Here are some methods for finding your correct size jade bangle when you cannot try it on first.

Before I tell you how to measure for a jade bangle, I want you to keep in mind that a jade or jadeite bangle bracelet will break if it is dropped or hits something hard. One time when I was with a tour group in China, one of the women purchased a beautiful jade bangle for $100. When she took it off that evening, she dropped it on the bathroom floor and it broke into several pieces! There is a saying about jade, that it protects the wearer, and that each crack in the jade is a time that the jade protected the person who wore it. But you don't want to break your jade bangle.

If you wear your jade bangle close to your wrist, it will not "clunk around" as much as a larger one will. This is important if you plan to wear it all the time. If you really like the feel of a big bangle that easily slips over your hand, then consider purchasing one that you will wear only for special occasions, or purchase one that is reasonably inexpensive and won't break your heart of if does break.

Also consider wearing your jade bangle on your non-dominant hand. For example, if you are right handed, wear it on your left hand because you don't use that hand as often and it will receive less abuse. I didn't like my bangle clunking against my watch, so I now wear my watch on my right wrist.

The easiest way to find your jade bangle size is to decide which wrist you will wear your bangle. Place your hand on a flat surface. Then measure between the highest points, which are the middle of of the knuckle, of your first and fourth knuckles. This is your bangle size. See illustration below. This shows the points on your knuckle you should measure between. When you measure. place your hand FLAT on a flat surface, then measure the distance between the points.

Another method is using a measuring tape to measure your hand . Squeeze your hand together TIGHT. Measure the widest part of the hand The average size is about 7" - 8.0"

THEN, when you think you know your size, take a piece of cardboard or a plastic lid (for example a yogurt container, or coffee can lid) and with a ruler draw a line the diameter of the bangle you think will fit. Cut a round circle and put your hand through it. This will give you a better idea how it will fit.

The mathematical formula to convert a bracelet size is this: divide the circumference of a bracelet (or the length of a bracelet) by 3.14, then multiply by 25.4. This will give you the mm size of the diameter, which is the standard way bangles are measured. When you see the size "60 mm inside/ diameter" that's what it means. But keep in mind that if you are trying to convert from a straight line bracelet, it should be one that you could slide over your wrist if it were fastened.

Approximate chain bracelet equivalent sizes:

• 6" bracelet = 49-52 mm
• 6 1/2" bracelet = 53-55mm
• 7" bracelet = 56-58mm
• 7 1/2" bracelet = 60-62mm
• 8" bracelet = 64-66mm

Jade bangles are either flat or rounded on the inside, and whether one is more comfortable than the other is a matter of personal preference. The rounded ones that fit close to your wrist will stimulate your acupressure points constantly to improve health.

Slender jade bangles fit like a mm larger, and bangles wider than 13mm fit like a mm smaller.