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Melissa | Velvet Opera Glove – Black

Black / 6
791.00 SAR
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Melissa | Velvet Opera Glove – Black

Melissa | Velvet Opera Glove – Black

791.00 SAR
All duty & tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
Measuring Guide
Glove Measuring Guide

Not sure what size of gloves you need? Please watch our video measuring guide and refer to the size chart below. This will help you capture the most accurate measurements. Most of our gloves are made to measure, so we want to ensure a perfect fit.

Illustration of a tape measure wrapped around the widest part of a hand, excluding the thumb, to find your glove size in inches

We make our gloves in hand sizes from 6 to 8½. To find your glove size, pass a tape measure around the widest part of your hand - usually over your knuckles, excluding the thumb. The result, in inches, is your glove size. If you are between two sizes, round down to the lower.

Here is how you convert from centimetres to inches:

Glove size Inches Centimetres
6 6 15.2
6½
6½
 16.5
7 7 17.8
7½
7½
 19
8 8 20.3
8½
8½
 21.6

How To Measure Hand Size & Index Finger

How To Measure For An Opera Glove (16")

How To Measure For An Elbow Length Glove (12")

How do I guess someone's glove size?

If you are buying gloves for someone and don't know their glove size (and don't want to ruin the surprise), their height can indicate their most likely glove size. Please note, this is statistically most likely but won't be correct 100% of the time.

Applies to women only

Height Most likely glove size
Under 5'1" 6½
5'1" to 5'6" 7
5'7" to 5'8" 7½
5'9" to 5'11" 8
Above 6' 8½
ColourBlack
Size
Upper Arm Fit

For our Opera length gloves, we take a measurement for your upper arm fit to ensure the glove has a correct and flattering fit all the way up your arm. To be clear, the measurement we need is the circumference around your arm at the point where the glove ends - either your bicep or just above the elbow depending on the style of glove.

Please take care with this measurement and give it to us accurately. We really want your gloves to look perfect, and not be too loose or too tight. With your help we can get them just right!

How do I measure my Upper Arm?

Measure from where the thumb crease meets the wrist.

A tape measure held at the wrist crease, ready to measure up the arm

Keeping your arm relaxed, measure up the arm until you reach 16 inches. This is where the glove ends.

A tape measure laid along the forearm from the wrist up to 16 inches

Measure the circumference of your arm at this point.

A tape measure wrapped around the upper arm

The exact result in inches is your Upper Arm Fit for an Opera Glove. Please round to the nearest 0.25 inches.

Close-up of the tape measure meeting itself around the upper arm to give the measurement

To convert centimetres to inches, divide by 2.54 - e.g. 23cm = 9 inches

My measurement is below 8.5 or above 15.5 inches, what should I do?

We will still be able to work to your specification, but please contact us before ordering.
Upper Arm Fit
Index Finger Fit
Line drawing of a hand with the index finger length measurement marked in green
This optional measurement allows us to account for your finger length, if you suspect they are unusually long or short in relation to your hand width. Please provide the length of your Index finger in inches, starting from where it meets your middle finger. This measurement is usually between 2.25 and 3.5 inches.
Do I need to provide this?
No, this is a totally optional measurement. Please only worry about it if you suspect you have unusually long or short fingers in relation to your hand. Our standard fit is excellent for 90% of people.
Index Finger Fit
Optional AdditionsPriced per pair
Mousquetaire
White glove with pearl embellishments on a light gray background

We offer the traditional mousquetaire opening as an optional addition to all of our longer occasion gloves. The mousquetaire is a buttoned opening on the inside of the wrist of the glove. Its purpose is to allow the wearer to remove the hand from the glove whilst keeping the sleeve of the glove on the arm. The empty ‘hand’ of the glove is then neatly tucked up inside the sleeve. At a formal banquet or dinner, it is traditionally incorrect to wield knife and fork in a gloved hand and the mousquetaire opening offers a way around this social hurdle. It is also most helpful when a ring finger needs to be made available at a wedding.

Buttons

We offer the mousquetaire with a choice of covered buttons (in the same fabric and colour as the gloves), Swarovski crystal buttons or pearl buttons.

Covered buttons

Champagne satin glove with a mousquetaire wrist opening fastened with covered buttons

Swarovski crystal buttons

Black velvet glove with a mousquetaire wrist opening fastened with Swarovski crystal buttons

Pearl buttons

Ivory satin glove with a mousquetaire wrist opening fastened with pearl buttons
Mousquetaire+ 179.00 SR

A buttoned opening at the inside of the wrist.

Buttons
Monogram
Measuring tape, wooden rolling pin, brown paper roll, and black gloves on a light gray surface.

Whether it’s for a special occasion or a unique gift, our monogramming service is the perfect, thoughtful addition to your gloves — add up to eight letters to personalise your gloves with elegant embroidery.

Every monogram is embroidered in Goudy Bold and costs £35. We can monogram merino wool, cashmere, silk, satin, tulle and cotton gloves. Leather, suede and Swiss cotton gloves cannot be monogrammed. We are normally unable to accept returns of monogrammed gloves.

Monogram Styles

Standard initials. Up to four characters, all the same size (8.4mm).

Traditional initials. Up to three characters. The middle letter is larger (11.4mm) than the letters on either side (8.4mm), and the last initial goes in the middle.

Symbols. A solid heart (1/2 inch) or a solid cupid heart. With initials, the symbol appears between your two characters (e.g., C♥J).

Special date. Record a wedding, birthday or milestone as day.month.year with no leading zeros: July 12, 2026 becomes 12.7.26.

Phrase. A personalised phrase or nickname of up to eight characters, all the same size (8.4mm).

Whichever style you choose, please type your monogram in the exact order you would like it to appear.

Monogram Colours

Choose from four thread colours: gold, silver, blue and red.

Four spools of embroidery thread in gold, silver, blue and red beside a pin cushion and gold buttons

New Monogram Symbols

Folded gloves embroidered with a date, initials either side of a heart, and heart symbols in several thread colours

Positioning

We monogram the left glove only. On short gloves (up to 8 inches), the monogram sits on the underside of the wrist. On long gloves (12 inches and longer), it sits on the inside of the upper arm.

If you'd prefer something different, we can normally accommodate your request — just send us a message at hello@corneliajames.com.
Monogram+ 179.00 SR

Up to eight embroidered characters in your choice of thread.

Style
Thread Colour
Preview —
Ring Window
Ring Window

The ring window is a specially designed - and finely crafted - feature which allows you to put on, take off or simply show off your ring without having to remove your glove from the hand.

It’s ideal for Brides as it allows for the ring finger to be removed from the glove for the ring ceremony and then replaced, leaving the ring on display. It’s simple, straightforward and - importantly - stress free.
Ring Window+ 128.00 SR

A discreet opening at the ring finger.

Gift Wrapping
Gift wrapped in purple paper with gold ribbon on a windowsill with tulips and a family photo.

Every glove we make goes out in a beautiful, built to keep gift box but, if you want to go the extra mile and gift wrapping is not your thing, we can gift wrap for you. We use old school kraft paper in Lilac, satin ribbon and an (optional) handwritten gift note. All you have to do is choose the words.
Gift Wrapping+ 41.00 SR

Lilac kraft paper, satin ribbon and a handwritten note.

SA - order within 12 hours 22 minutes for delivery as soon as October 22, 2026.
Shipping & Delivery

Where do you ship to?

We make our products in Sussex, England, and we ship to most countries in the world. Our services to USA, Canada and Western Europe are typically 2-3 days.

How fast will my order be shipped?

We offer a rush service and a standard service to all countries.

  • With our rush service
    • If your order is placed before 12 noon, England time, your order will be made and shipped the same day
    • If your order is placed after 12 noon, England time, your order will be made and shipped the next working day
  • With our standard service we should have your order made and on its way within 3 working days. Please be aware this time can increase during busy times such as in the lead up to Christmas - but when you review the shipping options at checkout, any delays we have will be reflected in the time estimate you are given.

When you get to checkout, you will see the estimated number of days it will take (in total, inclusive of making and shipping time) for you to receive your order. While this is not a guarantee, it is correct 95% of the time.

How fast are the shipping services?

  • For the United Kingdom, next working day
  • For the United States, Canada & Western Europe, 2-3 working days.
  • For the rest of the world, 2 - 6 working days.

If you require a Saturday delivery, we can normally arrange this (additional carrier cost - please reach out to us)

Do you offer free shipping?

  • For international orders, we offer free shipping on orders above £250, on services up to £20
  • For United Kingdom orders, we offer free shipping on orders above £250

To apply free shipping, enter the code FreeShip at checkout.

Can I ship to a PO Box address?

UPS and DHL can't ship to a PO Box address, as they require a proof of delivery, so please don't set a PO Box as your delivery address.

Will I have to pay import duty or tax?

The price you see on the product page includes all duty and tax. No further charges are added at checkout and you will have nothing further to pay on receiving your order. At checkout, you will see a breakdown representing duty and tax, if it was relevant for your order. Please note, in the instance of a return for non United Kingdom orders, duty or tax paid is not refundable, as it isn't possible for us to recover this from the customs agency in the country you shipped to.

Do you offer returns?

Yes, we offer a 60 day return window on all items. You can either return your items for a refund, or for instant store credit. See our returns page for more information.

We love velvet. It is gloriously indulgent. But, above all, velvet - especially black velvet - looks great against satin. If your dress is a dream in satin, go with velvet for your gloves - they will make the perfect counterpoint. Long evening gloves in a velvet that is almost as black as sin.
Glove Length: 16 inches

Opera Length. This is a 16 inch glove. This is measured from where the thumb seam meets the wrist, to the opening of the glove.
Material: Velvet

A little retro and a lot of glam, our velvet is positively lush. Soft to the touch and warm, too, velvet is surprisingly versatile and easy to wear. Find our velvet gloves in black and leopard print.
Care Guide

Velvet doesn’t whisper — it resonates. Rich in depth, texture and shadow, velvet gloves elevate any look the moment they appear. But their magic lies in the pile, and that pile is easily crushed. More than any other material, velvet asks to be left alone.

Clean hands, cool air, and zero friction — that’s velvet’s language.

Let It Rest

Never wash velvet at home. Avoid folding or pressing the pile. Instead, store the gloves flat in a fabric bag or box, away from heat and light. When in doubt, do less — velvet doesn’t need help, just protection.

Care Method

Do not wash or press. Store flat in a cool, dark space. Avoid moisture, compression, or direct sunlight.

Leave It to the Experts

If velvet gloves are crushed, stained or misshapen, entrust them to a professional cleaner familiar with eveningwear fabrics and structured pile.
Handmade in Sussex, England
Handmade in Sussex, England
Handmade in Sussex, England
Glove Style Consultation
Glove Style Consultation

Find your perfect pair, together, over a call.

Enjoy a personalised touch with a style consultation led by Genevieve James, our Design Director and daughter of Cornelia. As part of our family business, Genevieve brings a wealth of expertise and passion, offering a truly bespoke service to help you find the perfect gloves.

Ready when you are.

Choose a time that suits you and Genevieve will take care of the rest. There is no charge, and no obligation to buy.

Book a time with Genevieve

Complimentary · 30 minutes on Google Meet · Monday to Friday, 10:30–16:00 London time. Times are shown in your own time zone when you book.

How it works

  1. Choose a time. Pick a half-hour slot from Genevieve's calendar and tell us a little about the occasion and the gloves you have in mind.
  2. Meet on video. You will receive a confirmation with a Google Meet link, and a reminder the day before. A tape measure to hand is helpful but not essential.
  3. Order with confidence. Genevieve notes the style, colour, size and fit you settle on, so when you order, your gloves are made exactly as you discussed.

“They are beautifully made. I highly recommend scheduling a video call to ensure that the measurements are correct, which Genevieve was able to determine together with me.”
Ida V.

Read more about the consultation
Glove Style Consultation
Additional Alterations Available

Alterations

If you would like to have the length of your gloves adjusted, we can typically accommodate that. Please just contact us to confirm before ordering.

Swatches

If you would like to see cuttings of our materials & colours before ordering your gloves, we can arrange that. The amount you spend on swatches and shipping is refunded to you as store credit straightaway, which you can use against your eventual order.

Dyeing

Depending on the material of glove you are choosing, we can normally offer a dyeing service to achieve a very close match with the rest of your outfit. It adds a small amount to the turnaround time - normally 7 working days to be safe. The cost for this service is around £130. Just contact us if this is of interest.
Additional Alterations Available

Melissa in the wild

Ready to launch? Ariana Grande-Cornelia James
Ready to launch? Ariana Grande
Melisa velvet opera-length gloves feature in “Ready to launch? Ariana Grande” for the debut of Ariana Grande’s r.e.m. beauty. Styled with high-shine silver and sharp, graphic lines, the black velvet...

Ready to launch? Ariana Grande

Ready to launch? Ariana Grande-Cornelia James

Melisa velvet opera-length gloves feature in “Ready to launch? Ariana Grande” for the debut of Ariana Grande’s r.e.m. beauty. Styled with high-shine silver and sharp, graphic lines, the black velvet gloves frame the futuristic makeup and emphasise the collection’s clean, sci‑fi aesthetic.

Lady Gaga, Las Vegas

Lady Gaga, Las Vegas-Cornelia James

Lady Gaga’s Las Vegas Jazz & Piano residency puts Melissa velvet opera-length gloves centre stage. Worn with a sweeping blush gown and sculptural headpiece, the gloves add a precise, theatrical finish that fits the show’s mix of classic cabaret and modern production.

Lady Gaga | Melissa glove and tulle boas

Lady Gaga | Melissa glove and tulle boas-Cornelia James

Lady Gaga takes the stage at Manhattan’s Gramercy Park Hotel in Melissa opera-length velvet gloves, paired with tulle boas and a scarlet mini dress. The deep black velvet running to the upper arm gives a strong, graphic line that frames her shoulders and jewellery, underscoring the performance look with precise, modern drama.

Vogue China

Vogue China-Cornelia James

Vogue China highlights the Melissa opera-length velvet gloves in a sculptural, high-shine evening look. Cut long and slim in rich velvet, they add clean, graphic definition to the wrist and arm, bringing a precise shot of colour and texture to modern occasion dressing.

Lady Gaga | Las Vegas Performance

Lady Gaga | Las Vegas Performance-Cornelia James

Lady Gaga’s Jazz & Piano engagement in Las Vegas offers a pared‑back, big‑band take on her songbook, and here she performs centre stage in Melisa opera‑length velvet gloves. The deep black velvet runs cleanly from fingertip to upper arm, sharpening the line of a sweeping pink gown and adding quiet theatre to a modern cabaret silhouette.

Vogue Scandinavia, September 2021

Vogue Scandinavia, September 2021-Cornelia James

Melissa velvet opera-length gloves appear in Vogue Scandinavia’s September 2021 issue, completing a sharp monochrome look. Styled with a sculpted black mini dress, statement pearls and metallic heels, they add a precise, graphic finish that nods to classic couture while feeling distinctly modern.

Bibhu NYFW Runway show

Bibhu NYFW Runway show-Cornelia James

Melisa velvet opera gloves appeared on the Bibhu Mohapatra Fall 2023 runway at New York Fashion Week, paired with a sculptural black skirt, chartreuse bodice and strong leather boots. The deep, matte velvet and extended line framed the cutaway dress, giving a sharp, graphic finish to one of the show’s defining looks.

British Fashion Awards, Max Harwood, Behind the Blinds, Will Gao

British Fashion Awards, Max Harwood, Behind the Blinds, Will Gao-Cornelia James

Melissa opera-length velvet gloves appear in Behind the Blinds, worn by Max Harwood and Will Gao around the British Fashion Awards. Styled with sharp tailoring and sheer, graphic layers, the inky-black velvet runs in a clean line from fingertip to upper arm, adding a quiet, precise drama to the looks. Shot in both colour and graphic black and white, the feature presents the classic evening glove in a distinctly modern, gender-fluid mood.

Cosmmopolita

Cosmmopolita-Cornelia James

Featured in Cosmopolitan’s “Party Luxe” story, the Melissa velvet opera length gloves bring a sharp, retro note to evening wear. Paired with a draped gold dress and bold jewellery, they give clean structure to the look and a polished finish that feels distinctly after-dark.

Taylor Hill | Vogue Arabia

Taylor Hill | Vogue Arabia-Cornelia James

Taylor Hill wears Melissa opera-length velvet gloves in a beauty story for Vogue Arabia. The inky, matte velvet runs from fingertip to upper arm, adding a precise, graphic edge to a sculpted gown and strong liner. A modern, understated way to wear classic evening gloves.

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