The ABC's of ring sizes
Great! You’ve narrowed down your metal options. You’ve chosen a pattern and width. You’ve negotiated a choice that both you and your partner are thrilled about. You’ve found the perfect rings and now you’re ready to purchase. But what about the size?
One of the most important things you need to know when ordering rings online is your ring size. Pro tip: DON’T go to your local jeweler to have your finger measured in person. Sounds counterintuitive, right? But while there’s absolutely nothing wrong with checking in with a local jeweler to get a rough idea of your size, here’s the hitch: the equipment that we use to make and size rings is not always consistent from one jeweler to the next. There seems to be no absolute standards. So visiting a local jeweler or knowing the size of another ring you own is not always an accurate measure of your size.
That’s why many online jewelers will encourage you to pop into their own studio for an accurate fitting or will request that you use their own ring sizer. In my case, in-studio visits are on hold for the moment so I encourage all of my clients to request a sizer. My tools are consistent and calibrated to the sizers I provide. I’ve found this to be an extremely accurate way of determining (or confirming) your ring size.
How does it work? In both my Etsy shop and my online website, you can usually request a sizer by clicking "Ring Sizer!" from the dropdown menu when ordering. If that option isn’t available on that particular ring or you're not ready to order quite yet, just message me with your mailing address and I'll send one right out. It’s a helpful little plastic band that will arrive within just a few days. If you use my sizer and you find your ring still requires a size adjustment, I’m happy to waive the resizing fee.
Here are a few quick rules for getting the right size:
Your finger size can vary from day to day (or even throughout the day), due to a variety of factors including diet, hydration, exercise, allergies, temperature, and more. I recommend measuring your finger more than once, ideally at different times of day. Later in the day is generally best, as your finger is likely to be its largest after a day of working with your hands and being in the heat of the day.
Be sure the sizer slides comfortably over your knuckle.
Wider rings constrict more of the finger and will fit a bit tighter than a narrower ring of the same size. If the ring you’ve chosen is over 6mm wide, I recommend ordering a slightly larger ring to compensate for the width. Go up one quarter size if you are ordering a ring between 6mm and 8mm wide. Go up one half size if you are ordering a ring that is 9.5mm or wider.