How to Find Your Ring Size & Get the Perfect Fit
How to Figure Out Your Ring Size?
For people who are wondering how to figure out their own or their partner’s ring size, there are plenty of great options available. However, each comes with its own pros and cons. That’s why we’ve compiled all the best tricks and tips for figuring out the ideal ring size so that you can choose for yourself. By the time you’ve finished reading this, we’re confident you’ll know exactly what to do thanks to our ring size guide.
WHAT IS MY RING SIZE?
Note, we're happy to provide free ring sizing to our Plum couples. So read on and do your best, but don't fret if you need to make adjustments to any lab diamond engagement ring or wedding band down the road.
- Use the right tool for the job. If you're doing this at home, we strongly recommend using a jeweler-approved metal ring gauge instead of a flat, zip tie-like strip. The flat strip sizer is easy to drop in the mail, so we get why people use it, but it doesn't mimic an actual ring profile shape or width (unless you like wearing zip ties). Consider our Find Your Diamond Kit or just reach out to us and we'll send you a metal sizing gauge for $8. (Shipping is free.)
- Find the best fit on the ring sizing gauge. You probably won't get this quite right on the first try, so keep going up and down in size until you've got a winner or the best option (read on to learn about half sizes).
- Your best size will fit snuggly. The best size for you will require gentle tugging to remove. You don't want to feel like it's going to fall off, and it should take some effort to get it over your knuckle.
- Write down your number, which might be an in-between size. Most ring gauges have full and half sizes, but a skilled jeweler can size a ring to a half or even an eighth of a size. So if you feel like you fall in between a whole and a half size, it's ok - you probably do. Plum Diamonds lab grown diamond rings are customizable online to quarter sizes, and if you need something else, just ask.
- It's OK if it's not a perfect fit 100% of the time. The goal is to find a great fit for your finger, which will naturally fluctuate in size. You know how sometimes your fingers are puffy and swollen (alcohol, salty foods, hot weather) and other times your fingers seem skinnier than usual (in cold weather, usually)? This is normal, and the best you can do is to find a ring size that fits and feels good on most occasions. Most importantly, your ring shouldn't fall off and it shouldn't pinch or hurt.
Finding Your Ring Size at a Jeweler
The most accurate way to figure out your ring size would be to visit a jewelry store and try on some rings. Not only will you be able to try on every size you can imagine in their own in-store sizing kit, you’ll also be able to try on different rings that might vary in their band construction, which will help you nail down exactly what size suits you best.
Are all rings the same shape?
All rings are round of course, but when we get into the actual shape of the band around your finger, there are some nuances worth considering while finding your ideal ring size. This primarily applies to people shopping for rings with wider bands, and might not apply to someone who is trying to figure out the ideal size for an engagement ring, but is still worth keeping in mind as you continue your ring sizing journey.
Regular-fit rings are fairly common and are defined by their interior that is flat across its width. These rings typically fit more snugly than their other common counterpart, the comfort-fit ring.
Comfort-fit rings are more common for wider bands, and they are curved on the inside, resulting in less surface area touching your finger. Generally speaking, these rings fit slightly looser, though the difference is not always significant enough to change ring size.
Signet rings are considerably less common, particularly when it comes to wedding rings or engagement rings. However, these rings often feature a “hollowed-out” interior, resulting in a looser fit than a sizing tool might have you expect.
Finding Your Ring Size at Home
While finding your ring size at a jewelry store is effective, it’s certainly not the simplest way to figure out your ring size, and not the quickest! If you’re anything like us, the quickest and most comprehensive solution is the way to go. For that, we recommend trying a free at-home try-on and ring sizing kit.
The Plum Diamond’s Find Your Diamond and Sizer Kit is the best way to figure out your ring size at home. Each kit is customized based on your own preferences when you order, and you’ll be equipped with a wide variety of ring sizers to try on, taking all the guesswork out of finding your size. Not only that, our kit also
includes three diamond simulants, a display ring, as well as three different ring sample styles. This kit will do more than help you find your ring size, it’ll help you realize what your dream ring actually looks like.
Getting your kit couldn’t be easier. Simply follow this link, customize your kit, put down the 100% refundable deposit, and provide your address, and we’ll have it shipped to you ASAP. You get to keep it for five days giving you the chance to try the rings on in a variety of circumstances and temperatures which can impact ring size. When the five days are up, send it back to us (shipping both ways is free!), and we’ll refund your deposit. It really is that easy!
How to Find Your Partner’s Ring Size Without Them Knowing
The options above are great but one thing they do lack is subtlety. If your goal is to get a ring measurement for a loved one without their knowing those methods simply won’t do! Luckily there are some things you can try to get your partner's ring size without their knowing.
Borrow a Ring to Find The Size
The first and easiest method we’ll bring up is to borrow one of their current rings. Simply borrow one for an afternoon, take it to a jewelry store, and they’ll be able to help you determine the size of the ring. Of course, this is all based on the assumption that the ring you’ve borrowed fits them well. That may or may not actually be the case so choose the ring you borrow wisely and when in doubt, bring a couple with you and do your best to figure out which fits their ring finger. (All fingers are different sizes!).
Mark The Size of A Current Ring On Your Finger
Borrowing one of their rings for an evening might not be the easiest thing to do, depending on the circumstances. Luckily, even if you can’t leave with the ring there are options. Try on one of their rings in secret and find a finger or place on your finger where it fits well. Then, take a marker, and mark either side of the ring. Then, take this mark to a jewelry store and have them help you determine the size. For best results find a couple of different places on your finger where the ring fits and mark all of them. This will give you and the jeweler the best chance of figuring out the most accurate size. (Again, make sure it’s a ring that fits their ring finger!)
Have Them Try On Rings With Friends
The third and final option we have for you requires the help of some friends. This option is perhaps the least subtle but is also the most accurate. Ask their friends to take them out shopping and try on rings for fun. Their Mission is to get the ring size for you while trying on rings at a jewelry store. You’ll have a professional sizing on their finger and they’ll hopefully remain none the wiser. Though, that will depend on how good of actors their friends are.
Printable Ring Size Charts
Printable ring size charts are another common option people go with. This is less likely to be accurate than our ring sizer kit mentioned above, as it’s difficult to gauge the amount of pressure you want on your finger when using a piece of paper. Additionally, the accuracy is limited by your ability to cut a perfect circle. But, for people without access to the methods above this might be the next best option.
Simply find one of the countless printable ring sizers online and print it out; then, cut out the interior of the circles so that you have a “ring” to try on, and see how it feels. Be careful not to tear it as this will make it unusable without a repair with tape.
How to Measure Your Ring Size with String
Measuring your ring size with string is perhaps the easiest way to get your measurement at home but it is also the least accurate. We only recommend this method if you find yourself in a situation when the methods mentioned above are not an option, as this method is often incorrect by a size or two, leaving you with a ring that might be close to fitting, but not quite.
If you’re going to give this method a try it really is easy! All you need is a piece of string (not stretchy) and a ruler. Wrap the string around your finger where you expect your future ring to sit. Hold it roughly as snug as you expect you’ll want the ring to be, then use the marker on the string to mark where the two pieces meet. You now have a measurement of the circumference of your finger. Take this, lay it on the tape measure, and get the distance between the marker marks in millimeters (ring sizes are typically measured in sizes that can be converted to millimeters). Check online then for a millimeters to US ring size conversion chart.
Common Questions We Hear When Sizing Rings
You might have found the perfect ring sizing method above. But, before you go, we recommend you read on. There is a lot to consider when sizing a ring and getting the size right the first time can help you avoid resizing complications later on. The information below will help you better understand the resizing process and other sizing-related considerations that might impact your ring choice.
How Much Does It Cost To Resize A Ring?
The cost to resize a ring varies greatly depending on the specifics of the resizing like the number of sizes it’s changing, the metal it’s made of, and whether it’s being made larger or smaller. Generally speaking, prices will vary between $50 and $150 or even more, depending on your location and your ring. However, savvy ring shoppers don’t need to worry about this; here at Plum Diamonds, we offer free resizing and even free polishing for life on all the engagement rings we sell. Turnaround time is only about a week.
How Long Does It Take To Resize A Ring?
Gauging the exact time required to resize a ring can be a challenge, the resizing process itself often doesn’t take long and can take as little as ten minutes for certain minor changes. However, if the jeweler finds themselves with a backlog you might be waiting for a couple of weeks to get your ring back. It’s worth speaking with your jeweler about the timeline for your resizing project before handing off your ring, particularly if you find you need your ring for a special occasion (your wedding, perhaps?)
Where Can I Have a Ring Resized?
Rings can be resized at many jewelry stores leaving you with plenty of options. We always recommend starting your search with the jeweler who sold you the ring as they might be inclined to give you a discount or even do it for free like we do. Furthermore, having a different jeweler resize your ring will likely void any warranty or care package issued by that original jeweler.
Can Rings Be Resized Larger?
Rings can be made larger, though the degree to which they can be made larger is limited. Usually rings can be resized larger by about two sizes. The process for minor size increases is simple, jewelers may simply stretch the ring oh so slightly to increase the size.
Depending on your specific ring it may be possible to make it a size or two larger. The complexity of the band or stone setting can also impact how much larger your ring can be made.
Can Rings Be Resized Smaller?
Resizing a ring smaller can also be done, the jeweler will cut a small piece from the band and reconnect the two ends making it back into a perfect circle and soldering or laser-welding it back together. The piece will be finished with a final polish to smooth over the seam.
Can All Rings Be Resized?
Not all rings can be resized; at least, not easily, or cheaply. The material with which the ring is made impacts how easily a ring can be resized. Gold, Silver, and platinum are generally speaking easy to resize, although not all jewelers have the skills and tools to work with platinum. Materials like tungsten, titanium, and other harder materials are considerably more challenging to resize, which may increase the price.
The design of the band can also impact the resizing process. Pave bands are a good example of a band that is limited in the resizing process due to its unique design. Pave bands are inlaid with diamonds along half or all of the band and this can complicate the resizing process and limit the degree to which they can be resized without damaging the integrity of the diamond settings.
Eternity bands are rings with diamonds all the way around. They are often impossible to resize, which is why we strongly recommend that clients consider keeping a small area of band plain. This might be referred to as a 'sizing bar,' and you'll barely notice it's there! But, if you have to resize your ring down the road, it will be a lifesaver.
How Many Times Can a Ring Be Resized?
The number of times a ring can be resized depends on whether it’s being made larger or smaller, and to what degree. That being said, rings can usually be resized between two and four times before the ring’s structural integrity becomes a risk. Generally, the bigger the size change, the fewer size changes you’ll be able to make.
MORE SIZING TIPS FROM A JEWELER
- Your “ring finger” is next to your pinkie on your left hand. Most US couples wear their rings here.
- You should be able to tug the sizer gently without it popping right off your finger. There should be enough tension where the sizer doesn’t feel like it’s going to come off on its own, but where you’re not worried that it’s going to get stuck on your finger.
- Consider your body today, you may be wondering, why are my fingers swollen? Is it from a late night, salty foods, or humidity? If so, this is normal and your finger is a little bigger than usual. Same goes if your fingers feel small, most likely because you’re very cold. Ideally, you’ll be able to size your finger when you’re feeling your most normal size and temperature.
- The same fingers on different hands will not measure the same. Usually the fingers on our dominant hand are slightly larger. It’s important to size each finger separately.
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If you still have questions or want a second opinion about how to find your ring size, we're here to help! Contact us now