By Kristina Mason, Mason-Kay Jade
What do you remember about the story of Cinderella? We all remember the helpful mice and birds, the mean stepsisters, and the pumpkin carriage, but in the end, what was the most important part? The glass slipper. The fit of the glass slipper was the most crucial moment in Cinderella’s life because with it came happiness.
I think this story applies to many aspects of our lives, including for those of us in fine jewelry. And in the case of Jade bangles, which my company Mason-Kay Jade makes, the fit is even more important. That’s because Jade bangles are carved from one solid block of the precious gem and are not sizable like precious metal jewels. You want the bangle to slide over the hand with relative ease but not be too loose, which can feel too large and uncomfortable.
While some jewelry purchases might not fit perfectly and still wear just fine, your one-piece Jade bangle must fit just right for comfort and long-term wear of the material. When a bangle “Fits Just Right,” we call that Cinderella Jade. You will know it when you see and feel it!
Find Your Perfect Fit
How do you determine your bangle size so you can find your own Cinderella Jade? Let the experts help. Click here to learn how to size your hand for a bangle. The technique involves collapsing your knuckles to measure the circumference of your folded hand. You can use a tape measure, string, or ribbon—you get the idea. Then take the length of your measured hand in inches and multiply by eight. This will give you the approximate number you need for the correct diameter bangle size in millimeters. Jade bangles are typically measured by the diameter (across the inside of a bangle) in millimeters.
Remove Carefully
Once you have your perfect fit, you’ll want to exercise caution when taking it on and off. Some collectors wear Jade bangles dutifully each day, never removing them. However, many of us prefer to change our accessories more frequently and are not wearing these beloved gems to bed. Whether you wear your Jade bangle daily or not—or if the bangle fits just right or a little tightly—you still must be able to put it on and safely remove it without discomfort.
Encourage clients to be cautious during removal. Advise them to take off bangles over a bed. This way, if a bangle flies off the hand, it will at least land on a soft surface!
A few tricks to safely remove bangles also exist. One is to use a plastic shopping bag, slipping it over the hand before trying to slide the bangle on or off. Another involves traditional glass cleaner (think Windex) which you spray on your hand to ease the bangle over and off.
Happily Ever After
Jade bangles have been treasured, revered, and passed down for generations. Jade bangles are a symbol of eternity, and the Jade bangle bracelet is often given as a gift for the purpose of protection from physical harm or to deter evil spirits. And if a Jade bangle were to break, then it took the brunt of the injury and protected the wearer. Jade bangles are akin to Fu dogs—symbols of protection in Asian culture.
While not everyone is a candidate to wear a one-piece continuous Jade bangle, many can’t help but love the look. Those with large hands and/or knuckles may find it quite uncomfortable to slide a one-piece on and off the wrist. These customers can opt for a hinged version with a clasp. Thankfully, both styles look great stacked.
We all love the story of Cinderella, and now you know how to find a perfect fit for your own Cinderella Jade bangle!
