Building a collection of fine jewelry with exquisite rings is a great way to invest in personal pieces that hold tremendous value. But, as anyone knows when it comes to shopping for rings, size is crucial to enjoying your precious jewelry comfortably.
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or a loved one, finding the perfect fit starts with knowing the proper measurements before converting it to a ring size chart. In this guide, we’re teaching you exactly how to measure ring sizes at home so you can discover the size that fits best.
Why Proper Ring Sizing Matters for Fine Jewelry
When you invest in jewelry with exquisite craftsmanship, selecting the perfect size is the top priority.
After all, it’s the size that matters in terms of comfort and security. Choosing a size that’s too small can feel painful while wearing and cause circulation issues. Rings that are too big come with the risk of sliding off your finger without you even knowing it.
That’s why, before you purchase any high-quality ring, it’s important to know your proper ring size measurement to align it with the perfect selection.
Understanding Standard Ring Size Measurements
The ring measurement process undergoes two steps. The first is collecting the ring’s inner diameter in millimeters before converting that number into a different number size or letter, depending on the country you’re shopping in.
How to Measure Your Ring Size at Home
To align your ring size with the proper converted sizing on the chart, you can start by measuring your own finger at home. Or, you can visit a professional jeweler for expert measurement techniques and fine jewelry sizing tips.
The Paper Strip Method
One of the easiest ways to measure your ring size at home is with a paper strip. For this method, you will need a thin paper strip, pencil or pen, and a ruler.
Here are the steps to follow:
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Cut a thin strip of paper at least ¼ inch wide.
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Wrap the paper around the finger you plan to wear the ring on.
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Use your pencil or pen to mark where the paper meets.
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Straighten the piece of paper out and use a ruler to collect your measurement in millimeters.
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Find this ring size on the store’s ring size chart.
The String Method
Don’t have paper at home but have string? You can use string to collect your ring size at home following the same exact steps. You will need the same materials, so make sure you also have a pen or pencil and ruler to record your measurements after wrapping the string around your finger and marketing where the string meets.
Using a Printable Ring Sizer
For an extremely accurate ring size measurement that you can collect at home, consider using a printable ring sizer. Printable ring sizers are paper guides that allow you to easily collect your precise measurement by either using a ring you already own, or wrapping the paper around your finger.
Here are the directions to follow after printing out a printable ring sizer:
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Cut the sizer out with a pair of scissors and also make a slit along the dotted line.
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Slide the end of the tab into the slit with the numbers facing outward.
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To measure with a ring, pull the tab until the ring fits snugly in the circle.
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To measure with your finger, pull the tab until the circle fits snugly around your finger.
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Look at the number that’s in the slit as your final measurement.
US vs UK Ring Size Differences
As we mentioned earlier, sometimes ring sizes are shown in numbers or letters. This is the difference between US and UK ring sizes.
Here’s how to measure your ring size with a US and UK size conversion chart.
US Ring Size Chart Explained
US ring sizes are recorded in numbers, and start at size 3. This usually starts with a recorded measurement of 44.3 millimeters. Every size above goes up by 0.4 millimeters. So for instance, a size 3.5 US ring is 45.6 millimeters. Size 4 is 46.8mm, size 4.5 is 48.1mm, size 5 is 49.3mm, and so on. US ring sizes go all the way up to size 16, which is 77.3mm.
UK Ring Size Chart Explained
UK ring sizes are measured in letters starting from A and going all the way to Z. After collecting your measurement in millimeters with paper, string, or a printable ring sizer, you will need to align the measurement with the corresponding on a UK ring size chart.
Converting Between US and UK Sizes
It is possible to convert your sizes between the US and UK measurements. You can find US and UK ring size conversion charts online with approximate sizes, or you can use the following math to convert your size:
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Subtract 0.5 from your US ring size number.
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Multiple that number by 0.83 to get your UK measurement.
So for example, if your US ring size is 7, you will need to subtract 0.5 from 7 to get 6.5. Then, you will need to multiply 6.5 by 0.83 to get 5.395 for your UK measurement. Aligning the number on a UK chart comes to letter K ½.
Tips for Finding Your Perfect Ring Size
There are several factors to consider when determining your ideal ring size. There are a few external factors that can impact the comfort of your sizing, such as the time of day you measure, your knuckle size, and different finger shapes.
Measuring at the Right Time of Day
Throughout the day, your fingers may swell depending on your daily activities or the weather outside. The best time of day to measure for your ring size is in the evening when you have the most swelling or fluid retention.
Considering Knuckle Size and Ring Width
If your knuckles are bigger than your finger, then you may have to increase your ring size in order for the jewelry to fit. You want your ring to be able to slide over your knuckle while still fitting securely on your finger, so you may want to try larger widths for a proper fit.
Accounting for Different Finger Shapes
No two fingers are the same which is why it’s important to collect the precise measurements for your exact finger shape. Fingers with wider knuckles or wider bases need to be measured carefully so you choose a size that fits securely without the potential of the fine jewelry sliding off your finger.
Ferkos Fine Jewelry Sizing Services–The Professional Process
Investing in heirloom-quality jewelry should be a fun, exciting, and careful process. At Ferko’s Fine Jewelry, we know that every piece is special and unique to your own collection, which is why we take pride in providing professional ring measurements through our ring size chart.
After finding your size and having your finger measured by a professional jeweler in your area, our gemologists are ready to help you discover the ring of your dreams. We’ll help you find a ring that fits your style and your finger so you can wear your precious jewelry to make everyday elegant and extravagant.