STYLE & SIZE GUIDE
Gold-plated bangle bracelets: size, fit & stacking (the complete guide)
Minimalist, sun-drenched and ultra-versatile, bangle bracelets are the best allies
for an elegant wrist. But between sizes, openings, textures, and the art of stacking ,
it’s not always easy to find your way around. In this guide, Ylume accompanies you to measure your wrist,
choose the right size (S/M/L or diameter), adjust your bangle, and create light combinations
— all while respecting the 18 K – 3 μ champagne gold-plated gilding ,
the house’s signature.
Nickel, lead and cadmium free. Their champagne finish captures a soft, very
flattering light on all skin tones.
Why choose a bangle ?
The bangle is a rigid bracelet (closed or semi-open) that keeps its curve. Its strength: a pure
line that structures the wrist and adapts to any outfit. It can be worn alone (minimal chic) or as a
accumulation like a rhythmic punctuation.
- Immediate elegance : the stable shape of the bangle creates a clean “design” on the wrist.
- Versatility : a single bangle is enough in the office; In the evening, stack textures and widths.
- Durability : A rigid base limits repetitive twisting and rubbing.
- Comfort : Our semi-open bangles make it easy to put on and fit delicately.
Measuring your wrist (simple method & precise method)
Simple method (ribbon/string)
- Wrap your wrist (at the thinnest point) with a soft ribbon or string.
- Mark the junction, then measure flat with a ruler.
- Add 1 to 1.5 cm for a snug to comfortable bangle.
Example: wrist circumference 15 cm → ring 16–16.5 cm inner circumference.
Precise method (internal diameter)
For a closed bangle, measure the width of the folded hand (thumb tucked into the palm
as if putting on a bracelet). The rod must pass the joints without forcing.
- Internal diameter 57–58 mm ≈ thin wrist (S)
- Internal diameter 60–62 mm ≈ medium wrist (M)
- Internal diameter 64–66 mm ≈ wide wrist (L)
Size conversion table
| Wrist circumference (cm) | Recommended rod circumference (cm) | Internal Diameter (mm) | Size | Adjustment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14–15 | 15.5–16.5 | 55–58 | S | Close to the wrist |
| 15.5–16.5 | 16.5–17.5 | 59–62 | M | Classic |
| 17–18 | 17.5–18.5 | 63–66 | L | Comfortable |
you can adjust it delicately to your morphology (see below).
Adjust a rod (without damaging it)
The Ylume semi-open rods allow for a slight adjustment. Here is the right gesture to
preserve the 3 μ gilding and the shape of the jewel.
- Slide the bangle through the side of the wrist (narrowest part).
- To tighten/release: Hold each end in the palm, adjust very gently with distributed pressure — never to a single point.
- Do not exceed a distance of ~1 cm. Avoid frequent trips back and forth (tired metal).
- Remove before sport, shower, sleep.
Golden rule: no angles, only curves. A slow, loose fit protects the structure and gilding.
Choose the style: widths, textures and finishes
Widths
- Thin (2–3 mm): Minimal, ideal for stacking.
- Medium (4–6 mm): Soft, versatile presence.
- Large (7–10mm): statement, to be worn alone or in duo with very thin.
Textures
- Smooth : refined, mixes with everything.
- Hammered : organic reflections, solar spirit.
- Twisted : Couture relief, catches the light.
- Fine stone (mother-of-pearl/onyx/quartz/labradorite): a note of colour.
The Ylume champagne shade enhances all skin types, from light to dark, without over-shine. It goes perfectly with the house’s hoop earrings and medals.
Stacking: 7 unmissable recipes
- Signature mono-bangle : a medium hammered or twisted bangle → white shirt, fine watch.
- Contrasting duo : 1 smooth wide bangle + 1 fine twisted bangle → black dress, bare cuffs.
- Trio 2–1 : 2 fine rushes (smooth + hammered) + 1 medium smooth in the center → perfect balance.
- Stone mix : 1 fine mother-of-pearl bangle + 1 smooth bangle + 1 hammered bangle → cream/ivory palette.
- Champagne & leather : thin bangle + soft leather cuff → bohemian chic look.
- Watch & ring : on the left the watch, on the right 2 fine rings (prevents rubbing).
- Asymmetry : 1 wide right hand band + 2 thin left hands → modern silhouette.
Wrist morphology & proportion
- Thin wrist (<15.5 cm): choose S, thin to medium bangles; a single wide as a flagship piece.
- Medium wrist (15.5–16.5 cm): M, all widths possible; Play the contrasting duo.
- Wide Cuff (>17 cm): L, Medium to Large; Avoid accumulating too many very fine items only (risk of “clutter”).
Colours & materials
Mother-of-pearl softens fair complexions and cream outfits; Onyx creates a chic contrast with
a black blazer; quartz offers luminous transparency during the day; labradorite unfolds
sublime changing reflections in natural light.
Occasions & dress codes
| Opportunity | Choice of rod | Pair with | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office | Smooth medium mono-rod (or discreet hammered) | Hoop earrings 20–26 mm, medallion 45 cm | Avoid the shock with the watch (wear on the other wrist) |
| Afterwork | Smooth + Twisted | Hoops 26–30 mm, silky | Allow 2–3mm of clearance for movement |
| Wedding / guest | Fine trio (mother-of-pearl + smooth + hammered) | Mother-of-pearl pendants, flowing | Photo-friendly, soft reflections |
| Evening | Broad statement | Smooth hoop earrings 34–40 mm, bare | “One star per look” |
| Weekend | Thin bangle + leather | Medal 50–60 cm | Boho chic, comfortable |
10 Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
- Choose too big : the bangle slips on the hand and bumps → measure precisely, prefer a semi-open one.
- Force the opening at the same point → risk marking the curve and altering the gilding.
- Stacking only very thin → lack of visual rhythm; Add a way to structure.
- Mix too many textures (smooth + hammered + twisted + stones) at the same time → limit to 2 textures + 1 stone note.
- Wear bangle + watch on the same wrist tight → stripes; separate or leave sufficient play.
- Forget the outfit (puffed/gathered sleeves) → your bangles disappear; roll up the sleeve or go over a single wide.
- Ignore maintenance → water, salt and chlorine tarnish any gilding (see maintenance).
- Layer with a very imposing necklace + large buckles → overload; Apply “one star per look.”
- Choose a wide one that is too tight → marks on the wrist; Take 0.5–1 cm more in circumference.
- Travelling without protection → loose rubbing; Use one separate pouch per piece.
Care & durability (18k gold plated – 3 μ)
- Remove before shower, pool, sea and sport.
- Apply perfumes/care before putting on your rushes.
- Store in a separate pouch, dry, away from rubbing.
- Clean with a soft chamois cloth (without abrasive product).
- Avoid repeated shocks against hard surfaces (desk, handles, dumbbells).
More details on our Maintenance page.
20 ideas for looks around the bangle
- White shirt + hammered medium bangle + hoop earrings 24–26 mm.
- Black blazer + smooth & twisted duo + onyx chips.
- Straight dress + smooth wide bangle + 60 cm medallion.
- Round neck sweater + fine trio (mother-of-pearl, smooth, hammered) + 20 mm hoop earrings.
- Satin top + twisted bangle + fine stone ring.
- Sailor shirt + smooth bangle + leather watch (opposite cuffs).
- Combination + fine duo + medium + short pendants.
- Cardigan + smooth medium bangle + discreet ear cuff.
- Raw jeans + stacking 3 ends + 45 cm medallion.
- Linen dress + mother-of-pearl bangle + 28 mm twisted hoop earrings.
- Turtleneck + wide bangle + hoop earrings 34–40 mm.
- Printed dress + smooth duo + mother-of-pearl (avoid 5+ bangles, let the pattern breathe).
- Evening + statement bangle + bare cuffs + mini thin necklace.
- Weekend + thin bangle + leather cuff + 50 cm medallion.
- Brunch + fine trio + 22 mm hoop earrings.
- Meeting + Smooth Medium Mono Bangle + Minimalist Curls.
- Wedding guest + mother-of-pearl/smooth/hammered trio + mother-of-pearl pendants.
- Holidays + thin bangle (remove for swimming) + straw hat.
- Gala + smooth wide ring + smooth loops 38–40 mm.
- Date + twisted duo + smooth + 45 cm medallion.
Ylume Quality & Commitments
Our bangles use a quality brass base, gilded in 18-carat gold plating (3 microns)
in champagne shade, for a soft light and excellent daily hold (excluding water, shocks and repeated rubbing).
They are nickel, lead and cadmium free, for optimal comfort, even for sensitive skin.
Designed in Aix-en-Provence, made in France and Spain depending on the collection, our bangles fit naturally
into Ylume sets (hoop earrings, medals, pendants). Explore the selection:
bracelets and bangles,
Creoles,
Necklaces, medals.
FAQ — Bangle bracelets
- How do I know if my bangle is the right size?
- It must pass painlessly and not go up to the middle of the hand on a daily basis. A slight play is normal; If he bumps often, choose the size below.
- Can I tighten/open my reed?
- Yes for semi-opens, by gentle pressure with both hands (never on a single point). Avoid repeated adjustments. Closed rods do not fit.
- How to avoid scratches with a watch?
- Wear watch and bangle on opposite wrists, or leave 1–2 cm of play (correct watch strap adjustment).
- Can you shower with a gold plated bangle?
- We advise against it. Water, salt and chlorine accelerate the wear of any gilding. Remove the rush before shower, pool and sea.
- What textures for a harmonious stack?
- Limit yourself to two textures (e.g. smooth + hammered) and possibly add a fine stone (mother-of-pearl/onyx) as a touch of colour.
Ready to choose your bangle?
Browse our bracelets & bangles, put together your stack with the
hoop earrings and Ylume medals
. Champagne shade, 3 μ gilding, everyday comfort.
