What it does
A hand form is a shaped hand that rings and bracelets are shown on, so they are seen at the angle they are worn rather than flat in a tray. It is the only display that answers the question a customer is actually asking, which is how it will look on them.
Leatherette on a hand form, specifically
Leatherette will not stretch around a finger, so a hand form in it is built in sections and the joins are placed on the inside of the fingers. It is doable and it is not where the material is at its best.
Getting the proportion right
The finger and wrist diameters have to match the range. A form cut for a slim hand will not take a men's ring, and a form that takes a men's ring makes a delicate ring look lost on it.
How leatherette is applied to a display form
Leatherette is wrapped and its edges are turned under, so every visible edge is a folded edge rather than a cut one. It will not stretch far, so a tight compound curve is built up in sections with the joins placed where they face away from the customer.
Where it is used
Ring and bracelet counters, bridal displays and windows, where showing the piece worn does more than showing it clean.
Leatherette under case lighting
It has a slight sheen, so a strong spot will show a highlight along the top of a riser. That is usually flattering on a plain block and unflattering on a curved bust, which is worth knowing before you specify it.
The mistake to avoid
A form that is too realistic is unsettling to look at and it dates quickly. Most jewellers are better served by a stylised form that reads as a hand without trying to be one.
Why leatherette
Leatherette display gives a harder, more architectural line than fabric. The grain catches light along an edge, which defines the shape of a riser or a tray.
Wipes clean, which is why it suits trays that go on a counter and come back.
What we need from you
| What we need | Why |
|---|---|
| Height and footprint | The finger and wrist diameters have to match the range. |
| Leatherette colour | Matched to a Pantone reference or a swatch |
| Leatherette on this form | Leatherette will not stretch around a finger, so a hand form in it is built in sections and the joins are placed on the inside of the fingers. |
Frequently asked questions
Can hand forms be made in our brand colour?
Yes — the leatherette is matched to a Pantone reference or a physical swatch, and confirmed on a sample.
What sizes do hand forms come in?
They are made to your dimensions. The finger and wrist diameters have to match the range. A form cut for a slim hand will not take a men's ring, and a form that takes a men's ring makes a delicate ring look lost on it.
Is leatherette a good choice for a hand form?
Leatherette will not stretch around a finger, so a hand form in it is built in sections and the joins are placed on the inside of the fingers. It is doable and it is not where the material is at its best.
What goes wrong most often with hand forms?
A form that is too realistic is unsettling to look at and it dates quickly. Most jewellers are better served by a stylised form that reads as a hand without trying to be one.
Can hand forms be made to match our boxes?
Yes — the same leatherette and the same colour across boxes and display, ordered in one run.
Specify your hand forms
Tell us your case or window height, what the hand forms have to show, and your brand colour. We’ll send photos of our work and one clear, all-in quote.