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In-depth information and printable ring size chart.
To find the perfect ring size, use a ring sizer, measure your ring finger or visit a reliable jeweller. These are just a few of the most popular ways. But, how do you ensure the size is 100% accurate?
World conventions for finger size
Your chosen ring size conforms to one of a number of size systems adopted by countries across the World. For example, USA, Europe and the UK all use different systems.
Some systems use a number, such as jewellers in the USA. Or some use a letter system as in the UK. When you buy a ring that uses one system, we use a converter to find the corresponding size under the other system.
Do different fits affect the size of rings?
Although we have addressed the differences in convention, other factors affect the fit of a ring in the same size. Firstly, the width of a ring influences fit. A much narrower ring feels looser than a very wide ring due to the smaller surface area in contact with the finger.
At the same time, a curved comfort fit feels looser than a flat surface on the inside of the ring. For this reason, a visit to your jeweller provides the opportunity to try a ring in a particular size, width and with the same fit. Online, this is almost impossible to achieve.
How to find the correct finger size at home or in our showroom.
Over the years, we perfected a system to guarantee the correct finger size. Firstly, buyers choose their favoured ring style and contact us. We send out a simple strap sizer to guess the ring size. Once we have this information, we then send out the 3 x closest sizes as sample rings in 2.5mm, 5mm or 7mm ring widths. This system almost guarantees the size selected fits correctly.
Keep in mind that temperature often affects fit, so always try rings on when your hands are comfortably warm, not too cold or hot.
In the following video, I’ve explained a little more about how this works.
Find out more
Use our tried and tested system for measuring ring size to ensure a perfect fit when choosing a ring and provides a huge improvement on use of a tape measure or piece of string.
International – Non-UK size systems?
Within the UK, we use letters of the alphabet to denote finger size. The nearer the letter is to the start of the alphabet, the smaller the finger size. In fact, most clients identify their correct size through the use of a dummy set of ring sizers.
Identifying size from an existing ring requires the size stick which carries markings to denote size. To explain, the ring drops onto the stick and rests along a point to indicate size. We work to the leading edge of a ring and read the mark from the tapered stick.
Our ring-size sticks, sometimes called Mandrel, including UK and US ring sizes for easy conversion. For this reason, we create jewellery in a range of international sizes. For example, a ring size 6 denotes the US convention. Whereas, a letter indicates a UK size.
Ring size in a nutshell.
As a rule of thumb, the following sizes give you an idea of where some of the small, medium and larger UK ring sizes lie.
What is a small finger size for rings?
Small finger sizes are finger sizes that are size F or G through to size J.
Example of a small wedding ring finger size
What is a medium finger size?
A larger proportion of people have a finger size between size K and size O. Within the UK, L is one of the most popular finger sizes. Sizes within this range tend to be considered average finger sizes.
What is a large finger size?
Larger finger sizes tend to range from sizes P and Q upwards. Engagement rings and wedding rings are made in larger finger sizes, but sizes S and T upwards are most popular for men’s wedding rings. Above size Z, sizes typically increase with +1, +2, and +3, indicating incremental full sizes above Z. Keep in mind that engagement rings in larger sizes will sometimes be considered a bespoke ring design, made to order specially.
6 Factors that affect finger size
The following factors influence finger size and should be considered before you make your purchase.
1. Temperature—Finger size can vary slightly depending on whether you are warm or cold. Colder weather normally results in rings feeling slightly looser.
2. Tissue fluid—Water levels within the tissues of the human body can affect the size of your finger. This can include particular times of the month that coincide with the female Menstrual Cycle. Pregnancy is also a factor.
3. Ring width – Wider bands tend to feel closer to the finger than narrower bands. This is because the ring is in contact with a greater surface area of the finger. If you are purchasing a wider band (engagement or wedding ring) you are wise to try on any ring of similar width or use a set of wider band ring sizers.
4. Knuckle size – Although knuckle size has little to do with finger size, the ring still needs to slide over the knuckle when placed on the finger and when removed. If you have larger knuckles, there are suggestions for working around problems. Arthritis can be a significant problem which we allow for. Contact us for more advice on this particular subject.
5. Pregnancy – [See point 2 above]
6. Dominant hand – Please keep in mind that the dominant hand can be upto 2 finger sizes larger than the other hand. If you are basing her size on a ring fitted to the third finger of her dominant right hand, then you might want to consider at least one size smaller for a left (non-dominant) engagement ring finger.
Best ways to find out your ring size
We now have a great service to help you discover the best finger size. This service provides sample rings in half sizes, in various widths. This can be extremely important before ordering any customised wedding ring. Find out more about our perfect ring size service.
How should a wedding ring feel on the finger?
Your wedding ring should feel snug without discomfort. When you shake your hand it should remain firmly in place. It should not easily turn on the finger. A light tug on the ring should not remove it from the finger. Stretch out your finger with a firm grip on the wedding ring and pull – your wedding ring should now come off the finger without too much effort (perhaps just a gentle waggle.)
Seeing a ridge on your wedding ring finger
If you see a ridge on your wedding ring finger, this is perfectly normal. Most wedding rings cause a smooth depression below the ring. This forms a natural indent into which your wedding ring rests. If your wedding ring causes discomfort, irritation, redness, or swelling, we recommend removing the ring and re-assessing finger size.
Do wider bands fit snugglier on the finger?
It is a fact that two rings of the same size, in different widths, vary in their fit. Wider bands with a flat inner surface hold more surface area. As a result, a wider band will feel more snug on the finger than a narrower band of the same size.
What happens if your ring is too small or too large?
If your engagement ring or wedding ring is too large or too small, it will need to be resized. Some designs and size differences are easier to size than others. The first step is to contact us for expert guidance. We recommend contacting the original seller if you purchased your ring elsewhere. For simple, plan wedding rings, most metals can be stretched or reduced slightly in size. Engagement rings with claw settings are easier to size than other styles, such as tension-style settings.
How long does it take to re-size an engagement ring or wedding ring?
It typically takes around one and a half weeks to resize a ring. Rings are cleaned and re-finished as part of the process. As a note, we quote before any work commences as part of our policy when it comes to changing a ring size.
Correct ring sizes for men
Men tend to have larger fingers than women. They also tend to go for wider wedding bands, which fit more snuggly than a thinner band. With this being said, men can use a Multisizer. However, for a more accurate size, we recommend our 5mm or 7mm wedding ring size samples, which are available with our size service, which includes the Multisizer.
An average man’s size would typically be Q – T. This, of course, ranges from the individual. Our size chart shows the full conversions to US and European sizes and also includes the inside diameter in mm to help determine the correct size.
The ring profile can also affect how a ring fits. For example, a comfort-fit profile wedding band may fit differently than a flat profile.
The post How to Choose the Perfect Ring Size – Small, Medium or Large? appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.