Thinking about proposing to your special someone? Well, they won’t be too happy when their ring goes flying down the aisle.
A ring is a beautiful, timeless gift to express love for a person – after all, the circular shape symbolizes eternity. That’s why ring sizing is so important, to ensure it is the perfect fit (and no, this isn’t just as simple as looking at your partner’s hands.)
So, you may be wondering, how do I go about sizing a finger for a ring?
We at Finer Custom Jewelry are here to fill you in on the best, most simple ring sizing guide, along with other valuable tips for your jewelry shopping. Keep reading to learn more.
Let’s start by going over what your ring size actually is. To put it simply, your ring size is basically the circumference/diameter of the inside of your ring. This is the part that goes around your finger.
In the United States, we measure rings using a numerical scale and most often using millimeters. This varies in other countries, which may use other sizing charts and forms of measurement.
So, why is sizing your ring necessary? Well, without the proper ring size, your ring will likely be either too tight or too loose unless by chance, you happen to get lucky and instantly buy the perfect fit, which doesn’t often happen.
A ring that is too loose will slip off your finger, and you are likely to lose it. A ring that is too tight will be extremely uncomfortable and may not even fit on your finger, to begin with (plus, a ring that is squeezed onto your finger isn’t the most attractive look).
Let’s face it, rings are not only a special gift, but they are also on the pricy side. Therefore, you’ll want to go above and beyond to do everything right and get a ring that is not too tight, not too loose, but just right.
You may be wondering, what are the sizes in a basic ring sizing chart? These numbers are different between men and women, as men generally have larger fingers than women. However, both use numbers and half numbers as a form of measurement.
Women’s rings start at 3 mm, being the smallest, and 9 mm, being the largest. Men’s rings start at 8 mm, being the smallest, and 14 mm being the largest.
The average ring size for a man is size 8.5, while the average ring size for a woman is size 6. Though, it’s important not to rely on these statistics as they can vary from person to person.
If you are caught somewhere in between, experts agree that it is best to size up rather than down.
We’ve talked about what a ring size is and why it is a necessary part of buying a ring. Now, let’s delve into how to measure your ring size.
Before we go over these different strategies, if you are gifting a ring to a person, it may be in your best interest to first ask your significant other’s friends or family members what their ring size is.
This could save you from the work that goes into finding their ring size. Although you may not want to 100%, rely on it as their ring size may have changed down the line. Either way, it doesn’t hurt to ask.
Also, be sure that your fingers are relatively warm before measuring your ring size. Why? Because our fingers actually shrink when the weather is cooler out. Strange right? Other variables that can affect the size of your finger depending on the time of day or how much salt you have consumed in the days leading up to the measurement.
Another thing to take note of is the size of your knuckles. If they are big, it is advisable to order a half a size bigger.
Now, let’s get into the different ways you can measure your ring size.
Buying a ring sizer is one of the most accurate and straightforward ways to find your ring size. These are very inexpensive and can be ordered online.
You may be surprised to learn that there are two different types of ring sizers. The first option you can choose to buy is a keyring. This plastic or metal device consists of various different ring sizes for you to try on. Simply place your finger in the different-sized holes till you find your perfect fit.
You can also choose to buy a finger-measuring tool. This is basically a mini, adjustable measuring tape that wraps around your finger and determines your final ring size.
Which one is better? Most agree that the key ring will deliver more accurate results as there is no room to really mess up on sizing. The finger-measuring tool, while also reliable, may leave more room for error if measured incorrectly.
Another easy way to find out a ring size is to measure a ring that you already own. All you will need to do is to take a ruler and measure the inside diameter of the ring, going straight across the sides of the ring.
Using a conversion chart, you will be able to convert your measurement and find your size!
Another simple way to do this is to print out a ring sizing chart and match the ring up to the different sizes provided.
You could also choose to bring a ring that fits well into the jeweler and request one of the exact same size. Although, if you go down this route, be sure that the ring truly fits you and has not been sitting at the bottom of your jewelry box for months on end.
If you’re going for a unique, DIY approach, the string, paper, and ruler technique is another tactic you can use to find your ring size. Although bear in mind, this strategy is a bit tedious.
You will first need to gather your materials which include a piece of string, thread, floss, or a strip of paper that is cut 3/4-inches wide and 4 inches long.
You will start by wrapping the string or strip of paper around the base of your finger. Once it overlaps, you will take a pen or a marker to leave a mark on that area. This will be your circumference.
After this, you will measure the string or paper with your ruler and divide it by 3.14, which will give you your diameter. Then you will choose the ring size based on the standard ring chart.
This is definitely not the most accurate way to find your ring size. For instance, if you pull the string too snugly, you could accidentally measure a larger size than your finger actually is.
Likewise, if your coordination is off while measuring this way, your size might be wrong altogether.
That being said, it’s a great method to do in a pinch if you’re looking for a DIY method to find your ring size.
Now with the internet, we have practically everything at our fingertips (no pun intended). Yep, this includes ring sizers.
A great and easy method to measure your ring size is to print a ring sizer off the internet. Then, you will take your ring of choice and match it up to the different sizes. Whichever one it fits in is the match!
While this is a popular method to find your ring size, you risk the measurements being slightly off depending on the printing size you have used.
You might be wondering, what do I do if my ring is caught between two different sizes? In this case, you would choose the larger size.
So, you’ve bought a ring without finding the size prior. Or maybe you’ve received a ring as a gift, but it’s too tight or too loose. Can this be fixed?
In most cases, you’re in luck. A ring can be resized about two sizes up or down at most local or custom jewelers. This process can take less than an hour if the ring has a basic design, though you will often have to wait a couple of weeks as jewelers are usually filled with other orders to take care of.
During this time, if you have a ring that’s too loose, the jeweler may provide you with a temporary ring guard to get you by. If you are upsizing the ring, the process will also be shorter as that is the easier of the two processes.
When deciding to resize a ring, it’s always in your best interest to visit the same jeweler where the ring was purchased at. That’s because the jewelers will be familiar with the type and style of the ring.
If you are increasing the size of your ring, the jeweler will shave some material off the sides of the ring. This will make the sides thinner and looser for the person wearing it.
If you are decreasing the size of your ring, the jeweler will cut metal out from the middle of the band and reshape the circle so it will fit more snugly.
As for the cost, resizing a ring ranges from as cheap as 20 dollars to 150 dollars. For example, the fancier and more complex design of the ring, the more likely it is to be on the higher end.
A good tip? If you aren’t sure of someone’s exact ring size and are thinking about buying them a ring, size up instead of down.
Also, confirm ahead of time that the ring you buy is eligible to be resized, as some are not able to, and that would put you in a pretty hopeless situation. Usually, rings made of titanium and stainless steel are not able to be resized.
Worst-case scenario, you may be eligible for a refund if your ring cannot be resized.
You’ve found out your significant other’s ring size, and you’re now ready to shop for the engagement ring of your future fiance. Here are a few tips you’ll want to keep in mind.
Be sure to take the shape of the ring into account and the type of metal the receiver of the ring prefers. This could include rose gold, yellow gold, silver, platinum, etc.
Also, be sure to set your budget going in, as rings are a huge financial decision. If a ring you adore seems to be out of reach, you should always try negotiating.
Finally, you should always make sure that the jeweler you buy the ring from is certified and that the certificate matches the diamond. If not, you may not be getting your money’s worth.
So, there you have it. The ultimate ring sizing guide to help you measure your ring, along with some fantastic ring shopping tips.
If you’re ready to make that proposal or buy a special gift for that special someone, you’ll want to avoid the headache of buying the wrong size.
To save you from the stress that comes with resizing a ring, utilize the tips in our guide, and the ring shopping process with be smooth sailing.
At Finer Custom Jewelry, we are here to take care of all your jewelry needs and provide a variety of breathtaking rings. Contact us today to make your custom jewelry appointment.
Do you have a vision for your custom engagement ring, but aren’t sure how to make it a reality? Allow us to guide you through the process of how to create truly exceptional rings. Schedule your design appointment today and see how Finer Custom Engagement Rings and Diamonds will bring your vision of an engagement ring to life.
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