When you plan to propose, you want everything to be perfect. This means every detail needs to be planned out carefully – that includes measuring the perfect engagement ring size. However, when determining your ring size for the perfect engagement or wedding ring, this can often be difficult, and that’s why it’s always best to visit your jeweller so that you can be measured correctly.
When I was younger, I used to be constantly playing with this gadget my Mum had. It was a 26 plastic hoops all on a string. Each hoop was a ring size so you could find your perfect size. I’ve not seen one of those in yonks. AC Silver, retailers of antique jewellery, offers advice on how to measure yourself for the perfect ring.
Measuring at home
Whilst jewellers are the experts, a good starting point is utilising a method that you can use at home. By cutting a thin strip of paper, wrap this around the finger and then make a mark once the paper has gone the whole way around the finger. However, you should keep in mind that some designs are bigger than others, which will have an impact on your ring size.
Additional considerations to keep in mind
Whilst measuring your finger for the perfect size is a good starting point, you also need to consider band and shank width. A wider band used on a wedding ring will always have a tighter grip on your finger in comparison to a slender solitaire. A ring gauge will be used by a jeweller so that the size of the shank can be determined, which means that you’ll be able to get the perfect fit for your ring. The greater depth of the ring shank, the greater impact on the size of the ring, which may result in you having to go a ring size up.
In addition, the size of your fingers can vary throughout the day — especially depending on temperature. Although you may not have thought about it, your fingers are generally smaller in the morning, so you should measure your ring size later in the day once your fingers are warmer. A cold finger could be half a size smaller; what this means is that during the summer your ring could become too tight – so the ring should always have some leverage and slack.
But not all rings require slack. Keep in mind that for larger cocktail rings with a heavy top, these should have a snugger fit. This helps to stop the ring spinning once it is on the finger.
To determine if your ring is a good fit, generally, it should require a little wiggle over the knuckle when you remove it.
If you are planning to surprise a loved one, you can utilise a ring of theirs and measure it in store with a ‘ring stick’, which is known as a mandrel sizing tool, to ensure that their ring is the perfect fit when they try it on.
But bear in mind that no measurements are exact, and if the ring isn’t measured correctly this may leave you and your partner left disappointed – that’s why we would always recommend that a professional should measure the ring for you.
I had to resize my wedding ring cause it was a bit too big. I wish I wouldn`t have done it though because after I gained weight I am not able to take it off anymore:))
My step dad stole my ring when he bought my mums engagement ring because we wear the same sizes, luckily it worked and her ring was the perfect fit! It was so lovely 🙂
Erin || MakeErinOver
An ill fitting ring is so annoying!