Ask the Experts Bail Measuring Q&A

I would be so very grateful if anyone could let me know the dimensions of bails I will need for my projects. I am making resin pendants of three different thicknesses: 5mm, 10mm and 15mm. I don’t understand the dimensions listed for bails—which measurement is the height, depth and width, as well as the distance from the top of the pendant to the hole.

When you see a bail listed, it usually has these measurements:

1. Length / Height

• The top-to-bottom measurement of the bail (from the tip of the loop down to the bottom that attaches to your pendant)
• This determines how far the pendant will hang below the chain/cord.
• Sometimes this is called "overall size.”

2. Width

• The side-to-side measurement of the bail
• On pinch bails, this is how wide the arms are when closed around the pendant.
• On glue-on bails, it’s usually the width of the flat pad that sticks to the pendant.

3. Depth / Inside Depth (thickness capacity)

• The front-to-back measurement that tells you how thick of a pendant the bail can hold
• This is the most important number for you since your pendants are 5 mm, 10 mm and 15 mm thick.
• Example: a bail with a 6mm inside depth won’t work for a 10mm pendant.

4. Loop Size / Hole Size

• The inner diameter of the top loop where the chain/cord passes through.
• You want this to be larger than the cord or chain you’ll be using (e.g., 4–6 mm loop for standard cords, larger if you plan to use thick leather or bead strands).

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Choosing Bails for Your Pendants

Here’s what you’ll likely need:

5mm thick pendants: 

• Look for bails with an inside depth of 5–6mm.
• Most small to medium pinch bails or glue-on bails will fit.

10mm thick pendants:

• Look for an inside depth of 10–11mm.
• This is bulkier; check that the bail arms can spread wide enough or the glue pad is large enough to grip.

15 mm thick pendants:

• Look for inside depth of 15–16mm.
• These are considered extra-large bails, often marketed for stone donuts or chunky pendants.

- Elaine