When shopping for jewelry, it is important to keep sizing, style, functionality, and material in mind. All of these factors ensure comfortability and longevity. Just like clothing or shoes, it is important to cater jewelry to each customer's individual measurements and style. Below, we've listed our top tips and tricks to find jewelry that is as comfortable as your favorite T-shirt.
Rings
Sizing
Often times, ring sizing can seem like a mystery but it doesn't have to feel that way! Ring sizes aren't standardized across the United States, and this means that your ring size may vary between jewelers. If you're planning on ordering a Beth Millner Ring and you don't live close enough to come in for a sizing, ordering a ring sizer can be helpful!
It is important to consider that fingers do fluctuate based on the temperature, activity level, and diet. On a hot day, or a day when you've been particularly active, your ring might feel tighter than normal. Similarly, if it's a cold day, or you've had a lot of coffee, your ring might fit looser than usual.
To compensate for this fluctuation, you want to choose a ring that slides on with ease but catches around the widest part of your finger. It shouldn't be so loose that it will fall off, or so tight that it is constricting. It should feel comfortable!
Different widths will look and feel differently as well. Generally, the thicker the ring, the larger the size will need to be. Our rings start at 1.5 mm and go up to 8 mm.
Sometimes, you might find that the size you expected to fit isn't comfortable for everyday wear. We offer resizing on most of our rings for a fee—our Great Lakes Stone rings are the only ones that we aren't able to size. This is because Michigan Greenstone and Agates aren't strong enough to withstand the intense heat that is applied to the jewelry when being sized.
We do have some Great Lakes Stone Rings that have an option to choose your own stone before we make the ring. This makes it easier to get the stone you want in your ring size.
Materials
Just like considering the material your clothing is made of, it's equally important to choose the right material for your jewelry! Metals vary in hardness and composition so for rings, it's important to consider how much wear and tear the jewelry will face.
If you're purchasing a ring for occasional wear, a ring you wouldn't mind replacing, and/or you are fairly easy on your hands, sterling silver is a great option. It is a bit softer than gold, but is the most common metal used in jewelry and holds up through regular wear and tear.
If you are constantly using your hands, working outdoors, or purchasing something sentimental that you might want to pass on, then gold might be the better option. We offer several ring designs in rose gold, white gold, and yellow gold.
Stones
The only time that you really need to carefully weigh stone choice is in an engagement or wedding setting. We love unique, non-traditional choices, but often those stones do require a bit more care. Our Great Lakes Gemstone Rings cannot be resized, which means rings with those stones may need to be replaced over the course of a lifetime.
If you're looking for a stone that won't need to be replaced and will stay brilliant over the course of your life, we recommend diamond or sapphire. We offer many designs with rustic and classic diamonds and sapphires.
Choosing The Right Chain
We provide a variety of chain options. It is important to consider both length and style when choosing the right chain for you. Length is generally based on stature, while the style should match the pendant(s) you'll be wearing it with.
We carry chains from 16-30 inches, and can also customize the length of our Tiny Loopy or Adjustable Chains. This chart is a good rough estimate for a chain that will sit on your chest, above the neckline of most clothes. Longer lengths will hang below the neckline, over your clothes.
If your style is more traditional, we generally recommend a sterling silver box chain. If you like the look of bright silver, but want something more casual, our tiny loopy chain is a great option.
For those who want something a bit more edgy or earthy, our darkened chains offer a unique appeal. Delicate pieces pair nicely with the darkened box chain. With large or complex pieces, the darkened tiny loopy is a better fit.
Every pendant on our website features a suggested chain in the description that we carefully choose for your convenience.
Earrings
Are you a post person or do you prefer some dangle? Both are made entirely of sterling silver, free of the most common allergens. To accommodate different needs we offer a variety of options to optimize comfortability and wearability.
The classic round wire style earring is our go-to for light and petite designs. A smaller hoop wire is also available which hangs closer to the ear.
Long hair and scarves can become a catalyst for lost or stuck earrings and for those situations we recommend our super-secure Latching Ear Wires. These comfortably support heavier designs with a latch mechanism to ensure they stay where they belong! You can upgrade any of our dangling earrings to a latch style at any time for a small fee.
Bracelets
Bracelets are made in a variety of ways which requires different sizing methods seen below.
Linked Bracelet & Cuff Sizing
Measure wrist circumference. Take your measurement just above the wrist above bone. Then use the chart below to determine the correct size.
The bracelets we make are designed to fit comfortably, but if a looser fit is preferred, the next size up may be suitable.
Size | Wrist Measurement (Inches) | Wrist Measurement (cm) |
Small | 5.5-6 | 14-15 |
Medium | 6-6.5 | 15-16.5 |
Large | 6.5-7 | 16.5-18 |
X-Large | 7-7.5 | 18-19 |
XX-Large | 7.5-8 | 19-20.5 |
Bangle Sizing
Bangle Size is determined by hand size, rather than wrist size
Measure hand size by tucking your thumb in, just like when trying on a bangle. Measure around the thickest part of the hand while in this position. Then use the chart below to determine the correct bangle size.
Size | Hand Measurement (inches) | Hand Measurement (cm) |
Small | 7-8 | 18-20 |
Medium | 8-9 | 20-23 |
Large | 9-9.5 | 23-24 |
Our team is composed of creative jewelry experts. We are always happy to help you find jewelry that fits your lifestyle so feel free to reach out to us with questions. Interact with us on Facebook, Instagram, or email us directly.