JEWELRY DESIGN: What You Need To Know About Sizing
Posted by learntobead on October 30, 2020
Abstract:
To look great in a piece of jewelry — whether a necklace, or chain, or pendant, or bracelet, or ring and the like — people should look to the face, the neck, the wrist, the finger, the body type to get the right fit and look. There are often two main reasons why people do not wear their jewelry. First, it doesn’t work with their wardrobe or skin tone. But second, it doesn’t flatter them because of the silhouette, volume and length. Learning both about standard sizing and sizing customization measurement rules are critical for any jewelry designer.
SIZING
To look great in a piece of jewelry — whether a necklace, or chain, or pendant, or bracelet, or ring and the like — look to the face, the neck, the wrist, the finger, the body type to get the right fit and look.
There are often two main reasons why people do not wear their jewelry. First, it doesn’t work with their wardrobe or skin tone. But second, it doesn’t flatter them because of the silhouette, volume and length.
When designing a piece of jewelry, it sometimes is helpful to make the size of the piece adjustable. This is usually accomplished with the design of the clasp assembly, such as adding a chain extension, or having 2 or 3 button loops.
Necklaces[1]
There are many standard length options for necklaces for women. If you have a narrower or wider neck than average, you may have to adjust these standards. If you have a longer or shorter neck, you might prefer a particular length over another.
When choosing a size, start with your neck. Narrow, thin necks might prefer shorter lengths. Thicker, fatter necks might prefer the medium size lengths.
Next, consider your upper torso. If the necklace length will place the necklace over your breast, be sure it flatters your appearance.
Third, consider your height. Short women are usually overwhelmed by longer lengths. Taller women sometimes look funny with short lengths.
Last, consider the shape of your face. Faces are usually described as oval, round, square and heart-shaped. Oval faces can wear any length. Round faces do better with longer lengths, and silhouettes that take the shape of a “V”. Heart-shaped faces do better with shorter lengths, and silhouettes that are curved. Squarer, more rectangular faces do better with shorter lengths and rounded silhouettes.
For men,
Bracelets [1]
Usually, with bracelets, size is less an issue than with necklaces.
Measure the wrist at the wrist bone, using a piece of string or tape measure. If you use a string, it’s best to use a bracelet sizing cone to determine the actual wrist measurement. If you like your bracelets to be somewhat loose, add ¾” or 1” to the measurement. With larger beads or adornments, the linear length against a ruler will have to be larger than the actual size of your wrist, since these larger components will pull the bracelet further out from your wrist as you wear the piece.
For women, most wear between a 6” and 7” length.
For men, most wear between a 7” and 8” length.
But obviously, there will be some deviation from the typical, because not everyone is a standard size.
Also, some people like to wear their bracelets tight to their wrist, while others like to wear them somewhat or very loose on their wrists.
For bangles, it becomes important to anticipate the width of the widest part of the hand for which the bangle has to slide over.
This bangle formula works in general, but, again, everyone’s hand-width and wrist size will vary.
Rings [1]
Rings sizes are standardized and unisex, running in numbers (whole sizes and half sizes).
For women, standard size is 7, with the range from 5 to 9.
For men, standard size is 10, with the range from 8 to 12. Wider rings on men tend to run smaller in size when worn.
But again, as with necklaces and bracelets, people’s finger sizes will often vary from the standards.
Also, fingers swell and contract in size, depending on the weather, heat and humidity, or how active a lifestyle some has, or with age. Some people prefer to order a ring size a half size larger to accommodate these kinds of things.
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FOOTNOTES
1 REEDS JEWELERS, Jewelry Wise, “Choosing the Right Necklace Length For You”, as reference
http://www.jewelrywise.com/just-for-you/article/choosing-the-right-necklace-length-for-you
Other Articles of Interest by Warren Feld:
Cleaning Sterling Silver Jewelry: What Works!
What Glue Should I Use When Making Jewelry?
Why Am I So Addicted To Beads?
A Very Abbreviated, But Not Totally Fractured, History of Beads
The Martha Stewart Beaded Wreath Project
When Choosing Colors Has You Down, Check Out The Magic Of Simultaneity Effects
The Use of Armature In Jewelry: Legitimate or Not?
Organizing Your Craft Workspace…Some Smart Pointers
You Don’t Choose Clasps, You Choose Clasp Assemblies
Know Your Anatomy Of A Necklace
Mini Lesson: Making Stretchy Bracelets
Mini Lesson: Making Adjustable Slip Knots With Thicker Cords
Mini Lesson: Attaching End Caps, Cones, Crimp Ends
Mini Lesson: Flat Even Count Peyote
Mini Lesson: Right Angle Weave
Everyone Has A Getting Started Story
The Nature-Inspired Creations of Kathleen
The Jewelry Designer’s Orientation To Glass Beads
The Jewelry Designer’s Orientation To Lampwork Beads
The Jewelry Designer’s Orientation To Crystal Beads
The Jewelry Designer’s Orientation To Seed and Cylinder Beads
The Jewelry Designer’s Orientation To Choosing and Using Clasps
I hope you found this article useful.
Also, check out my website (www.warrenfeldjewelry.com).
Enroll in my jewelry design and business of craft video tutorials online.
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Visit Land of Odds online (https://www.landofodds.com)for all your jewelry making supplies.
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