Anticlastic bangle length

Jewelry Discussion
1

I am looking to make an anticlastic bangle bracelet for myself and I
am wondering how much extra length should I add to it so it will fit
over my hand. I know that the inner diameter shrinks after forming I
measured my hand at the widest and it is about 8.25"

Laurie Kern

1 Like
2

Hi Laurie,

I am looking to make an anticlastic bangle bracelet for myself and
I am wondering how much extra length should I add to it so it will
fit over my hand. I know that the inner diameter shrinks after
forming I measured my hand at the widest and it is about 8.25"

The timing of your question is interesting—my co-author (Betty
Helen Longhi) and I are nearing the finish-line on our book about
synclastic and anticlastic forming (shell forming). We were talking
about this the other day, for the section on pattern-making. Here is
a way to get a rough idea: Draw the silhouette/side view of the
bracelet, full size. Then, draw a line that is half-way between the
inner circumference and the outer circumference. Measure this line by
“walking” with a pair of dividers, or use a bendable ruler, or a
strip of paper. This measurement is a good starting place.

Remember, too, that it is easier to take a piece of metal out, and
re-solder, than to stretch the bracelet if it is too small.

Here is a trick that I learned from Ronda Coryell for making a
bangle bracelet smaller: bend it so that it is not in one plane.
(Hmmm. That may take a photo or sketch—let me (or Ronda?!) know if
you need that better explained.

I hope this is understandable, and helpful!

Cynthia Eid

3

I took a bangle workshop a little while ago and the best little
gadget I purchased for it is an adjustable bangle measuring gauge.
You simply adjust it to your - or your customer’s - hand/wrist size
to see what will slip on comfortably and the length is marked at
that spot. So you just cut your metal accordingly.

In the class we measured our knuckles with a string, did some sort of
formula to account for inner measurements but way too much work!
Everyone in the class was borrowing my measuring gizmo. I can’t
remember where I purchased it but several jewelry supply companies
sell them. If you’re going to be making a lot of bangles, I can
highly recommend this.

Mary

4

I second Laurie’s request for help sizing the fabrication of an
anticlastic bangle bracelet. I’ve just started making these, and I
love the forms and possibilities, but I can’t get the sizes that I
aim for. If someone with experience can give some guidelines, I’d
appreciate it. I think that gauge and metal must play a role. I was
using 20 ga. brass and copper.

Thanks.
Barbara H. in California

5 
I can't remember where I purchased it but several jewelry supply
companies sell them. If you're going to be making a lot of
bangles, I can highly recommend this.

You can get this from Rio.

Sharon Perdasofpy

6

Cynthia,

Thanks for the advice on determining the (side) profile and using the
middle circumference as the starting point for the length. Except, I
usually just “wing it” and I don’t have an idea of what it is going
to look like until it is done. I guess I could measure the width of
the flat piece I cut and use that as a starting point to determine
the profile. Does this sound good to you?

I will also keep an eye out for your new book

Laurie

7

Cynthia, I am excited about your and Betty Helen’s book. The example
photos in publications look fantastic. I’m looking forward to
ordering a copy!

Many thanks,
Karen O’Brien