An engagement ring that fits properly should slide smoothly down your finger and over your knuckle without having to be forced when you put it on. It should fit snugly at the bottom of your finger without leaving deep indentations, discolorations or feeling too tight, and come off without having to pull at it excessively.
How to Size an Engagement Ring
Since you’ll probably wear your engagement ring every day, it’s important that it fits correctly so it’s comfortable and safe to wear. The first step in ensuring the proper fit is to get your ring size for the finger that you plan to wear the ring on. Ring sizes typically come in full, half and occasionally quarter sizes. There are a few different ways to measure your ring size at home, or you can visit your jeweler if you want help getting an accurate measurement.
Here are some methods for finding your ring size:
- Plastic Belt Ring Sizer: is the best way to measure your ring size at home. They’re affordable, incredibly accurate, easy to order online for only a few dollars, and most include sizing for full, half and quarter ring sizes.
- Finger Sizer Metal Ring Sets: are an assortment of metal rings that allow you to try different sizes and discover which one fits the best.
- Mandrel: is a tool that’s shaped like a cone and gradually increases in size. Having a jeweler measure you with a mandrel is the most accurate way to get your ring size.
When determining your ring size, you’ll want to measure your finger in the morning, afternoon and night, ideally for a few days, to get an accurate ring size since your finger will change shape and size throughout the day. If you find that you’re in between sizes or just aren’t sure, it’s best to choose the larger size. Keep in mind styles like eternity bands that have stones accenting the entire shank are more difficult if not impossible to resize.
How to Know if Your Engagement Ring Fits Right
In addition to using some sort of method to get your ring size, it’s also helpful to look at your fingers and how they are shaped.
- Do you have long, slender fingers? If so, a wide band with a large, angular centerstone will help balance the length and fit more comfortably on your finger.
- Do you have short fingers? You can add optical length with a narrow band and elongated stone shape like an oval or pear.
- Do you have large knuckles? If so, you’ll need a ring big enough to fit over your knuckle without sliding around on your finger. An engagement ring with accent stones will add a little weight and allow the ring to feel balanced and secure on your finger.
- Do your fingers gradually get narrower? You’ll want to choose a size that’s more snug than loose to avoid losing your ring, or consider ring stacks or a thicker band.
Everyone’s fingers fluctuate in shape and size throughout the day thanks to the weather, altitude, sweat, lifestyle and activities like hiking or playing sports, etc. Most people’s fingers don’t vary so wildly that their ring becomes excessively tight or loose as the conditions or environment changes, but it can make the initial sizing tricky and you might find it difficult to feel assured that you actually have the right fit.
When putting on your ring, it should easily slide over your knuckle and shouldn’t spin on your finger or be able to slide off when you move your hand. Once it’s on, you should feel the band touching your finger without causing the skin around the ring to bulge out. If your ring is too tight, you risk discomfort and an awful feeling that you can’t get it off. When you take it off, stretch out your fingers and wiggle your ring side to side. It should come off without excessive pulling and shouldn’t leave any indentations or discoloration on your finger.
If you have questions about sizing an engagement ring or designing the perfect fit for your finger, give us a call at 303-385-8449 or click here to schedule an appointment.