A name bracelet is not chosen only for its word: the material, the thickness of the wire and the lettering style change everything on the wrist. Since 2014, Atelier Paulin has handcrafted bracelets in Paris where each name is sculpted into the precious wire, never engraved. This guide answers the practical questions we are asked most often: which material lasts best day to day, how many letters fit on a piece, how much time to allow before giving it. It also details the differences between 925 sterling silver, gold-filled and 18k gold, so that the choice rests on facts, not intuition.
What exactly is a handcrafted name bracelet?
A handcrafted name bracelet is a precious wire folded and sculpted by hand to form the letters of a word, a name or a date, rather than a plate engraved afterwards. The gesture starts from a continuous wire: the artisan handcrafts it letter after letter, then the whole piece goes through a final work hardening, a cold working that restores the metal's shape memory and its resistance in daily wear. This step is done on the entire piece, not letter by letter, which explains how well the bracelet holds up over time.
The lettering is entirely in cursive, lowercase, except for the “J” at the start of a word, which takes a capital. Accents, apostrophes and special characters are not handcrafted at present; spaces, however, can be added on request. Symbols are also possible on request, to be specified when ordering.
As for materials, there are three options: 925 sterling silver, 14k gold-filled (yellow or rose only, there is no white version) and 18k gold (yellow, rose or white). To see the models available with this level of personalization, the personalized bracelets collection brings together all the pieces that can be handcrafted to order.
925 sterling silver, gold-filled or 18k gold: which material for which use
The choice of material depends mainly on how the bracelet is worn day to day. 925 sterling silver and 14k gold-filled ship within 24 to 48 working hours and suit frequent wear, including in the shower or while sleeping. Gold-filled is one and the same material, whether it is called “gold-filled” or “14k gold-filled (585/1000)”: the shine of this gold layer is guaranteed for life, an exception in our warranty policy.
18k gold (750/1000) takes a longer shipping time, within 1 to 3 working days. It comes in three tints: yellow, rose and white, which gives a choice that gold-filled does not allow, since white does not exist in gold-filled. On all jewelry, apart from the shine of gold-filled, the warranty runs for 10 years for 18k gold (750/1000) and 1 year for gold-filled and 925 sterling silver, from the date of purchase.
To compare the looks in photos before deciding, the gold bracelets collection groups gold-filled and 18k gold models side by side. A signature silver model, the original personalized piece in sterling silver, remains the most accessible entry point for a first name bracelet, before considering gold if the use settles in over the long term.
How many letters fit on a name bracelet?
The length of the name that can be handcrafted depends on the model chosen, not on a single rule: each piece shows a maximum number of letters, determined by the width of the wire and the space available on the bracelet. A short name like “Léa” (without the accent, handcrafted as “lea”) fits on practically every model, while a name of ten characters or more requires checking the model's exact capacity before ordering.
As for models, the original personalized bracelet in yellow 14k gold-filled and its equivalent in rose gold-filled offer a comfortable lettering capacity for most French names. For a more structured look, the Richelieu in yellow 14k gold-filled model offers a different proportion of wire, with its own character limit.
One thing to keep in mind: the lettering is always in lowercase cursive, except for the capital “J” at the start of a word, and accents are not handcrafted. A name like “Zoé” is therefore ordered as “zoe”. This technical constraint avoids disappointment when the bracelet arrives and lets you anticipate the final look before buying.
Name bracelet for her, for him: what differences between models
A name bracelet is not handcrafted the same way depending on whether it is meant for a slim wrist or a wider one: the thickness of the wire and the length of the chain are adjusted accordingly. Models designed for women often use a more delicate wire, while versions for men opt for a denser wire, consistent with a wider wrist.
To go deeper into the women's side, our guide personalized women's bracelet details the proportions and the most worn materials. On the men's side, two complementary resources exist: the guide personalized men's bracelet and its counterpart men's personalized bracelet, which cover models designed for sturdier daily wear.
The collection bracelets for men gathers these models, while the general collection bracelets gives an overview across all materials and genders. The choice of cord or chain also influences the final look: the cords collection offers textile alternatives to pair with the handcrafted charms.
18k gold: when this choice makes sense for a name bracelet
18k gold (750/1000) stands out for its metal density; it ships within 1 to 3 working days. This extra time comes from the hallmark of 750 gold, applied before shipping.
Three tints are available in 18k: yellow, rose and white, which lets you match the bracelet to other jewelry already worn, including in white, an option that does not exist in gold-filled. The original personalized in yellow 18k gold, in rose 18k gold and in white 18k gold models cover these three tints in the same wire style.
For a more structured look, our Richelieu pieces also exist in 18k, with the rose and yellow versions. On all these pieces, the warranty is 10 years from the date of purchase, as on all of the House's jewelry in 750/1000 gold.
Lead times, jewelry box and exchanges: what to know before ordering
A name bracelet handcrafted to order follows a precise schedule: shipping within 24 to 48 working hours for 925 sterling silver and gold-filled, within 1 to 3 working days for 18k gold, not counting transit time. Before shipping, the wire is handcrafted letter after letter, then the entire piece is work-hardened, which gives it its resistance over time.
On receipt, each bracelet is presented in a jewelry box, designed so it can be given as it is. As for returns, the rule is simple and non-negotiable: a piece of jewelry handcrafted with the name chosen by the customer cannot be exchanged or refunded, since it was handcrafted specifically for that order. Only non-personalized jewelry can be exchanged or refunded. It is therefore useful to check the exact spelling of the name (no accent, no apostrophe) before confirming the order.
To put together a bracelet with confidence, the bracelets collection lets you compare materials and models before choosing the personalized version that fits the intended use, whether a gift or a piece worn daily.
Frequently asked questions
How many letters can fit on a name bracelet?
It depends on the model chosen: the width of the wire and the available space set a limit specific to each bracelet. Short names fit on nearly all models, while a long name deserves a check of the exact capacity before ordering. The lettering is always in lowercase cursive, except for a capital “J” at the start of a word.
Can you write a name with an accent on a handcrafted bracelet?
No, accents are not handcrafted at present, nor are apostrophes or other special characters. A name like “Zoé” is therefore ordered as “zoe”. Spaces, however, can be added on request if the chosen word contains several, and symbols are also possible on request.
Which material should you choose between silver, gold-filled and 18k gold?
925 sterling silver and 14k gold-filled ship within 24 to 48 working hours and suit intensive daily wear; the shine of gold-filled is guaranteed for life. 18k gold, available in yellow, rose and white, ships within 1 to 3 working days. Only 18k gold offers a white tint. The choice depends mainly on use and the tint you are looking for.
Can you exchange a name bracelet after receiving it?
A piece of jewelry handcrafted with the name chosen by the customer cannot be exchanged or refunded, because it was made specifically for that order. Only non-personalized jewelry can be exchanged or refunded. It is therefore recommended to check the exact spelling (no accent or apostrophe) before confirming the purchase.
How long does it take to receive a personalized name bracelet?
Jewelry in 925 sterling silver and gold-filled ships within 24 to 48 working hours, and jewelry in 18k gold within 1 to 3 working days. Delivery in France then takes 1 to 3 working days after shipping.
Want to put together your own? Discover all the models that can be handcrafted in the personalized bracelets collection, handcrafted in Paris since 2014.
