Jewellery for sensitive skin: what to look for and what to avoid
If jewellery irritates your skin, the material is often the reason. Here is what to look for when buying, how to test a new piece and when to get advice.
Jewellery guides · 5 November 2026
Wrap a soft tape or string around your wrist just below the wrist bone, note the length, then add about 1 cm for a snug fit, 1.5 to 2 cm for a regular fit and 2.5 cm or more for a loose fit.
The short answer: measure your wrist with a soft tape or a piece of string just below the wrist bone, then add about 1 cm for a snug fit, 1.5 to 2 cm for a regular fit, or 2.5 cm or more for a loose bracelet.
| Fit | Add to wrist measurement |
|---|---|
| Snug | about 1 cm |
| Regular | 1.5 to 2 cm |
| Loose | 2.5 cm or more |
Each bracelet shows its length or size. Compare it to your measurement rather than guessing by clothing size. Ring too? See how to measure ring size at home.
A cuff or bangle should slide over the hand and then stay near the wrist. A chain should hang loosely enough to turn slightly. If you wear a watch, add about 0.5 cm so the two pieces do not press on each other. Our capsule guide suggests a slim bracelet as an easy first piece.
Wrist sizes vary. Measure yours rather than relying on averages.
It should be comfortable. You should be able to slide a finger underneath without the bracelet falling off your hand.
Yes. Measure the widest part of your hand, because the bangle must pass over it.
Choose the larger size for chain bracelets with extenders, or the smaller for stretch styles.
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If jewellery irritates your skin, the material is often the reason. Here is what to look for when buying, how to test a new piece and when to get advice.
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