Frequently Asked Questions

To Measure is To Know

How do I know my ring size?

There are several ways to measure your ring size, depending on whether you already have a well-fitting ring or are starting from scratch.

1. With a well-fitting ring (fastest method)

Take a ring that already fits well on the correct finger.

  • Measure the inner diameter with a ruler in millimeters.

Tip : Measure as precisely as possible; half a millimeter can make a difference in wearing comfort!

2. With a measuring tape or string (if you don't have a ring)

  • Wrap a thin piece of string or strip of paper tightly around the finger where the ring will go.
  • Make sure it is tight enough , but not pinching.
  • Mark the point where the string overlaps and measure the length in millimeters.

This is the circumference of your finger and corresponds to your ring size (for example 54 mm = size 54).

Please note : Your fingers may swell slightly during the day due to heat or moisture. Therefore, measure in the evening for the most accurate size.

Which chain length suits me?

How a necklace falls depends on your height and the thickness of your neck.
If you want to be sure how a certain length will look on you, use a piece of string to see how a necklace will fall.

  • Choker (35-40 cm) – Closes tightly around the neck.
  • Princess (42-50 cm) – The most classic length, falls just below the
    clavicle.
  • Matinee (50-60 cm) – Ideal for a slightly longer, elegant look.
  • Opera (70-90 cm) – A longer necklace that you can playfully knot or wear double.
  • Rope (90+ cm) – Super versatile! Wear it long or as a double chain.

How do you determine the size of your bracelet?

1 - Measure your wrist circumference

You measure your wrist below the knuckle on your arm with a measuring tape.

If you don't have a measuring tape, use a piece of string and a ruler to measure the string.

Make sure that you do not pull the measuring tape or string tightly around your wrist, but only snugly.

2 - Determine the length

Once you have measured the circumference of your wrist, you can move on to determining the length of the bracelet.

The length of the bracelet depends on your wrist circumference but also on how you wear it.
want to wear a bracelet.
One person may like to wear a bracelet tightly, while another may prefer a loose bracelet.

For a tight fitting bracelet add 1.5 cm, for a normal fitting bracelet add 1.5 cm.
bracelet 2cm and a spacious 3cm.

3 - Example

My wrist circumference is 16cm so the lengths for my wrist are:

  • Tight bracelet: 16 cm + 1.5 cm = 17.5 cm
  • Normal bracelet: 16 cm + 2 cm = 18 cm
  • Wide bracelet: 16 cm + 3 cm = 19 cm

How do you determine the size of your bangle bracelet?

A bangle bracelet is a stiff bracelet without a clasp. The size is not determined by the circumference of your wrist, but by the widest part of your hand.

1 - Make your hand as narrow as possible

Bring your thumb and pinky toward each other, as if you were putting a bangle on your hand.

2 - Measure the widest spot
Use a tape measure or ruler to measure the inside measurement of your hand (from knuckle to knuckle across the widest point).

3 - Compare with standard sizes

Most bangles have an inner diameter of:

  • S : 5.7 cm (small hands)
  • M : 6.3 cm (average size)
  • L : 6.8 cm (larger hands)

Tip: If you already have a bangle that fits well, you can lay it flat and measure the inside diameter.

How do you determine the size of your cuff bracelet?

With an open bangle or cuff bracelet, not only the wrist circumference is important, but especially the width and thickness of the wrist , because you do not slide the bracelet over your hand, but across the wrist
applies.

1 - Measure the width of your wrist

  • Place a ruler or measuring tape flat on the top of your wrist
  • Measure from one side to the other, where the bracelet will sit.
  • This gives you an indication of the inner size of the bracelet.

2 – Measure the thickness of your wrist

This is especially important with wider cuffs.

A full, round wrist needs more room than a flat, narrow wrist.

3 – Consider the opening

Most open bracelets have an opening of 2.5 - 3.5 cm .

An opening that is too small will make it difficult to put on the bracelet, an opening that is too large may cause it to slip off.

4 - How to choose the right size?

The inner size of the bracelet should approximately match the width of your wrist.

  • S : ±5 cm wide, opening ±2.5 cm
  • M : ±5.5 cm wide, opening ±3 cm
  • L : ±6 cm wide, opening ±3.5 cm

If you already have an open bangle that fits well, lay it flat and measure the inside diameter and opening to compare with a new bracelet.

With a cuff that is slightly flexible, you can adjust it slightly, but bend with
policy—too much force can weaken or break the metal.

About Metal

What is an alloy?

Pure silver and gold are naturally too soft to last as jewellery, so they are mixed with other metals, such as copper, to make them stronger and more durable.

This composition is an alloy .

The composition of an alloy determines the color and properties of the jewellery. For example, rose gold gets its warm hue from extra copper and white gold becomes lighter from, for example, palladium (formerly nickel).

Silver is also mixed with copper.

These alloys allow jewellery to last for generations!

What is the difference between Silver fineness 800, 835, 925?

These numbers indicate how much pure silver is in the alloy, expressed in parts per 1000 .
Because pure silver is too soft for jewellery, it is mixed with other metals (usually copper) to make it stronger and more durable.

The silver content is indicated in the stamp on the jewellery:


  • 800 silver = 80% silver, 20% other metals

  • 835 silver = 83.5% silver, 16.5% other metals

  • 925 silver (sterling silver) = 92.5% silver, 7.5% other metals

There are many other finenesses, such as 830, 875, 950, etc. The fineness depends on the country and the period in which the jewellery was made.
For example, old jewellery is often made of 800 and 835 silver.

The higher the silver content, the more valuable (relative to the metal) the jewellery and the less quickly it discolors.

What is the difference between 8, 9, 10, 14 and 18 karat gold and is that the same as fineness?

Carat (kt) indicates how much pure gold is in an alloy, expressed in parts per 24.
The gold content is the same but expressed in parts per 1000 .

Because gold is a soft metal on its own, it is mixed with other metals such as copper, silver or palladium to make it stronger and influence its color.

The most common gold alloys:

  • 8 carat = Content 333 → 33.3% gold, 66.7% other metals (e.g. Germany)
  • 9 carat = Content 375 → 37.5% gold, 62.5% other metals (e.g. UK)
  • 10 carat = Content 417 → 41.7% gold, 58.3% other metals (e.g. VS)
  • 14 carat = Content 585 → 58.5% gold, 41.5% other metals (e.g. Netherlands)
  • 18 carat = Content 750 → 75% gold, 25% other metals (e.g. Belgium)

The higher the carat, the more pure gold the jewelry contains – but also the softer and more fragile it is. 8 and 9 carat are sturdier and less susceptible to scratches, while 18 carat has a deeper golden glow and oxidizes less quickly.

What is oxidation?

Oxidation is a natural chemical reaction in which a metal reacts with oxygen, moisture or other substances in the air. This can cause a tarnish or discoloration on jewelry.

Silver in particular is sensitive to oxidation, which can cause it to darken or turn black, but gold can also oxidize.

Is oxidation the same as rust?

No.

Rust occurs in iron and breaks down the metal. Oxidation in silver or gold is a superficial deposit and can be easily removed.

How can I prevent oxidation?

Oxidation can rarely be completely prevented , but the following tips can limit it:

  • Store in a dry place – preferably airtight
  • Avoid moisture and chemicals (such as perfume and soap)
  • Wear regularly

How do I remove oxidation?

You can easily remove superficial deposits with the supplied silver polishing cloth .

Allergy

I have a nickel allergy. Can I wear Feniks jewellery?

That depends!
Because all our jewellery is vintage , we don't always know exactly which metals are in the alloy. Do you want to know for sure if there is nickel in it? Then I will gladly test that for you!

Send an email to info@feniksjewellery.com with the jewel that makes your heart beat faster, and I will check it for you. That way you know for sure that you can wear it without worries!

Which jewellery can contain nickel?

Nickel can be found in silver and white gold.

Can you still be allergic to another metal?

There are other metals that can react, but they are less common .

One of these is copper . This can leave a green discoloration on the skin of some people, especially if you sweat a lot. This is a chemical reaction, not an allergy!

Copper is incorporated in silver, yellow gold and rose gold.