When it comes to engagement rings, the spotlight tends to shine brightest on the cut, color, clarity, and carat of the diamonds.
However, there's another thing that's just as important: the fit.
Ensuring your ring fits perfectly is as crucial as the sparkle that comes with it. But how do you measure for that perfect fit, especially if you're planning a surprise proposal? Fear not, dear romantics, for we have compiled many different ways to help you secretly determine the right ring size for your beloved.
- The Classic String and Paper Tricks
Let's start with what you've got handy. A piece of string or a strip of paper can be your first clue in this ring-sizing detective work.
- String Method: Take a piece of non-stretchy string and wrap it snugly around the base of your partner's ring finger. Mark the spot where the string meets, lay it flat, and measure it in millimeters. This measurement corresponds to the inside circumference of the ring.
- Paper Strip Method: Cut a thin strip of paper and wrap it around the ring finger, marking where the paper overlaps. Measure the length against a ruler to get the circumference in millimeters and find the matching size on a ring chart.
- Sneak a Peek with an Existing Ring
If your partner already wears a ring on their ring finger (on the correct hand!), you're in luck. When they're not looking, grab the ring and press it against a ruler to measure the inside diameter. Match this measurement to a sizing chart to find the equivalent ring size.
Borrow a Ring:
If your partner often wears a ring on their ring finger, borrow it briefly. You can press it into a bar of soap for an impression, slide it down a tapered candle, or use it with a printable ring size guide from a jeweler's website to figure out their size.
- Get a Ring Sizer
For those who prefer precision (and aren't worried about keeping their plans under wraps), invest in a ring sizer. This tool is specifically designed to measure finger size and can be a reliable method for those serious about accuracy. If you're really daring and your partner's a heavy sleeper, you might be able to use one to measure their finger while they're asleep.
- The Printable Ring Sizer Option
Many jewelers offer free printable ring sizers online. Simply print the sizer, cut it out, and follow the instructions. Just make sure your printer settings don't scale the page size, or you could end up with an incorrect measurement.
- Call a Friend
If you're not too worried about a proposal slipping to your significant other, getting one of their friends to ask their ring size works great. These friends might already know their ring size so it's always a good idea to ask. You might even get other hints as to which style of ring they like!
- Professional Help
When in doubt, seek out a jeweler. It’s the best way to ensure you're getting the correct size, and it's a great opportunity to browse styles and ask questions.
Extra Tips for Measuring Success:
- Measure at the end of the day when fingers tend to be their largest.
- Avoid measuring when it's cold, as fingers are at their smallest.
- If the knuckle is noticeably larger than the base of the finger, measure both and choose a size in between.
- Bands come in different widths, and wider bands often require a bigger size. Keep the style of the ring in mind.
A Note on Resizing
Remember, it’s not the end of the world if the ring doesn’t fit on the first try. Many rings can be resized, so it’s usually safer to err on the larger side so it can slip on their finger the first try.
Sealing the Deal
Armed with these tips, you’re all set to embark on your ring-sizing quest. The perfect fit awaits, just like the perfect moment when you ask that life-changing question.
When you find that dream ring, perhaps from our selection, you'll be ready to slip it onto your loved one's finger, confident in the knowledge that it's as right for them as they are for you.