Accurate Ring Size Measurement

You probably didn’t realize how important accuracy in your ring size measurement will be until now. Or maybe you always understood the importance. Either way, before buying that ring, getting an accurate ring size measurement is non-negotiable!  Your engagement ring will be an endless (glittering) emblem of your union. Long after your wedding day, you still want to see your ring and enjoy that view of exactness in size and sparkle. This explains why it's of the utmost importance that you get an accurate ring size measurement.  For the gents, you might need to know yours only or for you and your bride-to-be. While for the ladies, you want to get an accurate ring sizing before your partner pops the question. You do not want to lose such a lovely gem to the depths of your kitchen sink's drain. Also, you want to cut off your circulation because of some wrong measurement.  Always keep in mind that your ring sizing should never be a guessing game. More so, according to New York City's famous fine jewelry store in Brooklyn, Catbird, "Your ring should fit your finger comfortably; snug enough so that it will not fall off, but loose enough to slide over your knuckle with some resistance." In this post, we provide a comprehensive guide on how to get the exact ring size for your engagement or wedding ring. We will be taking tips from Taylor Lanore, a diamond expert. She is also an engagement ring designer for Lauren B. Fine Jewelry and Diamonds.

Tips for Accurate Ring Sizing

Defining band fit can really be one of the trickiest parts of the engagement ring purchase process. This is as many distinct factors influence accurate ring size measurement. Therefore, before you sit down to measure your ring size, check out these few how-to tips you should never forget.

• Consider your Knuckle

Is your knuckle on the larger side? Then, you should consider getting half a size bigger than what your finger alone suggests. Failure to do so means you won't be able to slide that ring into the right spot comfortably.

• Confirm Exactness with Multiple Tries

According to the Catbird's site, you should measure your finger three to four different times. What you don’t know is that the size actually differs depending on temperature. You might get a smaller size when you are colder and more swollen when you feel hot. 

• Consider your Activities and Surroundings 

Taylor Lanore explains how temperature, diet, pregnancy, and other biological elements can influence your finger ring sizing. In her own words, "Don't be afraid if your finger changes size; that means you're alive. It can change from activity, season, and so many personal factors. There's not really a formula to pick the correct ring size across the board because everyone is so different and it depends on their lifestyles."

• Consider your finger shape. Is it tapered or knotted?
• Keep in mind that the band width will affect the sizing

Aspects to Consider for Accurate Ring Size Measurement

• Your Finger Shape

As stated above, there are different kinds of finger shapes and these finger shapes can influence your ring size. For someone with a tapered ring finger, it expands downward toward the base. That is the point where your ring will fit the tightest.  Moreover, rings can easily fall off tapered fingers when the rings slide up. Therefore, it's incredibly crucial to have a comfortable fit.  Then, there are knotted fingers where the widest part is the knuckle in the middle of the finger. So, the ring has to fit over that point. Nevertheless, the ring might swerve around and fit too loosely at the underside of your finger.  This finger shape situation requires getting sizing beads added to your sparkler. You get these tiny add-ons to stay on the underside of the inner ring close to your hand. They will be like the pressure points to ensure the ring is always in place. With that, it gets incredibly easy to put on and remove these rings.

• Your Band Width

David Borochov, manager of R&R Jewelers in New York City explains that rings with slimmer bands are prone to run a bit larger. On the flip side, thicker rings give a more comfortable fit. With more metal around your finger, you get more space occupied and it sometimes fits too tight.  According to Borochov, "A thin size 6 ring will not fit the same as a thick size 6 ring.” If you have your heart set on a thin, delicate band, we recommend a negligibly smaller ring size. Note: Slimmer bands give the center stone a more outstanding appearance. 

• International Ring Sizing

Ring size measurement in the United States and Canada ranges from 3 to 13. That range includes half and quarter sizes. Ring size measurement comes in inches or millimeters depending on the ring's diameter or circumference.  Also, the diameter measures the interior length of the ring. Meanwhile, the circumference measures the length of the whole band. With International ring sizing, the same measurement process applies. The only difference is that the numbered sizes run on varied scales depending on the country. Countries like Australia and the United Kingdom use an alphabetical letter ring sizing system instead.

• Band Size and Carat Size

Here is another common misconception about getting an accurate ring size measurement. It is that finger or ring size determines how many carats the ring's diamond should be. Lanore says, "This is a rumor. It's not real. Whatever you enjoy seeing the most when you look down every day—that's the right diamond size and shape for you." 

Timing and Ring Size Measurement 

In case you missed it, your ring finger measuring conditions cannot be wrong in the slightest way. When the weather is warm, your fingers swell. Also, they tend to shrink when the weather is cold in the winter.  Taylor Lanore also suggests staying away from eating salty foods, drinking hot cocktails, or taking part in any vigorous activity before measuring. This is as such activities can all make your fingers swell. She says, "You want your body temperature to be normal and natural.”  Also, your fingers can be swollen when you just wake up. It’s best to get measured around the middle of the day. Again, ensure it is at room temperature to get the most precise, relaxed fit. Additionally, in the summer, Borochov advises couples to take a few minutes to cool down before measuring their ring size. This precaution is more important if they stayed out in the heat for long periods before then. 

Ring Size Measurement the DIY Way

You might decide to take matters into your own hands, or in this case, your fingers. In such a case, you can use a couple of at-home measurement techniques.

• The Paper Ring Sizing Technique

Start by wrapping a thin piece of paper around your ring finger. Ensure the paper is close to your knuckle where an engagement ring would eventually hit. Although you can also use string, that process is less reliable.  The string is super thin and more likely to swirl around. Back to our process. Ensure you don’t wrap the paper too tight. Also, make sure the makeshift ring fits comfortably. Get a pencil to note the spot on the paper where the ends extend. Measure the length of the paper using a ruler. Now, compare the measurement to the circumferences on the size guide to get your correct ring size.

• The Ring Technique

Get a ring you already own that matches the ring finger on your left hand. Then, place it against a ruler to measure the inner diameter of the ring. Afterward, compare the measurement to the size guide. You can also search online for a printable ring sizing guide. It will help you measure accurately.  Scale and place the ring directly on top of the ring images. There, you will find a fitting diameter and ring size that lines up flawlessly.

Professional Ring Sizing

What if you don't trust your own judgment? There is another way you can get your ring size accurately. As that is to turn to a professional jeweler for an accurate ring size measurement. You will agree that some things are just better left to the professionals.  Borochov advises against using any at-home measuring technique. His point is that they aren't always entirely accurate, which is correct. Most jewelers utilize sizing rings. These sizing rings come with a large keychain and a set of rings in each size. You can easily try in-house to instantly know the most precise fit.  With different jewelers comes a different type of sizing ring. For some jewelers, there is a standard set that tends to be thicker than the average women's band size. Also, some jewelry shops use sizing rings that more closely echo their in-house band widths and designs.  In addition, you can buy your own affordable plastic ring sizer from Amazon to do it yourself, yet, professionally. Also, try to shop for rings from the same jeweler that measured your ring size. If you can’t, do well to check if they have engagement ring styles similar to what you fantasize about.  With this, you can effortlessly ensure that the size effectively gives you your preferred band. Ensure you keep the width of the sizing rings in mind also.  Do not forget that it could easily impact your band measurement as well.

Knowing your Partner's Ring Size Without Asking

Presently, more people now prefer to involve their spouses-to-be in the engagement ring selection and purchase process. While some couples still want to retain the element of surprise leading to a proposal. However, if you don't know your significant other's ring size, don't worry. Lanore says, "It's great to have someone on the inside. Talk to their mom or friends if they know about the proposal."  Also, you can try to get the measurement using one of their existing rings. However, we must state that this isn't always the most certain procedure. According to Borochov. "Some customers think taking one of their girlfriend's [or boyfriend's] other rings will suffice, or even trace [his or] her ring on a piece of paper. But, most people don't wear rings on their left ring finger until they get engaged, so the sizing will be off. Every finger is a little bit different."  Regardless of what the situation might be, always do well to go a few sizes up. That way, the ring can at least fit on your partner's finger for the proposal. You do not want to kill the mood with a ring too small to fit around her fingers. Overall, you can still surprise them, and later on, bring it back to the jeweler to get it resized.

Resizing Your Ring 

Presently, jewelers can effortlessly alter engagement rings up to two sizes up or down. However, to go any more than that could endanger the ring's goodness. It might even require the jewelry shop to make a new custom band.  Plus, you should watch out for eternity bands especially when they have diamonds around the whole band when there is no definite ring size. Taylor Lanore explains that because of the diamond placement for this style, resizing eternity bands is very restricted. They can only be resized about a quarter size up or down if there's sufficient surplus metal in the ring. If the case is different, they have to be entirely redone. Getting a ring resized about two or three times is not a problem. But, any more than that can take an adverse turn. Lanore says, "Resizing up or down more than one full size is like an earthquake for the ring. Frequent resizes of any kind aren't good for the metal."  Most people incorrectly assume that it's easier to resize rings smaller rather than making them bigger. Still, rest assured, Borochov says both procedures are equally achievable. All you need is a competent, and experienced jeweler like our jewelers at Diamonds By Raymond Lee.