If the hand is short or if for any reason the nails are worn short, the bracelet should be set somewhat higher on the arm. This will permit the wrist to blend with the hand in such a way as to give an effect of length, counteracting any stubbiness at the fingertips.
For the Heavier Wrist
A heavy wrist should be adorned with a chunky, three-dimensional bracelet. Similarly, if the arm is heavy, the bracelet should be of a bulky, built-out design. In general, the bulkier and the higher built the bracelet, the smaller will seem the unit of wrist and hand. Wearing the bracelet higher on the arm will draw the eyes upward away from the wrist and tend to minimize any thickness. If the wristbone is prominent, a plain bracelet should be avoided. Grace will be added by a bracelet studded with bright stones.
Fitting a Bracelet
The stiff bangle bracelet must be fitted to the contour of the arm, so that it will be comfortable and will stay in the proper place. Arms have many subtle differences; their contours are variously pleasing, according to the coordination of length, bone structure, thickness and rounding curvature. The position of such a bracelet should be decided when it is bought, and it should then be fitted to that place upon the arm. It should be tight enough to prevent sliding or turning, yet not tight enough to make the arm bulge on either side. The bracelet should be carefully tested for its place, as it is difficult and costly to alter.
If a bracelet is to be worn over the sleeve of a dress, again care must be taken to see that it is loose enough to slide and to lie comfortably. Neither a bracelet around the arm nor a belt around the waist should seem too confining. Any tightness, as with the olden hour-glass corsets, belongs below the surface. Trimness, not strain, is beauty’s accordant sign.
General Thoughts
A bracelet should not be worn over a glove, unless the glove is to remain on for the entire evening.
Although gold as well as platinum may form the setting for a diamond bracelet, a gold bracelet and a platinum one should not be worn together.
Note that more than one bracelet (unless all are of very similar design) is no more flattering a decoration than a single one. Several of much the same sort may form a wide-banded unit; different designs will suggest confusion and clash.