How to Choose the Perfect Cape Cod Bracelet: Styles, Sizes, and Metals
There's something special about strolling along Lighthouse Beach with the Atlantic breeze in your hair, feeling totally at peace. A Cape Cod bracelet captures that exact feeling and lets you wear it on your wrist every day. It's not just jewelry, it's a little piece of coastal heaven you get to carry with you everywhere.
Here at LEXACO, we've helped countless customers find their perfect Cape Cod bracelet match. Whether you're a Cape local, a summer visitor, or someone who just loves that coastal New England style, we've got the insider scoop on choosing the bracelet that'll have you smiling every time you glance at your wrist.
Cape Cod Screwball Bracelet: The Iconic Original
Let's start with the classic – the Cape Cod screwball bracelet. If Cape Cod bracelets were a family, this would be the beloved grandparent that started it all. The design is beautifully simple: a sterling silver band with that signature gold ball clasp that catches the light just right.
What makes the screwball design so special is the ingenious ball-and-socket closure. Not only does it look stunning with that contrast between silver and gold, but it's also incredibly secure. You know that panic when you realize your favorite bracelet has slipped off somewhere? Not happening with a proper screwball design.
The key to choosing your perfect screwball bracelet is finding the right tension. It should slide over your wrist bone with a gentle push but stay securely in place once it's on. Too loose, and it'll spin around or slip off. Too tight, and you'll be constantly taking it on and off when your wrist gets warm.
Cape Cod Cuff Bracelet: Modern Sibling with Attitude
If the screwball bracelet is the beloved classic, think of the Cape Cod cuff bracelet as its slightly edgier, more modern sibling. The cuff design makes a bolder statement while still maintaining that quintessential Cape Cod elegance.
Cuff bracelets offer more surface area, which means more opportunity for personalization and design elements. Some feature textured finishes that mimic ripples of sand after the tide retreats. Others incorporate coastal-inspired elements like nautical rope patterns or wave designs.
One of our customers – a local artist from Provincetown – wears her sterling silver cuff with wave detailing as her everyday signature piece. She says it's like wearing the ocean with her, even when she's traveling far from home.
Choosing the right cuff comes down to wrist shape as much as size. If you have a smaller wrist, look for a narrower cuff that won't overwhelm your frame. Larger wrists can support wider cuffs that make more of a statement.
Metals Matter: Finding Your Perfect Match
When it comes to your Cape Cod bracelet, the metal choice isn't just about looks – it's about lifestyle, skin sensitivity, and how you plan to wear it.
Sterling Silver: The quintessential Cape Cod bracelet material, sterling silver offers that bright, classic look that pairs beautifully with the gold ball clasp. Silver develops a gorgeous patina over time, especially with regular exposure to salt water. Many Cape Cod bracelet enthusiasts actually love this natural aging process – it's like your bracelet is collecting memories along with you.
Gold and Two-Tone Options: For those who prefer warmer tones, gold Cape Cod bracelets offer undeniable luxury. The gold ball clasp on a gold band creates a seamless, elevated look that transitions effortlessly from beach days to elegant dinners.
Two-tone designs – typically sterling silver with gold accents beyond just the ball clasp – offer fantastic versatility. They'll coordinate with whatever other jewelry you're wearing, so you never have to choose between your silver earrings or gold necklace.
Finding Your Perfect Fit
The most beautiful Cape Cod bracelet in the world won't bring you joy if it doesn't fit right. Here are our tried-and-true tips for finding your perfect match:
Measure at the end of the day when your wrist is at its largest
Consider your activities – if you're on paddleboards every weekend, you might want a slightly snugger fit
Try on multiple sizes – what looks right on paper doesn't always feel right on your wrist
At LEXACO, we take fitting seriously. We'll have you try on different sizes while moving your wrist around to ensure the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
Caring for Your Cape Cod Bracelet
The beauty of Cape Cod bracelets is that they're made to be lived in. Unlike delicate pieces you save for special occasions, these bracelets get better with wear. Many locals wear their bracelets swimming, boating, gardening – you name it.
A gentle rinse with warm soapy water after beach days helps remove salt residue. And while it's tempting to never take it off (many of our customers don't!), removing it for heavy cleaning tasks will extend its life.
Whether you're drawn to the classic elegance of the screwball design or the bold statement of a textured cuff, your perfect Cape Cod bracelet is waiting for you at LEXACO. Stop by our Harwich Port boutique at 537 Main Street where we'll help you find the style, size, and metal that feels like it was made just for you.