Finding the ideal fit for a wedding band or engagement ring
can be difficult. Once you understand the fundamentals of ring sizing, you'll
be much more confident in your ability to find the perfect one. Learn more
about ring fitting so you can make an educated decision at the jewelry store.
A Quick Guide to Ring Sizing
Most rings range in size from 3 to 13.5, increasing by 0.5
increments. These figures do not correspond to any standard units of
measurement. Women can wear rings in sizes 3-9, and men can wear rings in sizes
8 and up, but there are some exceptions. Keep in mind that the best ring size
for your ring finger will almost certainly differ from the best size for your
pinky or thumb.
How Should a Ring Be Fitted?
As a general rule, you should be able to remove your ring
with relative ease while also not having to worry about it falling off. Choose
a snug fit. A narrow or a wide ring will cause you problems. And working with a
half-size up is easier than working with a half-size down.
If your ring is too tight, it should leave a harsh indent
mark after you remove it or result in a "muffin top"”a fit in which
your skin swells above or below your ring. A loose ring spins easily and slides
up and down your finger with little help.
However, keep in mind that no ring will fit perfectly 100%
of the time. On a daily basis, your fingers change size due to blood flow,
temperature changes, water and food consumption, and other factors. Choose
something as close to perfect as possible, but keep in mind that your ring will
feel looser or tighter depending on a variety of factors whenever you wear it.
How to Choose a Ring Size
Sizing is more than just how your ring feels when you first
put it on. Keep the following tips in mind as you search for the perfect fit:
Consider the width of the band. Depending on the material or
style of design, different ring styles have thinner or thicker bands. Try on
rings of various widths to find the perfect fit. Thick rings may fit snugger
than thin rings due to their girth, even if they are technically the same ring
size.
Consider routine bodily changes: The shape of your finger
will change depending on the time of day, blood circulation, temperature
changes, and what you eat or drink. The ring should remain comfortable as your
finger expands; as it contracts, the ring should remain tight. In the long run,
more significant weight loss or gain may necessitate resizing your ring.
Keep your knuckles in mind: Your ring should easily slide
from the base of your finger to the tip, so keep your knuckles in mind. This
may not be a problem if you have small knuckles (although it could cause a
loose ring to become even looser). If your knuckles are larger, you'll need a
ring that can slide past your knuckle without getting caught.
How to Measure a Finger for Ring Size
Your ring should be snug but not too tight, and comfortable
but not too loose. Here are some pointers to keep in mind as you search for the
perfect ring size:
Examine your current rings. Measure the diameter of any
rings you already wear. If your engagement ring fits at a specific size, it
stands to reason that you will be able to make your wedding ring fit at the
same size as well. When making your final purchase, you may need to convert
your measurement to an official ring size, but a professional can assist you
with this.
Use a ring sizer or chart to determine your ring size.
Consider purchasing a ring sizer to determine which size is best for you. Ring
size charts, on the other hand, include holes for each band size. To get a
better idea of what will fit best, measure your finger against each hole in the
chart.
Maintain a normal body temperature. Around midday, try
measuring your finger at room temperature. Your fingers swell significantly
throughout the day, depending on what you eat or drink. They may be smaller
when you first wake up than they will be later in the day. Their size is also
affected by heat and cold. A sizing session in the afternoon in moderate
temperatures will allow you to aim for the most accurate fit on average.
Consult with a professional. Consult a professional jeweler
to find the perfect ring for you. While you can use a variety of tools to
obtain accurate sizing on your own, these professionals can provide you with
even more information.
If, despite your best efforts, you end up with a ring that
is a slight mismatch for your finger size, you can use sizing beads or ring
guards to tighten your loose ring. Both of these tools can be used as either
temporary fixes or permanent solutions.
