How do I know what size ring to buy?
Buying a ring is an exciting shopping experience. Whether you're looking for an engagement ring or just looking to treat yourself, knowing your ring size is essential.
There are different variables that dictate a person's ring size, so it's important to have an accurate measurement of the finger you're buying a ring for to ensure that the ring you're investing in is comfortable.
In order to help you determine the ring size you need, whether it's for your wedding bands, engagement rings or just to treat yourself , we have prepared a useful guide to help you measure your ring size.
Ring Sizing Guide
Here are the different variables that affect ring size to make sure you know how to measure your finger size perfectly to ensure the perfect fit.
finger shape
Believe it or not, not all fingers are the same shape, and the shape of the finger of the person you are buying a ring from will determine the ideal ring size.
For example, if the person's finger is wider at the bottom, you will need to size the ring perfectly to fit the base of the finger without risking it coming off and falling off at the narrower end. on point.
On the other hand, if the person has wide knuckles, you will need a ring that is wide enough to fit over the knuckles, but small enough to fit around the base of the finger. Finding that happy medium is one of the hardest parts of knowing what size ring to buy.
Bandwidth
The width of the ring will also determine the fit of the ring . If you opt for a ring with a wider band, the general rule is that it will be a little tighter. Thinner rings are usually slightly wider and will therefore be looser.
It is therefore important to take into account the model of the ring you are looking to buy in your size estimates.
carat size
Although the model of the ring can alter the size you need, the size of the ring doesn't have to dictate the model. Keep in mind that a smaller ring size does not automatically equate to a smaller diamond size.
The aesthetics of a ring is entirely up to personal preference, regardless of size. Therefore, if you are looking for an engagement ring or wedding bands for your spouse and you think you can get away with a smaller diamond cut because she has smaller fingers, This is not the case.
Ring size doesn't dictate aesthetics , so if you want a huge diamond on a pinky finger, you can. If you have wider fingers and prefer the look of a small stone or a small diamond, this is also possible.
When is the best time to measure a ring size?
To get a perfectly fitting ring , there is an optimal time to measure your fingers. Physical and biological factors can affect your finger size, and your fingers change size more frequently than you might think.
The most important factor in determining your finger size is temperature. When it's cold, your fingers tend to shrink, while when it's very hot, your fingers tend to swell. So it is best to measure your ring size when you are in a room temperature environment.
The time of day will also determine the size of your fingers. When you wake up, your fingers may be slightly swollen and give you a larger measurement than you need. The middle of the day is the best time to take your measurement.
In summary, you should measure your ring size in the middle of the day, in a room temperature environment . If you are able to create these conditions, you have a better chance of finding the perfect size.
How to measure a ring size
Now that you know all the possible factors that determine ring size, it's time to learn how to measure your ring size . There are several ways to measure your ring size. Here are the most common:
The paper/rope technique
This is a simple method that can easily help you measure your ring size with supplies you probably have at home.
Just find a piece of string or a piece of paper cut into a thin strip. Wrap this piece of paper or string around your finger. Once it has been wrapped all the way around, mark with a pen or pencil the point where the two ends overlap.
Lay the piece of paper or string flat and measure the marked area with a ruler. This will give you the circumference of your finger, which you can compare to a ring size chart to determine your size.
printable ring sizer
You can use a printable ring sizer to help you determine your ring size. If you have access to a printer, this is an easy method. All you have to do is print out the ring size guide which contains ring models of different sizes. This will help you visualize the ring size you need.
To use the calibrator, just follow the instructions. This is a simple process that usually involves cutting out the sizer, which will likely also have a small slit in the thickest part of the sizer that you will need to cut out.
Once everything is cut out, you wrap the ring sizer around your finger and insert the narrow end into the slot, creating a circular, ring-like template around your finger. Check the number displayed on the sizer: this is your ring size.
The ring technique
If you already have a ring that fits you perfectly, it makes sense to get a ring of the same size. Although most rings have the ring size on the inside, if you want to be sure you're getting the right size, just grab a ruler and measure the diameter of the ring.
Tape measure
Using a tape measure is very similar to using paper or string, but without the middleman. Just wrap the tape measure around your finger and mark where it overlaps. Then lengthen the tape measure and your size will show clearly on the tape itself.
Best tips for measuring ring size
Location
The placement of the ring is arguably the most important factor when measuring ring size. The fingers are not one width across their full height. Therefore, the position you want your ring to have will determine the measurement and size of your ring.
Generally, if you're buying an engagement ring, you'll want the ring to sit just below the knuckle. Therefore, when measuring around the finger, you must ensure that you are measuring in that exact position. If you measure at the base of your finger, that's where your ring will fit, not below the knuckle where you want it to fit.
If you wear a lot of rings, you may be looking for rings to stack on your fingers and want your ring to sit just above the knuckle. If so, you're going to want a smaller ring, so you'll want to measure around the top of your finger, not the base.
It is extremely important that you factor the position of the ring into your measurements, as it can drastically change the size of the ring you should buy.
International sizing
International sizing is another thing that many people forget to consider when shopping for a ring, especially when shopping for engagement jewelry.
There is no universal ring size, as each country uses a different system for their ring sizes. Therefore, if you are looking for your engagement ring overseas, as many people do due to the different styles and caliber of jewelry available in different parts of the world, you will need to use a conversion chart. ring sizes.
You can measure your ring as you normally would and find the US/Canadian size. Then simply consult a ring size conversion chart to find the equivalent size in other countries. It's not a complicated process, just a little extra step.
Go to a jeweler
If you are in doubt about anything, the best solution is to go to a jeweler in person. The jewelers are professionals in this field and they will be able to answer all your questions.
If you are buying a ring for yourself , you will likely find that jewelers will be able to measure your ring size. Many jewelry stores have fake rings that you can try on to help you determine your size. If not, rest assured that they have a measuring system that will allow you to get an accurate measurement of your ring.
On the other hand, if you are looking to buy a ring for someone else, for example for an engagement or simply for a gift, and you have not been able to measure their finger, the jewelers will always be able to help you. . Although it's not an exact science, if you show a photo of the person you're buying a ring for and their hand is clearly visible, many jewelers will be able to give you a rough estimate of her ring size.