Bracelet or bangle? How to choose meaningful wristwear.

Short answer: a bracelet (chain-based, usually with a clasp) is the more adjustable, everyday-forgiving option; a bangle (a fixed, solid band) makes more of a statement and suits someone who likes a simpler daily routine of just sliding it on.

Bracelets

Because they fasten with a clasp, bracelets are easier to size and adjust - a good choice if you're buying for someone and aren't entirely sure of their wrist size, or if they like to layer a few pieces together. They also tend to feel a little more delicate day to day.

Bangles

A bangle has no clasp, so it needs to fit over the hand, which makes sizing more important to get right. In return, you get a piece that never needs fastening - just slide it on in the morning and forget about it. Bangles tend to suit someone who prefers one meaningful piece worn consistently, rather than swapping pieces around.

Getting the size right

For bracelets, a rough wrist measurement (a tape measure, or a strip of paper marked and measured with a ruler) is usually enough, with a little room for comfort. For bangles, it's worth checking the piece can pass over the widest part of the hand — if in doubt, sizing up slightly and adding a couple of stacking rings-style spacers is more forgiving than sizing down.

What to expect

Every bracelet and bangle is handcrafted to order in our York studio, in recycled sterling silver or solid 9ct gold.