How to size a ring
One of the trickiest parts of buying a ring is finding a size that fits comfortably. When you are buying your own ring this can be a bit of a problem, but when you have to buy someone else a ring then it becomes even trickier. Jewellers each have their own methods by which they swear when it comes to sizing rings but not all them are as effective as they seem.
First, it is important to mentions that ring size is not the same as finger size. This may seem like a rather obvious statement to make, but many people are often confused about this idea. Suffice to say that if the size of your ring is the same size as your finger – then you are going to have a hard time putting the ring on or taking it off. Rings need to be a little bigger than the finger size so it can be easily removed when necessary.
Another consideration that many people forget is that the average human finger changes size during the day and throughout the year. This is due to changes in the climate, humidity, general health and all sorts of other factors that may cause your finger to swell or shrink throughout the day or the year. That is why many experts agree that the best time to measure the ring finger is at the end of the day.
Many jewellers have a set of steel rings that they use to measure the ring size of people who enter their store. These rings come in a variety of sizes and, theoretically, should have a ring amongst them that fit your size pretty closely. From these rings, the jeweller can get a rough idea of the size of the ring and can make small adjustments where necessary. These rings are far from precise, but a good place to start.
Contrary to popular belief, a piece of string or ribbon wrapped around the finger and measured is not a good way to determine ring size. Perhaps the best way is to take a ring that you already own and use it as a standard. For a precise measurement, take a pair of calipers and measure the the inside of the ring. Or, even simpler, give the jeweller a fitted ring to work from.
A rather simple way that is also said to work quite well when you don't have the time to worry about measurements is to try a ring on. A ring that is just slightly smaller than the second knuckle should fit quite well. The theory is that a ring that is just smaller than the second knuckle will slide over the knuckle with effort and will not randomly slide off again.
As a general guideline, many expert suggest that people with large knuckles or hands should opt for loose rings while people with smaller knuckles or hands should opt for rings that sit more tightly.
Ring size is an important consideration. Embarrassing moments aside when a proposal goes bad, resizing a ring is not always possible. For the most part, many rings can be resized if necessary, but not all. Rings that have any sort of complicated setting or a special design can usually not be resized without harming the design or having the stones reset. In men's rings, those made from titanium or tungsten steel can not be resized simply because the metal is too hard to be easily broken. Take care when choosing a ring size!
While it is an important consideration, it is not that hard to decide what size a ring should be. Jewellers will be able to help. Even when done in secret, they know all the tricks of the trade in finding the right size for the ring you want to buy. And remember...rather a little too big than too small.
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