Ring sizes are notoriously hard to get right. And, whether you’re shopping for yourself or a loved one, knowing ring sizes is also unfortunately somewhat of a necessity. Add in the complication of online jewellery shopping where you can’t see the rings in person, and it feels almost impossible! But if you don’t know how to measure your ring size, don’t worry! Today we have put together a guide with three different methods and an abundance of tips to help you out.
How do you measure your ring size?
Method I: Using your existing rings
Finding out your ring size can be as simple as using one of your existing rings to work backwards from. Or, if you are trying to secretly work out someone else’s ring size, you can use one of theirs.
Using this ring, you can work out your size from one of the many ring sizing charts available online. If you’re looking for your UK ring size (alphabetical, ranging from G to Z), this one is particularly helpful. But, if you need your American ring size (numerical, ranging from 3 to 13.5) we recommend this guide from Blue Nile.
We particularly like these guides as they have instructions on how to make sure the document is scaled properly. Using the attached instructions on each guide, make sure you print the document true to its size. This is the most important part as it ensures you get the most accurate reading possible.
Afterwards, all you have to do is place your ring on each circle to see which matches best. When you have found the circle that fits the best, read the letter or number inside the circle. This should correspond to the correct size of your ring.
If you’re trying to use someone else’s ring but don’t want them to realise it’s missing, there are some alternative steps you can take. For example, you can use your phone to take a bird’s eye view photograph of the ring next to a coin. Later, place the same coin on top of the photo you took on your phone. Then, zoom in until the coins match in size. This ensures that the ring is now the same size as it is in real life. Now, you can then trace it on a piece of paper to cut out and use against the ring size guide.
Method II: Using the string method
If you don’t have a printer or an existing ring to work from, try the string method.
All you need to do is wrap a piece of string around the base of the finger you want the size for. Using a pen, carefully mark where the string overlaps. Next, unwrap the string from your finger and lay it flat next to a ruler. Measure the distance between the marks you made with the ruler. This should give you the circumference of your finger, which you can then use to find your corresponding ring size online.
Unless you can do it without their knowledge, this might not be the best method to secretly get someone else’s ring size. But, it is the easiest way that doesn’t involve having another ring to hand.
Method III: Using the help of a jeweller
If you’re out and about, you can always pop into your local jewellery store and ask them to measure your ring size. Many jewellery shops offer this service for free, which is ideal if you aren’t confident with your at-home measurements.
The method they use may vary from shop to shop. For example, some jewellers prefer to use a ring gauge to determine your size. This device is essentially a keyring of lots of different-sized rings which you can try on physically. As a result, you can work out which size feels the most physically comfortable too.
Other jewellers use what is known as a ring-size stick. Usually, these are tapered sticks that have different ring sizes marked out on them. If you have a ring with you, the jeweller will slot it onto the stick and see which size marking it sits against.
Tips for an accurate measurement
Want to make sure you have the most accurate reading possible? Here are some tips to follow that will help.
- Measure your ring size in the evening and when you are warm. This tip is particularly important if you are trying on ring sizes or using the string method. Our fingers naturally fluctuate in size throughout the day and change size at different temperatures. In the evening and when we are warm, our fingers are at their largest. So, this is the optimal time to measure as it makes sure the ring will fit even when your finger is at its biggest. This way, the resulting measurement will ensure that your ring size fits comfortably at all times throughout the day.
- Repeat the process multiple times. Just like your finger size can fluctuate throughout the day, it also might fluctuate from day to day in different weather. Or, you might be more accurate with a ruler measurement one day than another. The best way to get an accurate ring size measurement and to ensure no other variables are affecting it is to measure multiple times.
- Know how a correctly-fitting ring should feel. It sounds obvious, but you want to make sure you know how a ring is supposed to fit. If you are wearing your correct size, the ring should sit snugly enough so that it doesn’t fall off, but not so tight it’s uncomfortable. Likewise, it should be able to slide on and off with some resistance at the knuckle, but not so much you’re struggling to get it off and on.
- If in doubt, size up. For example, if there are two sizes you’re stuck between, go for the bigger one. Bigger sizes are much easier to adjust to the correct size than if it is too small. That being said, there are other things to consider before you automatically size up. If you’re measuring your size to buy a particular ring, you should take into account the specifics of that ring. If it has a thick band, the bigger ring size would offset the thickness and ensure it’s not too tight. But for daintier rings, the smaller size may be better as a tighter fit may mean it’s less likely to fall off.
- Measure the finger you want to wear the particular ring on. Again, it may seem obvious but it’s a good reminder to preplan. There is no use measuring your index finger if you are looking at engagement rings. Similarly, if you wanted a new ring for a layered look on your middle finger, measure that one! Even if your fingers look the same size, it doesn’t mean they necessarily are. One size may feel perfect on one finger, but too tight on another.
I have my ring size, what do I do now?
The only thing left to do is to buy that beautiful ring you have had your eye on! But, if you haven’t come across one that’s caught your eye yet, why not have a browse of our stunning selection here at First Class Watches? From statement diamond rings to simplistic stacking rings, we have a diverse selection of gorgeous rings from many different brands. Take a look at the full selection here.
