A cuff bracelet is a rigid band with a gap at one side. The wearer slides the narrowest part of the wrist through the gap instead of pushing the hand through a closed circle. Because of that gap, a cuff is sized by its inner length and the width of the opening, and it can be gently squeezed or opened a little to fit.
Cuffs are popular in Western fashion jewellery and in Indo-Western styles, and Rajkot workshops make them in brass, copper and alloy with gold, silver, rose gold and oxidised finishes.
Cuff, bangle and kada
A bangle is a closed circle that goes over the hand, sized by its inner diameter. A kada is a heavier bangle, usually thicker and often with an opening screw or hinge. A cuff has a permanent gap and no clasp. The three are often confused in supplier catalogues, so describe the closure you want in words, not only by name.
How cuffs are sized
- Inner length: the measurement along the inside of the band from one end to the other. This should be roughly the wearer's wrist circumference minus the gap.
- Opening: the gap between the two ends. Around 2.5 to 3 cm suits most adult wrists; narrower gaps grip better but are harder to put on.
- Width of the band: from thin stacking cuffs of a few millimetres to wide statement cuffs of several centimetres.
- Shape: oval cuffs sit better on the wrist than round ones, so many makers form them slightly oval.
Standard sizes for export
Most fashion brands sell cuffs as one size, aimed at an average adult wrist of about 15 to 17 cm, and rely on the slight flexibility of the band. If you sell into markets with a wide range of wrist sizes, consider small, medium and large versions, or describe the inner length and gap on the listing so customers can check against their own wrist.
What to check on samples
- The band can be opened and closed a few times without cracking or losing plating at the bend.
- The ends are smooth and rounded, with no sharp edges that catch on skin or clothes.
- The plating is even on the inside of the band, where it rubs against the skin.
- Wide cuffs are light enough to wear all day; hollow or stamped construction helps.
- Engraving or stone settings stay intact after the band is flexed.
What this means for a buyer
Write the inner length, gap, width and finish into your specification, and test the flex on the sample before you approve it. If you also buy closed bangles, compare the size systems side by side so your listings do not mix them up.
Creston & Co works for buyers only, for a fixed fee agreed in writing. We check samples against your sizes, inspect plating and finish, and supervise packing. Start with a free sourcing review.