Engagement rings symbolize love and commitment, and they’re one of the most significant pieces of jewelry that you’ll wear for years. Whether you’re selecting a ring or picking one out together, it’s important that you select the correct size so your ring is secure and comfortable. A ring that is too big can easily be lost and a ring that is too tight hurts your finger.
Comfort and Everyday Wear
You want an engagement that is beautiful and sparkly, but it’s also important that it’s comfortable. You’ll wear an engagement ring daily for years, so it should feel comfortable on your ringer. One way to do this is selecting the right size so that you don’t have discomfort and irritation. The correctly-sized ring can also prevent any damage to your finger (indentations from wearing a tight ring) and damage to your ring.
Finding the Correct Ring Size
To ensure accurate size, you can either visit a professional jeweler, try an at-home method, or both. Consider using more than one ring size method for a “measure twice, cut once” approach to finding the right size. It’s much less trouble if you carefully measure your engagement ring size initially to avoid resizing in the future. Here are some helpful tips to determine your ring size:
- Measure another ring that fits the same finger: Take one of your other rings and compare it to the size chart below to find the approximate fit.
- Use a Paper Strip: Look online for a paper strip that you can print out and use to measure your finger. You’ll simply cut out the ruler and wrap it around your finger. Ensure it’s a snug fit. Use the lines on the paper trip to see what your ring size is.
- Use string or dental floss: Take a piece of string or floss and wrap it around your finger (but not too tight). Mark the place where the string or floss meets and measure against an online ring size guide to get the approximate size.
- Head into a local jewelry store: Ring sizing is typically free, so there’s no need to feel pressure to buy anything. It’s very common to pop in, get your finger measured with a mandrel in-store, and then finish buying your wedding band online.
Resizing Options
Most engagement rings can be resized within a few sizes. While it is typically okay to move a few sizes up or down, try to stay within two finger sizes. Resizing a ring or band any more than two sizes can be challenging. The simpler the wedding band, the easier it is to resize.
To make a ring smaller, the jeweler cuts out a piece of the band, forms it back into a perfect circle, and then solders it back together. Once the process is finished, there’s no evidence that the ring was ever cut.
Making a ring larger is more complicated than making it smaller. It entails the jeweler stretching the metal, and generally can only be done up to half a size larger. To resize a ring larger, the jeweler cuts the band and adds in an extra metal. Then the wedding band is soldered, cleaned and polished.
Challenging Rings to Resize
While most rings can be resized, there are some rings that are more challenging. For example, an engagement ring with an eternity band that has gemstones all around the band cannot be resized because the process will destroy it. Some metals don’t do well with resizing, so you’ll want to ask a jeweler.
Customization and Engraving
An engraving will have to be redone post resizing because the jeweler heats the metal to resize it. This causes the engraving to alter in appearance. If you want to have an engagement ring engraved, make sure it fits first. If you want to resize a ring that is already personalized, you can have the engraving fix once it’s resized. It’ll mimic the original engraving.
Online Purchases and Sizing Considerations
To ensure a comfortable and secure fit, use a couple different at-home sizing methods to find your ring size. Remember you can always go to a jewelry store for ring sizing as well if you want to confirm your size. As you browse different retailers, note their policies on resizing and returning. Some jewelers offer a free ring sizing if needed, but it would be helpful to know about this prior to purchasing your engagement ring.
Wrapping Up Engagement Ring Sizing
Imagine the heartache and dread if your engagement ring accidentally slipped off your finger and was lost. Unfortunately, it happens because rings can be loose and easily slide off the finger. One way to prevent this is to determine your ring size before purchasing your ring. Tight rings are also uncomfortable to wear, so discovering your ring size is important. If a ring needs resizing in the future (and it’s able to be resized), then get it done and don’t put it off. You want to keep your ring safe and continue to wear it for years!
A Lifelong Reminder of Love and Care
The engagement ring, with its gleaming metal and shimmering gemstones, is undoubtedly a visual delight. However, its importance extends far beyond aesthetics. It serves as a tangible representation of the love, commitment, and promise shared between two individuals. In this light, engagement ring sizing becomes a matter of deep consideration.
Choosing the right size ensures that the engagement ring is not just an accessory, but an enduring reminder of the thought and care invested in the relationship. It demonstrates a commitment to the wearer’s comfort and security, mirroring the principles that underlie a strong and enduring marriage. As couples embark on the journey toward wedded bliss, the significance of proper engagement ring sizing should not be underestimated. It’s a small yet meaningful step that paves the way for a lifetime of comfort, security, and boundless love.
