All About Chaîne D'Ancre Club

[Toronto Carre]

This is the Tiffany bracelet I nearly lost when the toggle came undone. I use a tiny sterling silver safety pin for more security where the toggle and ring connect. It’s not as obvious looking when it’s not enlarged like this photo, and it gives me peace of mind.

View attachment 4501451

Smart. Thank you, Hermes Nuttynut.

 

[TheWhiteCamelia]

Hello everyone
I have joined this wonderful forum after falling in love with a Chaine d'Ancre bracelet, spotted on a stranger while walking downtown. My research on the bracelet led me here, and I am so grateful for finding TPF!
I am now considering buying a Chaine d'Ancre for myself, but I cannot make up my mind about what model to order. I am unable to visit a Hermes store, so I am hoping to get some insight from this wonderful group.
I am a petite woman, and my wrist is 5.9 inches around. I like a classic, sophisticated style, and while I often wear delicate jewelry, I also enjoy more substantial accessories. I am not sure whether I should order a small CdA bracelet, or a large one. I also don't know what length to pick. Both look very nice in the pictures in the H website, both equally classic and tasteful.
I would love to get your opinion, and maybe a few pictures of your own CdA on a fairly small wrist.
Thank you in advance for your lovely replies!

 

[wma]

Hello everyone
I have joined this wonderful forum after falling in love with a Chaine d'Ancre bracelet, spotted on a stranger while walking downtown. My research on the bracelet led me here, and I am so grateful for finding TPF!
I am now considering buying a Chaine d'Ancre for myself, but I cannot make up my mind about what model to order. I am unable to visit a Hermes store, so I am hoping to get some insight from this wonderful group.
I am a petite woman, and my wrist is 5.9 inches around. I like a classic, sophisticated style, and while I often wear delicate jewelry, I also enjoy more substantial accessories. I am not sure whether I should order a small CdA bracelet, or a large one. I also don't know what length to pick. Both look very nice in the pictures in the H website, both equally classic and tasteful.
I would love to get your opinion, and maybe a few pictures of your own CdA on a fairly small wrist.
Thank you in advance for your lovely replies!

Welcome! Chaîne d'Ancre bracelets are arguably my favourite bracelets. My wrist is 6.5 inches around so larger than yours but still relatively slim. I'll post a few quick photos I have readily on my phone and I will provide more thorough details and comparison photos in a follow-up post in a day or two. I have the PM, MM, GM and TGM bracelets. There is also a TPM bracelet that I keep going back and forth about ordering.

PM:

MM:
GM:
PM, MM, GM:

If you have specific photos you would like me to take, then please just let me know and I'll try to take a few. I'll include the TGM. I don't have any photos of it on my phone.

 

[ajaxbreaker]

Welcome! Chaîne d'Ancre bracelets are arguably my favourite bracelets. My wrist is 6.5 inches around so larger than yours but still relatively slim. I'll post a few quick photos I have readily on my phone and I will provide more thorough details and comparison photos in a follow-up post in a day or two. I have the PM, MM, GM and TGM bracelets. There is also a TPM bracelet that I keep going back and forth about ordering.

PM:
View attachment 4572383
MM: View attachment 4572384
GM: View attachment 4572385
PM, MM, GM:
View attachment 4572386
If you have specific photos you would like me to take, then please just let me know and I'll try to take a few. I'll include the TGM. I don't have any photos of it on my phone.

Wow, they look really cool lined up in order or size like that!

 

[TheWhiteCamelia]

Wow, they look really cool lined up in order or size like that!

Welcome! Chaîne d'Ancre bracelets are arguably my favourite bracelets. My wrist is 6.5 inches around so larger than yours but still relatively slim. I'll post a few quick photos I have readily on my phone and I will provide more thorough details and comparison photos in a follow-up post in a day or two. I have the PM, MM, GM and TGM bracelets. There is also a TPM bracelet that I keep going back and forth about ordering.

PM:
View attachment 4572383
MM: View attachment 4572384
GM: View attachment 4572385
PM, MM, GM:
View attachment 4572386
If you have specific photos you would like me to take, then please just let me know and I'll try to take a few. I'll include the TGM. I don't have any photos of it on my phone.

Toronto Carre, thank you SO much for the beautiful photos! It's extremely helpful to see the three bracelets lined up like that on your wrist! The PM and MM are definitely my favorite sizes, and I can see myself wearing either one of them on a daily basis, no matter what my outfit looks like. When you have the time, could you please post a photo of what the toggles look like in the three bracelets lined up on your wrist? The T-bar of the Chaine d'Ancre is probably the feature I'm most drawn to. I'm curious to see how it compares through the different models...
Thank you so much again for your post!!

 

[lemontart]

I have the necklace and haven't had any issues with it even with frequent wear - not once

I just bought the same necklace but haven't worn it yet. However, I would agree with you that there shouldn't be an issue as the bar is long and the opening to put the bar through is narrow so I don't think it would un-linked easily like the bracelets.

 

[TheWhiteCamelia]

Gosh, I meant to thank WMA in my previous post... Newbie mistake, I'm so sorry!

 

[tlamdang08]

This is the Tiffany bracelet I nearly lost when the toggle came undone. I use a tiny sterling silver safety pin for more security where the toggle and ring connect. It’s not as obvious looking when it’s not enlarged like this photo, and it gives me peace of mind.

View attachment 4501451

wow, thanks for sharing, I love this idea

 

[golconda]

Wow...just read about toggles coming loose. I have never had this problem. You know you can put bracele on in two different directions. One way the end with toggle end hangs down loose, sort of like a charm. If you put over your wrist in the opposite direction, the toggle stays pulled against the loop. Does this make sense? I wonder if one way is more secure. I would think the second way is more secure. Will try to post pic of what I mean.

Hard to explain, but if you try your bracelet in both directions, I think you will see what I mean. Picture has one wrapped in each direction.

 

[golconda]

hard to explain, but if you try your bracelet in both directions, I think you will see what I mean. Picture has one wrapped in each direction.

 

[wma]

Gosh, I meant to thank WMA in my previous post... Newbie mistake, I'm so sorry!

No worries, we've all made that mistake countless times. Here is the photo you requested although it isn't possible to line the toggles up on the wrist without them hitting each other so I've staggered them a bit. When I have more time, I'll try to wrap the bracelets around a rolled up towel so the toggles are lined up better.

I also took photos of the toggles separately, all four bracelets laid out and on my wrist (previous photo was missing the TGM).

PM, MM, GM (left to right):

PM:

MM:

GM:

PM, MM, GM, TGM (top to bottom):

PM, MM, GM, TGM (left to right):

 

[wma]

In addition to the photos, I took some measurements. I don't have a micrometer handy so the measurements are approximate but should help in choosing length.


The most useful data is the effective chain width and effective link length. The bracelets generally sit so the links are alternatively angled and the bracelet will look narrower than the link height. The effective link length is how much a bracelet will grow/shrink based on adding/removing a link and is very helpful with choosing a good length.

A few notes of interest:
1) I feel I should have gotten the 20 link PM bracelet. The 19 link bracelet fits reasonably well but the 20 link bracelet would have given a little more slack and a more relaxed look.
2) There needs to be sufficient slack so you can pull the toggle bar through the toggle ring or you end up tugging on the toggle bar hard and squeezing your wrist to get enough slack to complete the closure.
3) I also find if a bracelet doesn't have enough slack, the links tend to sit perpendicular on the wrist rather than alternatively angled like in my photos.
4) The GM bracelet is a bit of an odd bracelet out. The link shape is noticeably different from the other sizes (length/height ratio is quite different in addition to the shape). I have two GM bracelets bought 5 years apart (second one in 2019) but the links are the same shape. It can be seen in the photos.

Your wrist circumference is 0.6 inches less than mine so looking at the effective link lengths for each bracelet, a 17 or 18 link PM, a 14 or 15 link MM, a 12 link GM or a 11 link TGM would probably be good sizes for you. For the PM and MM, I would go 17 links or 14 links respectively if you prefer a more snug fit otherwise 18 links or 15 links respectively if you prefer a looser fit.

I hope this helps.

 

[wma]

With all of the photos and measurements, I forgot to provide my opinion. I think every size has its place and it really has more to do with how you dress (casual through to formal), the occasion and how much you want the bracelet to be noticed. Most women can get away with more showy jewellery than men can. The TGM is definitely a statement bracelet so it's less likely you would wear it every day unless you dress more formally or you want it to be noticed. Honestly, the other sizes can be worn every day in all situations. i do find the PM the best for making the least amount of noise so that's a nice bracelet for work. The GM size is the one I wear the most (that's why I have two now). I like the PM and MM more when I want to pair one with a nice leather bracelet (like a Kelly Double Tour, Goliath Double Tour, Mini Etrivière Four Tour, etc.). At the end of the day, you should choose a size that you will want to wear every day.

 

[TheWhiteCamelia]

With all of the photos and measurements, I forgot to provide my opinion. I think every size has its place and it really has more to do with how you dress (casual through to formal), the occasion and how much you want the bracelet to be noticed. Most women can get away with more showy jewellery than men can. The TGM is definitely a statement bracelet so it's less likely you would wear it every day unless you dress more formally or you want it to be noticed. Honestly, the other sizes can be worn every day in all situations. i do find the PM the best for making the least amount of noise so that's a nice bracelet for work. The GM size is the one I wear the most (that's why I have two now). I like the PM and MM more when I want to pair one with a nice leather bracelet (like a Kelly Double Tour, Goliath Double Tour, Mini Etrivière Four Tour, etc.). At the end of the day, you should choose a size that you will want to wear every day.

WMA, I cannot thank you enough for your amazing review of the bracelets... You went above and beyond with your photos and notes, and answered all of my questions so thoroughly! I appreciate everything you did immensely

I keep going back and forth between the MM and GM - I feel like the MM would be a good everyday option, something that would easily pair with a blouse and pencil skirt (something I'm frequently in) as well as a more relaxed outfit. But then I look at the GM toggle and my heart melts It's such a beautiful statement piece!

As for the length of the bracelet, I called Hermes a couple of days ago and they suggested that the MM would work best in the 13-link length for me. But looking at your chart (and invaluable comments!) I'm now thinking that the next size up may actually work better! I do want the bracelet to have a bit of slack, so that the links can sit on my wrist properly and have that relaxed look.

Since I am unable to visit the boutique, I think I'll most likely wait for the 14-link MM to be back in stock online (I'm in the US) and then see how that works for me. I figure I can always return it and exchange it for a different size.

Unless I start looking at too many pictures of the GM and make a spur-of-the-moment purchase, since my desired length is already available

Once again, thank you for your incredible review of the bracelets, WMA! You have a wonderful collection, and your detailed replies have been extremely helpful!

 

[wma]

WMA, I cannot thank you enough for your amazing review of the bracelets... You went above and beyond with your photos and notes, and answered all of my questions so thoroughly! I appreciate everything you did immensely

I keep going back and forth between the MM and GM - I feel like the MM would be a good everyday option, something that would easily pair with a blouse and pencil skirt (something I'm frequently in) as well as a more relaxed outfit. But then I look at the GM toggle and my heart melts It's such a beautiful statement piece!

As for the length of the bracelet, I called Hermes a couple of days ago and they suggested that the MM would work best in the 13-link length for me. But looking at your chart (and invaluable comments!) I'm now thinking that the next size up may actually work better! I do want the bracelet to have a bit of slack, so that the links can sit on my wrist properly and have that relaxed look.

Since I am unable to visit the boutique, I think I'll most likely wait for the 14-link MM to be back in stock online (I'm in the US) and then see how that works for me. I figure I can always return it and exchange it for a different size.

Unless I start looking at too many pictures of the GM and make a spur-of-the-moment purchase, since my desired length is already available

Once again, thank you for your incredible review of the bracelets, WMA! You have a wonderful collection, and your detailed replies have been extremely helpful!

I'm happy to have helped you. The bracelets are expensive so you want to choose one you'll wear often. The MM is the most versatile for smaller wrists/hands. The smaller links allows for better fit for more people. A better fit usually means the bracelet won't make as much noise which I like when I'm at work. The GM was my first CdA so it'll always be special. I find the GM's longer links compared to their height and thickness gives an airy looking chain with more "white space" per link. The other bracelets have shorter links compared to their height and thickness and they feel more tightly knit so to speak. It should be easy to see that with the two comparison photos.

The TGM is the only version that I feel is sensitive to outfits because it is a beefy chain. You'd be fine with either MM or GM for the majority if not all of your wardrobe. I know what you mean about the beauty of the GM toggle. I won't be mean to you and post a photo of the TGM toggle. LOL

I wouldn't disagree that a 13 link length may be better for you. The measurements are just a starting point because the shape/size of the top of your hand is more important than your wrist measurement because the bracelet needs to drape around the top of your hand. If you have a slender hand, a shorter length would work better. It also matters if you are planning to wear the bracelet with other bracelets often. If the CdA sits very low, there may be a bit too much gap between bracelets. My 19 link PM sits okay when alone but I think a 20 link PM would be better. However I like how the 19 link PM sits with other bracelets and I think a 20 link PM would have too much separation.

The refund policy for online purchases is good so if you can swing the purchase of 13 and 14 link bracelets, you could compare them head to head and return the one you don't like.

From a male's perspective, I think the MM looks better than the GM on female wrists. I like the tighter knit links because they reflect light better. The "white space" of the GM links takes away from that effect. As I said, the GM is kind of the odd one out of the family.

Again, I'm so glad that I could help out. I'm looking forward to seeing you post photos of your future bracelet.