Cuffs are open at the back — a C rather than a closed circle — and slide on from the side of the wrist. These are in solid .925 sterling silver.
Why a cuff
The gap at the back is the whole point. It lets the cuff go on sideways rather than over the hand, which makes it the easiest style to put on unaided, and it gives a little tolerance in fit that a closed bangle cannot. A cuff also shows more metal and more surface design than a link bracelet, which is why the boldest pieces in most collections are cuffs.
Fine-gauge cuffs can be eased open and closed gently with the hands to adjust the gap. Do it rarely and slowly, supporting both arms of the cuff — repeated flexing work-hardens metal and eventually cracks it. Heavy cuffs should not be adjusted at home at all; a jeweller has the tools to do it without stressing the piece.
Getting the size right
Measure around your wrist bone and subtract about an inch for the gap. Most cuffs are sized to an average adult wrist and worn with the opening at the underside. Sit it above the wrist bone rather than on it, where it will turn less and feel lighter than it is.
About the metal
Solid .925 sterling silver — 92.5% pure silver with copper added for strength, stamped .925, never a plated or silver-tone base metal. Some pieces carry a rhodium finish, which slows tarnish; the silver underneath is unchanged.
Care
Silver tarnishes in air and it reverses — a polishing cloth lifts it in seconds, and a piece worn often tarnishes far less than one left in a box. For a textured or woven surface, a soft toothbrush with warm water and a drop of dish soap reaches what a cloth cannot. Dry fully and store in a closed pouch. Off before a chlorinated pool.
Related collections
See also hinged bangles in 14k yellow gold, bangles in sterling silver, cuff bracelets in stainless steel, flexible bangles in sterling silver, hinged bangles in 14k white gold, all bracelets and anklets.
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