Whether you are buying a ring for yourself (the best kind of present) or a ring for someone else, we have some tips to help you find the correct finger size before you buy.
It can be impossible to know the size needed if the ring is for a surprise engagement for instance, but don’t worry, our guide will help by giving you approximate dimensions to go by.
Rest assured that most engagement rings can be easily altered if the size isn’t quite spot on, but finding one that is close is best for that magic moment when popping the all important question!
“Need help finding your perfect ring size? You are always welcome to ring the doorbell at any time.”
How to measure a UK ring size
IN STORE
If you know a ring fits you – or your partner – well you can use it to find out your finger size, simply by bringing it to us here in the shop and our friendly staff will measure it professionally on a sizing stick.
Here in the UK, we measure finger sizes by letter, using an alphabetised system, the US and EU use numbers. Our ring sizer chart gives each UK size its corresponding letter, number and inside diameter.
A ring can be measured in half sizes too, for instance L.5 or T.5 which can make a real difference for comfort. We all have unique fingers so a slight adjustment to a custom size is perfectly normal.
The most common women’s ring size is L – M and the most common men’s ring size is S – T.
Some jewellers size their rings in small, medium and large sizes only, but a rule of thumb usually applies as follows;
- Small – sizes J/K (Ladies) or O/P/Q (Gents)
- Medium – size L/M/N (Ladies) or R/S/T (Gents)
- Large – O/P (Ladies) or U/V (Gents)
How to measure a ring size
AT HOME
If you can’t come to us don’t worry! We have some tips to help you carry out a DIY finger sizing at home.
If you have a ring that feels comfortable but don’t know the size you can use the ring size chart above to help you. Simply measure the inside diameter of the ring using a measuring tape or ruler in millimetres to see where it lies on the chart.
If you don’t have a ring that fits, or the ring is a gift for someone else you can use our printable ring sizer to get an estimated measurement. Click the button at the bottom of this page to download it.
When using the paper ring sizer simply –
- Cut out the slot marked at the end of the sizer – near the snakes tail
- Wrap it around the base of the finger and slide the snake head through the slot
- Gently pull until you have a secured fit
- Check the letter displayed for your ring size
Useful tips for successful ring sizing
- Remember that unless done by a professional, DIY ring measurements should be used as a guide only, and are not always 100% accurate, so further adjustments may need to be made for the perfect fit
- The evening is the best time to measure fingers, as this is when they are largest. Finger sizes fluctuate regularly, from warm to cold seasons and from morning to evening
- Ideally measure your finger at least 3 times to ensure your measurement is accurate
- Wider bands have a tighter fit than thinner bands, so when using another ring to assist you with estimating a measurement, pick a similar design to the ring you are hoping to buy
- Keep in mind finger type – tapered fingers (wide base, narrow tip) require a snug fit, as rings can easily fall off, whereas fingers with a pronounced knuckle need a ring that can fit over the knuckle, but won’t move around at the base of the finger.
- Unless you know the exact ring size, be wary of picking a band that has diamonds or gemstones set all the way round (eternity style), as these can be difficult or even impossible in some cases to re-size
- If you’re not completely sure, always go for a larger size when buying an engagement ring, to ensure it goes on when you pop the question! If the ring is wildly too big we advise keeping it in the box until its resized to fit, so that your new ring isn’t accidentally lost
- Our dominant hands tend to be slightly bigger so keep this in mind when buying for the left hand!
