Choosing a ring size for an engagement ring seems like the simplest part of the process. It should be as easy as taking a measurement, and reading the size, right?
Not quite.
Getting the right size for your new ring takes some thought, judgement and planning to make sure it’s comfortable and secure on your finger. This can be trickier than it seems, especially if you’ve never worn a ring day-to-day before. Here are 3 key things to know to help make your decision with confidence.
1. Your ring size changes season to season.
How hot or cold you are changes your ring size. In warmer weather, your hands will swell a little, making your ring size a little larger than in colder weather. When you consider that a ring sizes are only around 0.5mm apart in diameter, these changes in finger swelling from the seasons do impact how well a ring feels like it fits.
The challenge is in finding a ring size that will be great for you all year round. You’ll need to find a happy medium where your ring isn’t too tight in summer, nor too big in winter.
2. Your ring size changes throughout the day.
Aside from seasonal fluctuations, your finger size also changes throughout the day depending on your environment, your activities, and your unique body. For example, you may wake with puffier fingers in the morning which settle in the afternoon. Your fingers will be larger when you exercise, and smaller when you’re restful.
Choosing a size that will be comfortable most of the time takes some judgement. Being aware of your own fluctuations in finger sizes throughout the day will also help to gauge when is best to measure your ring size.
3. The width of your ring changes the size you need.
Not all rings of the same size will feel the same. For example, an 8mm wide band will feel tighter than a dainty 3mm wide band, even if they’re exactly the same size. You’ll need a larger size in an 8mm ring compared to a 3mm wide ring in order for it to feel equally comfortable.
Take this into account when stacking rings too. A 2mm ring that feels comfortable on its own may feel a little tight when worn with another ring or two stacked with it. So when you’re choosing a ring to add to a custom ring stack, or one that will eventually be part of an engagement ring, wedding ring and eternity ring set, worn together on the same finger, be sure to consider the size you need.
4. Fingers on your dominant hand are larger than your non-dominant hand.
The hand you use for most tasks gets more of a workout in your day to day life. With that, comes more strength, more muscle, and a larger finger size than the equivalent finger on your non-dominant hand. This important if you’re basing a ring size of a ring you wear already on the opposite hand.
If you wear a ring on your right hand ring finger, for example, your left hand ring finger (where an engagement ring is most often worn) will need a slightly smaller size for it to fit comfortably.
So, which ring size should you choose?
Taking these tips into account will give you a good sense of when to measure your size, how your size may change throughout the year, and what to base your decision on. Though it’s perfectly normal to end up with a few ring sizes to decide between.
Having your ring size assessed by a professional jeweller can take much of the guess work out of the process. A jeweller will take into account these factors, and the experiences they’ve had with clients just like you, to recommend a size they think you’ll be most happy with. If you’re choosing a Harlequin ring, we’ll also happily resize your new engagement ring for a year, so you can be sure to find your perfect size while you get used to wearing it.
Looking for some help to choose the right ring size for your next piece? Book an appointment with our jeweller for advice.
