Men's gold bracelets: link styles, fit and what to check

A gold bracelet is one of the easiest ways for a man to wear gold every day. It goes with a T-shirt or a work shirt, sits on its own or on the other wrist from a watch, and, made well, lasts for decades.

The bracelet in our Instagram post is a broad, flexible style: rows of small gold links laid like brickwork, closer to a metal watch strap than to a chain, with soft-finished links and bright edges. Here is how to choose a men's gold bracelet, from the link style to the fit.

The main link styles

• Curb. Flattened, interlocking links that lie flat on the wrist: the classic men's chain bracelet. A Cuban link is a heavier, rounder curb.
• Figaro. A curb with a rhythm: a few short links, then one long one, repeated.
• Rope. Small links twisted into a spiral that catches the light from every angle.
• Box. Square links that form a smooth, square-sided chain.
• Byzantine. An intricate, woven-looking pattern with plenty of texture.
• Mariner. Oval links with a bar across the middle of each, sometimes called anchor links.
• Brick link. A broad band of small links set in a staggered brick pattern, like the bracelet in our post; it is also called a watch-link bracelet. It sits on the wrist like a watch strap and is made to be worn on its own.

Chain styles look much the same on a bracelet as on a necklace, so if you like a chain you already wear, a matching bracelet is an easy choice.

How wide should it be?

Width is mostly about proportion. A slim chain bracelet sits quietly beside a watch, while a broad link or brick-style bracelet is a statement piece. A broader wrist carries a wider bracelet well. Width also changes the price: a wider bracelet usually uses more gold, and gold is priced by weight.

How to measure your wrist

1. Wrap a soft tape measure, or a strip of paper, around your wrist just below the wrist bone, where the bracelet will sit. Keep it snug but not tight.
2. Mark where it overlaps, then measure the length in centimetres.
3. Add about 1.5 to 2.5 cm for a comfortable fit. Go to the top of that range for a broad or heavy bracelet, whose links take up room on the inside. When it is on, you should be able to slide one or two fingers underneath.

Too loose, and the bracelet slides over your hand and catches on things; too tight, and it pinches, especially in the heat. If you are buying a gift, borrow a bracelet that already fits them and measure it end to end, including the clasp.

Clasps

• Box clasp. A flat tongue that clicks into a box, often with a figure-of-eight safety catch on the side. It is a secure choice for broad and heavier bracelets.
• Lobster clasp. A spring-loaded hook, common on chain bracelets.

Whichever it is, a bracelet clasp should have a second lock, such as a safety catch. Check that it closes firmly, and try fastening it yourself with one hand before you buy. That is how you will put it on every morning.

Why 916 gold for a bracelet?

A bracelet takes more knocks than almost any other piece: against desks, laptops and door frames, with links that rub together every time you move. Pure 24K (999) gold is very soft, so fine links scratch and stretch faster. 916 gold is 91.6% pure, the same as 22 karat, with a little silver and copper that make it stronger, so links and clasps keep their shape while the gold keeps its rich colour. That is why 916 is the usual choice for everyday Indian gold bracelets. For the details, read 916 or 999? Gold purity explained.

Broad bracelets can be made solid or hollow, which changes the weight, the price and how well they stand up to knocks. See solid, hollow or gold-plated?

What to check before you buy

1. Is it stamped? Ask to see the purity mark.
2. How much does it weigh? The weight of the gold should be written on your receipt.
3. Solid or hollow? Ask, especially with broad styles.
4. Does the clasp feel secure? Look for a safety catch or a second lock.
5. How is the price made up? A fair quote shows the gold value (the day's rate times the weight), the making charge and GST as separate lines. See how to check a gold price quote.
6. Does it fit? Try it on, or bring the measurement.

Wearing it with a watch

Metal against metal scuffs both, and gold, being softer than steel, usually comes off worse. Leave a small gap between the bracelet and the watch, or wear them on opposite wrists. Take it off for the gym, swimming and heavy work, and see how to clean gold jewellery to keep it bright.

See it in person

To see the bracelet from our post, or to try bracelets on your own wrist, visit Minora Jewels at 142 Dunlop Street, inside Haniffa, in Little India, a few minutes from Little India (NE7, DT12) and Rochor (DT13) MRT stations. We are open every day from 10.30am to 9.30pm, and you can walk in without an appointment. Ask us for its weight and today's price. Designs change as new pieces arrive, so follow @minorajewels to see what is new, and check today's gold rate before you come.