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I love shopping online, but even I know that it creates some challenges that are never an issue when you're going to a physical store location. One of the trickiest things to buy is bracelets. Here are some tips for getting the perfect length bracelet, so you never have to worry about exchanges and modifications.

Get a piece of string and a ruler or tape measure. Start by measuring snugly around your wrist - be sure to measure the start of the arm, and not the indented point just below your hand. Add half an inch to the number - this is the smallest you will be able to wear a bracelet. That extra half inch will give you just enough room to latch a clasp, and avoid pinching when you're wearing your bracelet.

Now consider how you like to wear your bracelets. If you like them snug, buy bracelets at your minimum, perfect length. Don't like them too snug? Add half an inch. Like to wear them a loose, but not so they fall over your hand? Just add another half inch. Like them sitting right down over your hand when your arms are by your sides? Add a final half inch.

Here it is with an example: My wrist measures 7", so my perfect bracelet length is 7.5".

I don't like my bracelets too tight, so with an extra half inch, 8" is perfect for most bracelets. I don't like bracelets sitting too far down my hand, so the maximum is 7.5" + .5" +.5"= 8.5".

Some final tips:

• a chunky bracelet or thick chain maille weave will take up more room, so add half an inch on top of what you expect the preferred length to be
• Bracelets with complicated clasps will probably need extra room to navigate
• Toggles work by drawing one end through the other, so add at least a half to full inch to allow for the mechanism

Of course, the easiest thing to do is take one of your favorite bracelets and measure it. However, keep in mind that if you measure with a very fine chain it's much like your original piece of string, and thicker designs will need some extra room.

If you're buying bracelets as a gift, secretly borrow and measure your friend's bracelet. If the bracelet has a large, interlocking clasp, be sure not to measure its length twice - one side will be hidden inside the other. If you can't get hold of a bracelet to measure, the average length is 7" for a bracelet.

Ask your jeweler if they can add an extender chain to the bracelet design and get the perfect fit every time.