How to Choose the Right Jewelry Size: A Simple Guide (With mm vs inches explained)

How to Choose the Right Jewelry Size: A Simple Guide (With mm vs inches explained)

Finding the perfect jewelry size can be confusing — especially when products are shown close-up in photos. This guide will help you understand how sizing works so you can order with confidence and love how your pieces look when they arrive.

⭐ Quick takeaway:
Jewelry measurements are always listed in millimeters (mm), not inches.
1 inch = 25.4 mm


Why Jewelry Uses Millimeters

Jewelry pieces are very small, so millimeters give a more accurate measurement than inches.

Examples:

3 mm = small, subtle stud

6 mm = medium everyday size

10 mm = larger, statement stud


Many customers accidentally use an inch ruler, and think the tiny lines are millimeters — they’re not. The small lines on an inch ruler are 1/16 of an inch, not mm.


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What Different Sizes Look Like

If you’re shopping for stud earrings, here’s a visual guide:

Size    Visual description

3–4 mm    Dainty, minimal, second-hole size
5–6 mm    Everyday classic size
7–8 mm    Bold and noticeable
9–10 mm    Statement sparkle


💡 Tip: If you want them to stand out in photos or selfies, 6 mm and up is a good choice.


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How to Measure at Home

📏 The easiest trick:

Use a coin.

A dime is about 18 mm

A pencil eraser is about 7 mm

A rice grain is about 5–6 mm


Place the jewelry size next to one of those objects in your mind — it helps!


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Common Mistake: Zoomed Photos

Professional and Etsy photos are magnified to show detail.

This can make jewelry look bigger than it really is.
Always check the measurement in the description, not just the photos.


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Necklace Length Guide

Necklaces are measured in inches, not mm.

Length    Where it sits

14–16”    Collarbone
18”    Everyday length
20–22”    Slightly longer
24–30”    Long, layering


Pro tip: Layer two different lengths for a stylish look.


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Rings and Bracelets

For rings:

Use a ring sizer

Or measure with a string and ruler


For bracelets:

Measure your wrist

Add ½ inch to 1 inch for comfort

 

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Sizing Summary

✔ Jewelry sizes are listed in millimeters
✔ 1 inch = 25.4 mm
✔ Photos are zoomed — always read the measurement
✔ Coin comparison makes it easy
✔ Necklace lengths are in inches


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Why Correct Sizing Matters

With gemstones, every millimeter makes a difference:

Sparkle

Coverage

Comfort

Weight

Look in photos


The right size helps you pick the perfect piece you’ll wear every day.


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Final Tip: When in doubt… ask!

If you’re unsure, send a quick message. We’re always happy to help you choose the right size before purchasing — no guesswork needed.

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