There’s something weirdly frustrating about falling in love with a piece of jewelry… and then realizing it just doesn’t fit quite right. You know what I mean—like when a ring keeps twisting sideways on your finger or a bracelet is either too loose or too snug and constantly reminds you it’s there in the wrong way.
Honestly, I used to think I was just picky. But the more I’ve started investing in handmade, meaningful pieces—especially ones crafted from natural materials like wood or stone—the more I’ve realized how much the fit affects the feel.
Take rings, for example. Whether it’s a simple band or something with a bit of artistry, the right size is everything. If you’re shopping online or ordering from an artisan you love, knowing how to measure your ring size at home is one of those tiny-but-mighty steps that can save you a ton of regret (and resizing fees).
Jewelry That Feels Like It Was Made For You
Let’s be real—there’s a big difference between jewelry that just looks good and jewelry that feels like you.
When something fits just right, you don’t think about it. You wear it, you forget it’s there, and somehow it becomes part of your daily rhythm. But when it’s off? It messes with your whole vibe. A ring that pinches when your hands swell. Earrings that feel heavy or dangle weird. A necklace that hits right in the collarbone crevice that drives you nuts.
These little discomforts seem small… until they add up and you stop reaching for those pieces altogether.
The Craft of Fit: It’s Not Just About Size
We tend to think of “fit” in numbers—size 7 rings, 16-inch necklaces, adjustable bands—but it’s more than that. Fit is also about balance. How a piece sits. How it moves with you. How it complements your shape or style without dominating it.
This is especially true with handcrafted or nature-inspired jewelry, where every piece is a little unique. Wood, for example, reacts subtly to temperature and wear over time. What starts out as a snug fit might relax a bit—something makers and wearers alike learn to love. It’s part of the evolution.
That’s why makers who care about craftsmanship often go beyond a basic size chart. They’ll ask questions. They’ll recommend things like half sizes or stacking-friendly designs. And they’ll celebrate when someone chooses a piece not just for how it looks—but for how it lives on them.
Getting the Fit Right from the Start
So, how do you actually make sure your jewelry fits the way it’s supposed to?
For rings, aside from measuring at home, the key is to check your size at different times of the day. (Your fingers can swell in heat or after salty food—it’s a thing.) Measure when you’re comfortable and relaxed. Not right after a hot shower. Not after margaritas.
For bracelets and cuffs, check if the design is meant to sit loosely or hug your wrist. Same with necklaces: is it meant to layer? To rest right above a neckline? Those small design choices matter.
Brilliant Earth has a solid general sizing guide if you’re ever stuck, especially for necklaces and bracelet fits.
And if you’re working with a small maker or Etsy artist? Don’t be afraid to reach out. Ask questions. They’ll probably love that you care enough to get the sizing right—and they might even give you personalized tips based on how they craft their pieces.
When Jewelry Starts Telling Stories
I once bought a wooden ring from a street vendor in Maui. I didn’t try it on (rookie mistake), and when I finally did, it was just slightly too tight. Not unwearable, but enough that it never made it into regular rotation.
Years later, I finally gifted it to a friend who loved it and whose fingers were just a touch smaller than mine. She still wears it every day—and now it carries a story for both of us.
That’s the thing about jewelry. The right fit makes it yours. The wrong fit? It stays in a drawer, or it gets passed along, which is lovely in its own way… but kind of a missed opportunity too.
Sustainable Fashion and the Intentional Fit
In the slow fashion movement, fit isn’t about trend—it’s about intent. Choosing pieces that serve you for years. That aren’t disposable. That don’t require constant fidgeting or fixing.
When your jewelry fits perfectly, it’s easier to wear it often. It becomes part of your uniform. And let’s face it: the most sustainable piece of jewelry is the one you’ll wear a hundred times, not once.
Brands that focus on sustainability—like ABLE or small, craft-forward businesses—get this. They focus on wearability as much as aesthetics. Because if you’re going to make a piece by hand, you want it to last—in style, in comfort, and in someone’s life.
The Little Details Make the Difference
The right jewelry doesn’t just match your outfit—it matches your life.
It moves with you. It never distracts you. And, ideally, it makes you feel more like yourself. Whether it’s a handcrafted wooden ring, a delicate silver chain, or a woven bracelet you picked up while traveling, the best pieces are the ones that feel like they’ve always belonged.
So next time you’re tempted to impulse-buy a piece online, take a beat. Check the fit. Read the reviews. Learn how to determine your size at home. Your future self will thank you.
Because in the end, jewelry is more than just decoration—it’s connection. And when it fits right, it becomes part of you.