A simple guide to getting the perfect fit for your rings
Your ring shouldn’t just look beautiful, it should feel beautiful too! It needs to sit snugly, turn easily, and feel just right on your finger.
Before you order a new piece or start designing your perfect bespoke ring, it’s worth taking a few moments to find your perfect size.
In this guide I’ll share my simple tried and tested tips on how to measure your ring size from home.
Step One: Choose Your Finger
Begin by deciding which finger your new ring will be worn on. Traditionally in Scotland, engagement and wedding rings are worn on the fourth finger of your left hand.
It’s best to measure your finger at the end of the day when your hands are warm and slightly fuller. Avoid measuring when your fingers are very hot or cold, or after exercise, as they can temporarily change size. Remember that your fingers naturally swell and shrink throughout the day and across the seasons, so aim for an average, comfortable fit. With our lovely mixed Scottish weather, I usually say rings feel a little loose in winter months and then a little tight in summer months.
Step Two: Three Easy Ways to Measure Your Ring Size
A. Use a ring sizer
You can order a simple ring sizer online for the most accurate result.
If you are ordering bespoke or wedding jewellery from me at Cairney Jewellery, you’re welcome to try one of the methods below first to get an estimated size. I am then always happy to post out a sample ring for you to try before finalising your order to ensure the perfect fit. If you are local, your ring size can be measured during your consultation.
B. Measure an existing ring
- Choose a ring that already fits the intended finger.
- Lay a ruler flat and measure the inside diameter (edge to edge) in millimetres (mm).
- Use the chart below to find your size.
Top tip: Wider bands (6mm or more) feel tighter, so you may need to size up slightly, and remember finger sizes often differ between your right and left hands!
C. Paper or string wrap
- Cut a narrow strip of paper (roughly the width of the ring you'd like).
- Wrap it once around the base of your chosen finger.
- Mark where the ends meet using a ballpoint / fine pen.
- Use the measurement to look up your ring size using the chart below.
Note: This is a helpful way to measure at home, but it’s not as precise as a proper sizer or existing ring. Even 1mm can make a difference between sizes!
Engagement Ring Sizing Tips
We all know the challenges of planning the perfect surprise proposal. Especially when you are unsure of your partners rings size and don’t want to give the game away!
Here are a few discreet ideas:
- Borrow one of their rings and measure the inside diameter.
- Notice which hand and finger they wear it on as this makes a big difference.
- If you can't borrow it, trace around the inside of the ring or take a photo of it placed on a ruler measuring the inside diameter.
- Compare your hand to theirs. This is not an exact science, but it can often help jewellers make an estimate based on the description.
- Ask a trusted friend or family member as they might already know or can help you find out.
- Sometimes a photo of your partners hand can help jewellers get a glimpse into the size, along with other information you can provide.
Just remember: most rings can be resized after the proposal if needed so just ask. Some people propose with a “placeholder” or “promise” ring and design the forever engagement ring together afterwards if you feel this would suit you better.
Factors That Affect Ring Fit
- Ring width: Wider rings fit tighter, so size up slightly.
- Temperature: Warm hands swell and cold hands shrink.
- Time of day: Fingers can change size depending on time of day.
- Dominant hand: Fingers on your dominant hand can be slightly larger.
Once you have found your ring size, make a note of it somewhere so you can remember.
Ring Size Conversion Chart
Here’s a helpful template comparing UK (letter), EU (number), and US (number) sizes. Use this to find your size once you have your measurement.
Finding your ring size can feel tricky, but hopefully these tips will help you get the perfect size. A little patience and a few millimetres of measuring can make all the difference.
Once you know your size you are ready to order or design your perfect piece. If you are buying a piece from the Cairney Jewellery website and the size isn’t quite right on arrival, these can be exchanged for a different size. If you are unsure about anything, please just get in touch as I am always happy to help you find the perfect fit.
Happy measuring!
