Figuring out the correct ring size for an engagement ring – it’s one of the hardest parts of proposing!
Very often, people will try to find a clever way to measure the size of their significant other’s ring finger. Other times, admitting defeat, one partner will flat-out ask the other what their ring size is.
Obviously the best way to figure out someone’s ring size is to go to your local jeweler (and for our Morris County NJ readers, we’re right around the corner!). Have a jeweler perform the measurement for you. This will ensure the most accurate ring sizing and therefore the most comfortable fit for your engagement ring or wedding band. If you and your partner are open about an engagement and are fine with both of you knowing about the ring, then this will be the best and easiest option.
But if you want to make your proposal a surprise, you’re going to want to determine a sneakier, more creative way to measure your significant other’s ring size without them knowing.
First and foremost, always make sure you apply the following measuring methods to the left ring finger as this will be the finger that wears the engagement ring.
Get Creative: Measuring Ring Size Without Them Knowing
One approach you can take to figure out someone’s ring size is to ask someone that would know, like a close friend. (We highly recommend you trust that the friend is good at keeping secrets!) Everyone should at least consider this approach, but there are also some other methods to determine someone’s ring size without them finding out.
An easy trick is to just take a ring that your significant other usually wears and do one or more of the following:
- Impress the ring into a bar of soap, this way you can leave the ring and keep the size impressed into the soap for later measurement
- Place the ring on a blank sheet of paper and trace the inside and outside of the ring several times to get an accurate approximation of ring size
- Place the ring on your left ring finger and mark where it falls; you can then measure your finger where the ring falls to get an approximate size
- Buy a ring sizer online and use that to measure the ring
If possible, we recommend that you use more than one of the above methods so that you can confirm that you are really getting the most accurate result.
If your partner is not a light sleeper, then you can take a strip of paper or piece of string and measure his or her finger while they sleep. Be sure to mark where the string or paper crosses over itself. Still, this method would be best used in conjunction with one or more of the methods described above.
To be absolutely safe, you should talk to your local jeweler about adjustments after purchase, so that if the ring isn’t a perfect fit immediately, we can get the right fit for your ring at the best cost.
Why You Shouldn’t Use Online Ring Sizers or Printable Ring Size Charts
People will often turn to the Internet to find an online ring size chart, a downloadable or printable ring chart, or some other quirky ways to measure someone’s ring size, but we discourage anyone from trusting these resources.
The problem with online ring size charts and printable ring size charts is that they can be entirely inaccurate. Online, different screen dimensions and resolutions may distort the correct sizing on the chart.
At the same time, it’s less accurate to hold up a finger or something else to a computer screen to measure it. Likewise, printing a ring chart can be distorted depending on the download and the printer, resulting in possibly inaccurate measurements.
If this is the route you take and the ring ends up not fitting, you may have to look at resizing the ring after the purchase, which, for rings with stones, is usually not recommended due to the fragile nature of the diamond.
Err on the Loose Side
It’s always better to get a ring size that is too big than too small. If a ring is too big, a jeweler that offers a ring resizing service can take away part of the band and solder the ring back together. If the ring is too small, resizing it can be much more difficult and costly.
Cost of Resizing a Ring & Where To Get Your Ring Resized
The cost of resizing a ring will vary depending on the job, the metal, the thickness, and more. It is best to visit your local jeweler to get more information on resizing a ring.
Jewelers Mutual has a great guide with tons of information on the costs of resizing a ring.
If you’re looking for a temporary solution, or for a regular ol’ ring, ring guards for loose rings are available for purchase online and in stores.
Remember, it’s always going to be cheaper to resize a ring than it would be to replace it if it falls off or has to be cut off. So the next time you need a ring resized, come visit us in Denville, NJ and we’ll be happy to help make sure you ring is the perfect fit.
You can also come down to our showroom to take a look at all of our bridal jewelry, including beautiful custom engagement rings.