While it’s not rocket science, there is a science to ring sizing. Ring size can vary widely–even on the exact same finger. Figuring out the right ring size requires not only understanding how to correctly take measurements but also how things like time of day and temperature could be affecting the wearer during measuring.
Learn all about the science of sizing (and how you can accurately size yourself at home) as we share everything you need to know about ring size.
The Importance of Time and Temperature
Temperature and time of day can make your fingers swell or shrink. If you measure your finger at the wrong time or temperature, this could give you an inaccurate size.
Heat makes fingers swell, while cold temperatures make them shrink. So, you don’t want to measure your ring size after sitting in a sauna or spending time out in cold weather. Make sure your hands have been at a consistent, comfortable temperature for a while before measuring.
Time of day affects size because our fingers tend to swell overnight due to water retention. Wait until at least midday to measure your fingers, rather than measuring shortly after you wake up. Then, consider measuring at a few points throughout the day to ensure you find the correct size.
Every Finger Is Unique
Many people don’t know that the same finger can be a different size on each hand. Your left ring finger might be a substantially different size than your right ring finger. Therefore, you always want to take your finger size measurements on the exact finger you’re shopping for.
Your unique finger shape can also affect ring size. For example, those with larger knuckles on their fingers may struggle to find their correct size. If the base of your finger is much smaller than your knuckle, it’s very easy to accidentally get a size that’s either too large or too small.
The key to getting the correct size if you have larger knuckles is to choose the smallest size that will slip over the knuckle, then adjust if needed. If the ring slips around, a jeweler can add sizing beads inside the band to keep it in place.
Ring Design Matters
Rings with wider bands fit more snugly than slimmer designs, so keep band thickness in mind when choosing your size. Wide bands often need to be a half or full size larger than slim bands.
Perfect Fit Is Personal Preference
How do you know when you’ve found your ideal ring fit? Generally, a ring should have a bit of friction when you slide it over your knuckles, then rest snugly (but not tightly) once it’s in place.
With that said, your perfect ring size also depends on your personal preference. Comfort is very personal, so feel free to try going a bit smaller or larger with your size if desired.
Most Accurate Ways to Size
The best way to get an accurate ring size is to get sized by a professional jeweler. If you’re in the Los Angeles area, visit Bridal Rings and we’ll be happy to provide you with your perfect size at no charge.
If you don’t want to go to a jewelry store to get sized, you can size yourself at home. For the most accurate reading, order a sizer. Metal ring sizers, which are what jewelers use, tend to be very accurate. Plastic ring sizers are also quite accurate, and can be very inexpensive.
Less Accurate Ways to Size
If you want to size yourself at home without getting a ring sizer, there are other options. However, please keep in mind that these tend to give less accurate measurements, so they could lead to you needing to have your ring resized.
Some suggest measuring your finger with a strip of paper or a piece of string, then comparing it to a ruler and a ring sizing chart. Another option is to measure an existing ring. If you try any of these methods, remember that the size you pick needs to fit over your knuckle, that string can stretch, and that all of your fingers may be different sizes (so be careful about which ring you measure).
Understanding Resizing
Many rings can be easily resized, especially if the issue is that the ring is slightly loose. For instance, a plain gold band is quite easy to resize.
However, some ring designs are challenging or impossible to resize. If you’re buying one of those, you want to be absolutely sure you know the correct ring size before you make your purchase.
Rings that feature detailing on their entire band often cannot be resized without ruining their design. This includes rings that are fully engraved or patterned, and eternity bands. Diamond eternity bands, a top wedding band style, are a good example of a popular design that usually cannot be resized. If the required resize length isn’t the exact same size as one of the ring’s stones, resizing would ruin the seamless look of the design.
Then, some metals can’t be resized. These include tungsten, titanium, and stainless steel. If a ring made from these metals is slightly too large, fixes like sizing beads may be able to help. But removing or adding a piece of metal from the actual band is not possible with certain metals.
Another type of ring that cannot be resized is any ring with a tension setting. Changing the size or shape of the band will break the tension holding your gemstone in place, putting you at risk of stone loss.
What to Do When You Have to Guess
If you don’t have an exact size and you need to guess, err on the larger size. Generally, it’s easier to size a ring down than up, so it’s better to go larger than smaller.
It’s also a good idea to go larger if you’re guessing because you want a proposal to be a surprise. It’s better to be able to slip the engagement ring on your significant other’s finger after they say yes, instead of having it get awkwardly stuck by their fingertip.
Get Sized at Bridal Rings in Downtown LA
Have questions about ring sizing? Send us a message or stop by our showroom in Downtown Los Angeles. We’d be happy to chat with you and help you discover your accurate size.