering a stretch bracelet, you may not be concerned with sizing. However, like stretchy pants, stretchy bracelets can only stretch so much before they will snap. 

Stretch bracelets must be slipped on and off with care. Unfortunately, no one has invented an unbreakable stretch cord yet, so for now, you will have to be very careful when stretching your bracelet. It is best to order your perfect size and avoid a surprise breakage. 

When should I restring my stretch bracelet?

You should restring your stretch bracelet whenever your cord is losing elasticity or if you see any fraying. We have a whole video and blog dedicated to your stretch bracelet maintenance.

Visit How to Care for Stretch Bracelets.

satin crystals models with their arms folded in front of their faces wearing purple charoite gemstone stretch bracelets

What are Healing Bracelets?

Healing bracelets are jewelry pieces that incorporate the energy of natural gemstones. Depending on the energies you are seeking, you will choose the crystal healing bracelet that is appropriate for your needs. 

For example, if you are looking to heal your Heart chakra, you want bracelets with Malachite, Rose Quartz, or Rhodochrosite. If you are looking for Protection from negativity, you want bracelets with Black Tourmaline, Obsidian, or Pyrite. If you are looking to balance all of your major chakras, you opt for a Chakra Bracelet with all of the colors of the rainbow. 

For more information on crystal healing, visit the Crystal Meanings guides and learn more about each type of gemstone. 

What do healing bracelets symbolize?

Crystal healing bracelets form a circle, the most perfect shape of unity in the Universe. If you have a ring of beaded gemstones on your bracelet that you are using for healing, you can feel the energy of the stones flow in a consistent and constant motion.

What wrist should I wear my healing bracelet on?

As far as crystal healing goes, you want to wear your bracelet according to your goals. Your dominant hand is your giving hand and the non-dominant hand is your receiving hand.

If you are right-handed, this is your dominant hand. Here you'll want to wear crystal bracelets to project the energy out of your body. Some examples include: 

  • You are doing crystal healing on a client, you want the energy from your right hand to flow to their aura. 

  • You want to create a protective shield around your body, you want to wear your Obsidian bracelet on your right wrist.

  • You want to signal to the universe that your heart is open to new relationships, wear your love bracelet on your right wrist. 

If you are right-handed, your left hand is your non-dominant hand. This is where you will receive energy through your crystals. Here are some examples: 

  • You are receiving a healing from a healer, wear your bracelet on the left hand to easily receive the energy. 

  • You want to harness the lunar energy of the moon cycles, wear your Moonstone bracelet on your left wrist. 

  • You want to boost your immune system, wear your health bracelet on your left wrist. 

If you are not concerned with particular energy flow, you can wear your bracelets on either wrist. Stack them up in any formation you like. 

If you are constantly on the computer or a writer, you will want to keep in mind which wrist you use most. You want to be mindful that the bracelet is not constantly hitting a hard surface.  

two hands wearing howlite bracelets on each wrist
Should I wear healing bracelets on both wrists?

In terms of crystal healing, there are good reasons to wear one bracelet on each wrist. As we mentioned above, the energies are giving and receiving depending on your hand dominance. But, sometimes you want to give and receive the energies of the crystals simultaneously. Here are some examples: 

  • You want to balance your grounding energy with one bracelet on each wrist

  • You want to reduce stress with two Calming Bracelets with the giving hand releasing the tension and the receiving hand infusing you with relaxation. 

  • You want to clear out your Heart Chakra with two bracelets, one clearing out the emotional baggage and the receiving wrist filling the void with loving self-esteem. 

four hands wearing jasper medley stretch bracelets

Shop Bracelets & Anklets with Confidence

When shopping for your new bracelet or anklet at Satin Crystals, we offer a wide range of sizes. Unlike other shops, we do not believe in the one-size-fits-all rule. 

Our stretch bracelet range from 5.5 inches to 8.25 inches. Our anklets range from 8.5 inches to 12 inches. If you need additional sizes or your size is temporarily out of stock, we are happy to put you on the priority list for your perfect fit, just contact us

You will choose both your bracelet length and bead size before adding the item in your cart. 

Do you make custom crystal bracelets?

If you are looking for a specific combination of healing crystals for your bracelet, it may be possible to make a custom design for you. Keep in mind that we have only one jewelry designer here, Sheila Satin, and the time frame for your customization to be ready may be months from now.

If it is a small adjustment to designs that we already carry, your request may be granted. If your request is for a stretch bracelet, memory wire bracelet, or clasp bracelet with gemstones we already source, we are happy to make you your custom bracelet. 

If there is an urgency and a deadline for your custom bracelet, you are requesting a design that is drastically different than what we already carry, or you are looking for metalwork, we recommend finding some talented jewelry designers on Etsy where there are artisans who specialize in personalized designs. 

Meanwhile, we have a large selection of crystal bracelets for you ready-made at Satin Crystals. 

What if you are out of my bracelet size?

If we are temporarily sold out of your perfect bracelet size, contact us and we will put you on the priority list for your preferred size. If the beads are in our studio, we can make your size on the spot.

If the bracelet is sold out in all sizes, there will be a button where you can sign up to be notified when it is back in stock. 

We try to make bracelets in all wrist sizes but some gemstone beads are too large to create in certain sizes, but we can fill them in with smaller beads to fit your size. 

What are the most popular crystal bracelets?

Having been in business since 2001, we have seen the trends for crystal healing bracelets through the years. Here are the 7 most consistently most popular bracelets among customers:

bloodstone stretch bracelet
black jet bracelet
aquamarine round beaded stretch bracelet
lapis bracelet
rainbow obsidian beaded stretch bracelet
 
Find these and a whole selection of crystal healing bracelets here at Satin Crystals. We are always adding new designs, so make sure to get on the VIP list to stay updated on the latest healing styles.

What is the price of a gemstone bracelet?

As you browse through the Satin Crystals Bracelet Collection, you will notice the prices vary for the different gemstones. Prices are based on the gemstone's availability, quality, and size. The larger and more rare the beads, the higher the price.

Sometimes, smaller beads may be just as expensive as their larger counterparts because they are harder to handle and therefore take more time to create. 

sheila of satin crystals holding up a mica oval stretch bracelet

Fun Facts about Bracelets

You love to wear them, but do you know what bracelets symbolize? We will never know who the first human was who thought decorating their wrist was a good idea, but we thank them many lifetimes later. 

Here are some fun facts about bracelets through the centuries: 

  • Chlorite bracelets were found in 2008 in a cave which is still being debated whether Homo Sapiens or their earlier predecessors Denisovans created these artifacts which can be up to 48,000 years old

  • Bracelets have been made of shells, plants, bones, feathers, stones, metals, ribbons, leather

  • Red strings are tied as Azabache bracelets around babies to ward off evil energies in Latin America

  • Sikhs wear bangles called kara as a symbol of unbreakable attachment and commitment to God which originated as protection to guard the sword arm of warriors in battle

  • Ancient Greek and Roman soldiers wore wide cuff bracelets for protection in war

  • Bangles play an intricate role in Indian culture with special meanings for brides, mothers-in-law, married women to fertility and prosperity

  • An armlet is a bracelet that decorates your upper arm

  • Ancient Egyptians wore carved scarab bracelets to represent rebirth and regeneration

Why do people wear bracelets?

Female, male, old or young, everyone can wear bracelets. But why do you wear bracelets?

Here are some reasons why you may wear bracelets: 

  • Express your personal style and get noticed

  • Helps you to connect with others on the same wavelength

  • Shows off your status in the world

  • Supporting a certain cause

  • Following a fashion trend

  • Adding color to your wardrobe

  • Healing a certain part of your life

  • Bonding with others with a matching bracelet

  • Remembering a special trip or occasion

  • You were gifted the bracelet by a beloved friend

  • Spiritual well-being

How to care for your healing bracelets?

The care for your bracelets will vary depending on what crystals are included on the jewel. In general, you want to be very gentle when wearing and storing your gemstone bracelets.

Some crystals are softer than others and won't like water or harsh chemicals. Other crystals may be okay in water, but the bracelet components will wear down with prolonged exposure to wetness, soaps, and lotions. When in doubt, use a soft cloth with the slightest amount of water or natural oils on your gemstones.

If you are cleaning metal beads and clasps, visit How to care for your Jewelry

To prolong your elastic bracelets, visit How to Care for your Stretch Bracelets

For energetic cleaning, charging, and programming your healing bracelets, visit Crystal Care

sheila of satin crystals wearing a rose quartz memory wire bracelet

Continue on with your jewelry knowledge

Now that you have your perfect bracelet and anklet size, you can go shopping in confidence. Follow the shopping links and bracelets guides. 

Shopping Links: 

Bracelet Guides:

Bracelet Showcases:

Contact Us

Still have questions? We are standing by. Feel free to contact us anytime. Meanwhile, stay in the know by joining the VIP.

Shop Satin Crystals Bracelets

Visit our Designer Crystal Bracelet collection to find your perfect pieces. Or instantly pick one of these Chakra Bracelets to gain a whole medley of healing benefits right away: