Jewelry Sizing Guide for Kits: How to Measure Earrings, Bracelets, Anklets & Necklaces – Too Cute Beads

Earrings (Dangle and Drop Styles)
Earrings in kits, like the Birthstone Heart Dangle Earrings or Magnificent Monarch Earrings, often use head pins, eye pins, or chains for dangles. Sizing refers to the total length from the earwire to the bottom of the dangle.

    • Standard Lengths:
      • Short Dangles: 1–1.5 inches (25–38mm); ideal for everyday wear, as seen in the Birthstone Heart Dangle Earrings (1.5 inches).
      • Medium Dangles: 2–2.5 inches (50–63mm); adds a bit of drama, like the Magnificent Monarch Earrings (2 inches).
      • Long Dangles: 3–4 inches (76–101mm); best for statement pieces, such as chandelier earrings.
    • How to Measure:
      • Measure from the top of the earwire (where it goes through the ear) to the bottom of the dangle, including any charms or beads.
      • For kits, add the length of the head pin (e.g., 2 inches) plus the bead stack and any additional chain (e.g., 0.5 inches for the Birthstone Heart Dangle Earrings).
      • Tip: Leave 0.5 inches (12.7mm) of head pin for a simple loop or 1.5 inches (38mm) for a wire-wrapped loop.
    • Considerations:
      • Ensure the total weight is comfortable (e.g., lightweight Swarovski crystals in kits prevent earlobe strain).
      • Use 22–24 gauge head pins for most earring kits to fit standard bead holes (0.8–1mm).

 

Bracelets
Bracelets, like the Beautiful Butterflies Bracelet, often use beading wire, chain, or a combination, with clasps for closure. Sizing ensures a comfortable fit around the wrist.

    • Standard Sizes:
      • Small: 6.5–7 inches (165–178mm); fits petite wrists, often used for children or slim adults.
      • Medium: 7–7.5 inches (178–190mm); the most common size for women, as seen in the Beautiful Butterflies Bracelet (up to 8 inches).
      • Large: 8–8.5 inches (203–216mm); fits larger wrists or looser styles like charm bracelets.
    • How to Measure:
      • Wrap a flexible measuring tape around the wrist, just above the wrist bone, without pulling too tight.
      • Add 0.5–1 inch (12.7–25.4mm) for comfort, depending on preference (e.g., 7-inch wrist + 0.5 inches = 7.5-inch bracelet).
      • For kits, include the clasp length (e.g., a 0.5-inch lobster clasp) and any extender chain (e.g., 1 inch for adjustability).
    • Considerations:
      • Beading wire kits (e.g., 0.018-inch wire for medium beads) should use crimp beads (2mm) to secure the ends; ensure the wire length matches the total bracelet length plus 2 inches for crimping.
      • Chain-based kits (e.g., 3mm cable chain) may need jump rings (5mm, 18 gauge) to attach the clasp.

 

Anklets
Anklets, like the Turquoise Mocca Feather Anklet, are similar to bracelets but sized for the ankle, often with a slightly looser fit for movement.

    • Standard Sizes:
      • Small: 8.5–9 inches (216–229mm); fits petite ankles.
      • Medium: 9–10 inches (229–254mm); the most common size, as used in the Turquoise Mocca Feather Anklet (up to 10 inches).
      • Large: 10.5–11 inches (267–279mm); fits larger ankles or looser styles.
    • How to Measure:
      • Measure around the ankle, just above the ankle bone, with a flexible measuring tape.
      • Add 0.5–1 inch (12.7–25.4mm) for comfort and movement (e.g., 9-inch ankle + 0.5 inches = 9.5-inch anklet).
      • For kits, account for the clasp (e.g., a 0.5-inch magnetic clasp) and any charms (e.g., 0.25-inch feather charm in the Turquoise Mocca Feather Anklet).
    • Considerations:
      • Use durable beading wire (e.g., 0.020-inch, 49-strand) for anklets to withstand movement; crimp beads (2mm) secure the ends.
      • Chain-based anklets (e.g., 4mm rolo chain) should use sturdy jump rings (6mm, 18 gauge) to attach the clasp.

 

Necklaces
Necklaces in kits, like a potential Birthstone Heart Pendant, vary widely in length depending on style, from chokers to long opera lengths.

    • Standard Lengths:
      • Choker: 14–16 inches (356–406mm); sits close to the neck, ideal for small pendants.
      • Princess: 18 inches (457mm); the most common length, sits just below the collarbone, perfect for most pendants.
      • Matinee: 20–24 inches (508–610mm); reaches the upper chest, great for layering or larger pendants.
      • Opera: 28–36 inches (711–914mm); long and elegant, can be worn as a single strand or doubled.
      • Rope: 40+ inches (1016mm+); extra-long, often knotted or wrapped for a bohemian look.
    • How to Measure:
      • Use a piece of string to mimic the desired necklace length, draping it around your neck to see where it falls (e.g., 18 inches for a princess length).
      • Measure the string with a ruler, then add 1–2 inches (25.4–50.8mm) for the clasp and jump rings (e.g., 0.5-inch lobster clasp + two 5mm jump rings).
      • For kits, measure the chain or beading wire provided (e.g., 18-inch chain), then add the pendant drop (e.g., 1-inch Birthstone Heart pendant).
    • Considerations:
      • Beading wire kits (e.g., 0.018-inch wire for 6mm beads) need extra length for crimping (add 2 inches to the total length).
      • Chain-based kits (e.g., 3mm cable chain) should use jump rings (5mm, 18 gauge) to attach the clasp; ensure the chain’s link size supports the pendant’s weight.

 

General Measurement Tips for Kits

    • Tools Needed: Flexible measuring tape, ruler, or string and ruler for accurate measurements.
    • Component Sizing:
      • Clasps: Lobster clasps (10–12mm), magnetic clasps (8–10mm); measure their length to include in the total.
      • Jump Rings: 4–6mm (18–20 gauge) for most connections; ensure the inner diameter fits the chain or clasp.
      • Beads: Measure bead length (e.g., 6mm Swarovski rounds) and hole size (e.g., 0.8mm) to match with wire or pins.
    • Adjustability: Add an extender chain (1–2 inches) to kits for flexibility in sizing, especially for bracelets and necklaces.
    • Comfort: Ensure the finished piece isn’t too tight; a slight looseness (0.5–1 inch extra) prevents breakage during wear.