Sizing Guide
Sizing Instructions
NECKLACES:
Non-custom necklaces or chains come in industry standard lengths; five different lengths for women, and four for men. The table and model below describe and illustrate these standard sizes.
Standard Necklace Sizes for Women |
Standard Necklace Sizes for Men |
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Choosing Chain Lengths for Women
The Right Fit For Her
Consider where the wearer is likely to wear the necklace and the clothing that is likely to be worn with it. Some women may wear different lengths for different occasions and seasons. A choker style may look wonderful with a cocktail dress with a scooped neckline but may not fit over a turtleneck sweater. Many women opt for longer necklaces in the winter as bulky clothing may require the extra length. Take the wearer's size into account. A 24 inch necklace on a petite woman may hang down too far just as the same necklace may be ideal for a larger woman. In general, the shorter the necklace, the more important the size. Necklaces that are too short may not fit at all.
Choosing Chain Lengths for Men
The Right Fit For Him
Most chain lengths chosen for men typically fall at the collar bone, which is usually around 20 inches in length. If the necklace includes a medallion, cross, or dog tag, a slightly longer length is suggested. Multiple chains of varying lengths may be worn for a layered look.
If you are unsure about neck size and whether or not a particular necklace or chain is right for you, please contact a Matthew James sales associate at your nearest Matthew James store or you can chat with an online representative. We'd be happy to help you select a suitable style of necklace that meets your specific requirements.
Custom Sized Necklaces
Choosing the Right Necklace Length
Everyone is unique, both physically and in aesthetic preferences. In other words, we aren't all "standard" size nor do we have the same taste in jewelry. For individuals that require a special size necklace, sometimes ordering the same necklace in the next standard size (either up or down) works as well as customization. Depending on the style of necklace, a jeweler can also remove links to shorten the length for those with small necks. (Note: It's always a good idea to keep the extra links in case the necklace is eventually passed on to an individual with a larger neck or backup links are needed in the event repairs are necessary.) Not all necklaces are available in the size you may need however, and customization may be necessary.
If you have a specific necklace or chain style in mind and customization is necessary, several steps need to be taken. First, Contact Matthew James via telephone, email, or in store and specify your special requirements in regards to size and style. We'll check with the manufacturer and/or expert jewelers regarding not only the availability, but the feasibility of customizing a particular necklace in the desired size. If the necklace can be customized, we'll provide you with a quote and timeframe for completion. Please note that custom orders take time, not only to obtain quotes, but for the customized construction
Make Sure and Measure
Prior to placing an order, or making a purchase, it's vitally important to correctly size the wearer's neck. A man's neck size corresponds to his shirt's collar size. But measuring neck size for women is generally necessary as size is often unknown. Measurements may be taken by Matthew James' in-store professionals or you can take a measurement at home using a soft measuring tape. If you do not have a soft measuring tape, you can use a ribbon instead. First, wrap the ribbon around the base of the wearer's neck, and mark the spot where the ends meet. Then, lay the ribbon against a yardstick or ruler to determine approximate neck size.
After a measurement is obtained, its a good idea to opt for a necklace size that is at least the second size up from your neck size. For example, if you have an 18 inch neck, you should probably choose a chain length of 20 inches or more. An 18 inch chain would feel too tight. Also consider the type of necklace when choosing length. Does the necklace lie flat? Is there a heavy dangling pendant? These aspects can both affect how a chain will hang.
BRACELETS:
Bracelets are generally a type of jewelry where size doesn't matter as much. For women, the industry standard bracelet diameter is 7 inches; for men, the standard is 8 inches. Some types of bracelets have clasps that allow the wearer to adjust the size. Other bracelets have links that can be removed by a jeweler to reduce the size. Simply put, most manufactured bracelets are designed so that most people can wear them.
As with just about every rule, there are exceptions. Obviously, wrist size varies and not everyone is "standard" size. Bracelet style selection is an excellent way to allow for simple size adjustments. If a wearer's wrist is too small to wear a bracelet as manufactured, selecting a bracelet with links is a good option. Jewelers can easily remove links to shorten the length. For individuals with larger wrists, some manufacturers offer bracelets in multiple sizes. Other manufacturers customize bracelets according to size requirements. Before ordering a custom piece, it is a good idea to have the wearer try the bracelet on because in many cases, wrists at or within 3 inches less than the standard bracelet diameter will fit most standard bracelets.
Ordering Custom Sized Bracelets
If you have a specific bracelet or bracelet style in mind and customization is necessary, several steps need to be taken. First, contact Matthew James via telephone, email, or in store and specify your special requirements in regards to bracelet size and style. We'll check with the manufacturer and/or expert jewelers regarding not only the availability, but the feasibility of customizing a particular bracelet in the desired size. If the bracelet can be customized, we'll provide you with a quote and timeframe for completion. Please note that custom orders take time, not only to obtain quotes, but for the customized construction. Custom bracelets cost more than their standard equivalents not only due to the custom work required but also for any additional materials needed, such as extra metal or gemstones. Other factors effecting costs include restructuring the original design to allow for the size adjustments.
Prior to placing an order, it's vitally important to correctly size the wearer's wrist. Measurements may be taken by Matthew James in-store professionals. If you do not have a soft measuring tape, wrap a ribbon around the wrist at the wrist bone, mark the spot where the ends meet, then lay the ribbon against a yardstick or ruler to determine approximate wrist size. Note that certain styles of bracelets without clasps, including bangles, must fit over the widest part of the hand, and you should measure at that part of the hand accordingly.
After obtaining a measurement of the basic wrist diameter, add 3/4" to 1" to that measurement to allow for movement and flexibility. This total measurement should be within the size range of the bracelet. Keep in mind that bracelet style effects fit. Some styles, depending on the type of clasp, provide extra space. In contrast, large gemstones or other adornments may reduce the room for your wrist.
If you are unsure about wrist size and whether or not a particular bracelet is right for you, please contact a sales associate at Matthew James Jewelers. We'd be happy to help you select a suitable style of bracelet that meets your specific requirements.
RINGS:
Find Your Fit: Measure Ring Size At Home:
A Printable Ring Sizer Measuring Tool
Print your own ring sizer tool right now! Get yours below.
STEP 1
Slip the sizer onto your finger and slide it to tighten the loop. Adjust the sizer so the fit is comfortable but snug and it can still slide over your knuckle.
STEP 2
To assemble and use the ring sizer, simply push the end through the opposing slot so that the numbers are facing outwards.
STEP 3
When the sizer fits your finger comfortably, read what size the arrow is pointing to.
(Size 8.5 shown)