How to Measure Jewelry

How to Measure Jewelry

Measure Jewelry Easily

measure jewelry

This is a brief overview of how we measure jewelry here at Xinar. 

Any images presented here are illustrative and do not represent 1:1 equivalence in measurements. Please refer to our special printable guide for easy reference. To quickly measure jewelry, beads and similar items, get Xinar’s printable sizing chart.

Charms & Pendants

measure jewelry

This section is for charms & pendants, beads & findings, and finished jewelry. Illustrated below are ways that you can measure jewelry fast.

The picture above illustrates how I have determined the size. The sizes of charms are often expressed in two dimensions. The first value refers to the width of the casting, while the second value refers to the height.

Depending on the nature of the casting, you may even see a third measurement (depth) for some three-dimensional charms. Pendants are measured similarly. How other jewelry pieces are measured is similar to what we do to charms and pendants, too.

Measure Jewelry Like Earrings

measure jewelry

The dimensions of the earrings are illustrated below.

Dangle earringsWe measure the width and the length of the earring from the bottom point of the ear wire.

Post earringsWe measure from outside to outside of the earrings.        

HoopsThese are also measured from outside to outside of the hoops.

Chains & Bracelets

measure jewelry

Xinar’s chains and bracelets are measured in metric (diameter in mm) and imperial (length in inches).

What’s the proper way to measure jewelry using a bracelet measurer?

A practical tool that you should always have on your bench is the bracelet measurer. Closed bracelets and open bracelets have different measurements. For example, the average length of a closed bracelet is 200-300mm (8-9 inches), while open bracelets are usually 170-200mm (6½-8 inches).  

1.       Without pushing it too much, open the bracelet measurer and slip it over the broadest area of the hand. If you are crafting a closed bracelet, you have the most ideal or correct measurement when the bracelet fits at the hand’s widest point.

2.      When crafting an open bracelet, the correct measurement is when it sits comfortably on the wrist. In addition, there should be minimal compression or pressure when the bracelet is worn.

3.      If you don’t have a bracelet measurer at home, use floss or string to measure jewelry, instead. Take the string and wrap it snugly around your wrist. Mark the point where the string overlaps. Cut the string as precisely as possible, and measure with a ruler. Don’t forget to write down the measurement.  

Rings

You will see American sizes on Xinar’s rings, with a standard numerical scale in ¼ & ½ sizes. Every half-size matches up to 0.4-millimeter increments for standard ring sizes. The range begins with size 3 (equivalent to 14mm), 3.5 (14.4mm), 4 (14.8mm), etc. Women’s ring sizes are typically in this range: 6 (16.5 mm), 6.5 (16.9 mm), and 7 (17.9 mm). The most common ring sizes for men, on the other hand, are 10 (19.8 mm), 10.5 (20.2 mm), and 11 (20.6 mm). Be sure to measure jewelry using these guidelines.

Reminders when measuring ring size

·         Consider the person’s knuckle – Persons with more prominent knuckles typically require larger sizes. Consider going up half a ring size, so the ring slides in easily.

·         Measure several times – It’s scientifically proven that a person’s finger size fluctuates throughout the day. Our fingers can be smaller or bigger, depending on the temperature. On colder days, rings can slide right off because finger tissue contracts. On hotter days, our pores open, and fingers can be slightly bigger tissue expands with heat. Measuring at least

Methods of measuring ring size

measure jewelry

1.       Wrap floss or string around the finger, marking where the string overlaps on its end. Snip at this point and line up the floss or string with a ruler. Measure the string in inches or millimeters and consult a ring sizing chart.

2.      Get a ring that fits comfortably and place it on a ring sizing chart. Then, move the ring across the chart until you find the most identical size.

3.      Use a ring sizer. Wear the ring sizer and slide the tab until you get a comfortable fit to measure jewelry. There are two kinds of ring sizers. The first one is worn on the finger, and the measurement is engraved on the plastic. The second type is comprised of a calibrated ruler and metal rings. The wearer picks the ring that has the best fit, and the chosen ring is measured afterward.

Here’s a guide on ring sizes. For additional help on determining ring sizes, click here.  

Beads & Findings

measure jewelry

The sizes of beads and findings are measured in both millimeters and inches. However, the bead size is expressed in mm, while the hole size is stated in inches.

You can convert imperial (inches) to metric (mm) by multiplying the value by 25.4.

For example, a bead with a hole size of .073in would be 1.8mm after conversion:073in x 25.4= 1.8 mm. Xinar has a conversion chart available here.

For reference, here is the mm side of a ruler and some common bead sizes available on Xinar.

measure jewelry

Necklace Measurements

Necklaces occupy a special place in every woman’s jewelry box. Necklaces are guaranteed head-turners, especially if worn with the proper attire and at the correct type of event.

12 to 13 inches

Collar necklaces are multi-stranded necklaces that are worn close to the neck. V-necks, off-the-shoulder outfits, and boatnecks all look amazing with this sort of necklace.

4 to 16 inches

A choker falls at the neck’s base and provides a very classic as well as versatile appeal. Chokers look great with any style of outfit or neckline.

17 to 19 inches

The Princess necklace is the most preferred length, falling just below the collarbone. It’s somewhere between a matinée and a choker. For a solid and eye-catching style, a pendant can be attached to a Princess necklace. Princess necklaces look stunning with every outfit.

20 to 24 inches

The matinée style is halfway between the Princess and Opera necklaces. Matinee necklaces look great with both casual and formal wear.

30 to 36 inches

Opera necklaces are available in lengths ranging from 30 to 36 inches. This necklace can be worn double-stranded or as a single necklace. It looks great with high or crew necklines and is especially lovely with evening attire.

40 to 45 inches

Rope necklaces come in the most extended lengths and have a unique and dramatic appearance. A rope necklace looks great with almost any outfit. This necklace can be made into a bib necklace or a multi-strand necklace when worn in strands of various lengths.

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