Figuring out your ring size can seem confusing.
You’ll see charts and different methods everywhere. That’s why we decided to pull it all together for you. We got you, love!
We’ll briefly discuss how ring sizes are determined by companies, and then we’ll get into the nitty-gritty of measuring your ring size from the comfort of your own home. Booyah!
Wrapping Your Head Around Ring Size
Just like with any item you wear, rings have a size. You can find rings from a size 3 to a size 13.5.
But, how do jewelers determine that size?
Over time, it became common to standardize ring sizes. Typically, jewelers determine ring sizes based on the circumference that the inside of the band will be. So when a ring is being created, jewelry-makers have to keep in mind these lengths to get the best results.
This goes for all bands from signet rings to band rings.
Diameters, Circumference, and Millimeters, Oh My!
So how are ring sizes related to millimeter length? Here’s a handy list of common ring sizes and their diameters in millimeters:
- Size 3 = 14.0 mm
- Size 3.5 = 14.4 mm
- Size 4 = 14.8 mm
- Size 4.5 = 15.2 mm
- Size 5 = 15.6 mm
- Size 5.5 = 16.0 mm
- Size 6 = 16.45 mm
- Size 6.5 = 16.9 mm
- Size 7 = 17.3 mm
- Size 7.5 = 17.7 mm
- Size 8 = 18.2 mm
- Size 8.5 = 18.6 mm
- Size 9 = 19.0 mm
- Size 9.5 = 19.4 mm
- Size 10 = 19.8 mm
- Size 10.5 = 20.2 mm
- Size 11 = 20.6 mm
- Size 11.5 = 21.0 mm
- Size 12 = 21.4 mm
- Size 12.5 = 21.8 mm
- Size 13 = 22.2 mm
- Size 13.5 = 22.6 mm
Whew! Fun, huh? You can use this as a basic guide. Measure the diameter of your existing rings (in the middle) making sure you only count the millimeters that fall inside the ring.
Take note. Different jewelry companies may vary on how they measure their rings. While it’s standard to measure it for the inside of the ring, some jewelers will measure the side edge of the ring instead. You may even find out that your fave ring company measures the diameter of the ring instead of the circumference. Or that it’s measured in inches instead of millimeters!
You’ll have to figure that out per company. Sorry babe.
Also, depending on which country the rings are sold in, you may have to figure out a different scale. The U.S. and Canada use numbers for ring sizes, but some countries will use letters from the alphabet as their ring sizes. It can feel weird to see a ring size that’s A ½, right?
Well, there’s a conversion chart for that. RingSizes.co has an awesome and comprehensive international ring size conversion chart.
For U.S. purposes, many companies that sell rings will provide you with a ring size chart to help you out. Hopefully, that’ll ease your worry a little.
A Little Short
If you find that you’re in between sizes based on the length, consider going up to the next size. While you don’t want your ring to fall off, it’ll leave you room for when your fingers may swell. And, if it is a little too big, ask the company if they’ll help you resize your ring.
If you don’t want to worry about resizing, talk to your jeweler to see if they have quarter sizes, like a 12.75. No money for resizing? Get some ring adjusters to hold you over.
Measuring Your Ring Size at Home
Now that you know a little more about what ring sizes are, it’s time to measure. Stay at home, and use one of these methods to measure your ring size while in your pajamas.
The String Method
Did you learn to crochet only to have a huge pile of unused yarn? Well, why not use it to measure your ring size!
Any other piece of string will also do the trick! Just make sure the string or yarn isn’t made of a stretchy material, or you may find yourself measuring the wrong length!
Simply wrap your string or floss around your finger and cut right where it overlaps. Then, lie the string up against a ruler, and bam. You know the circumference of your soon-to-be-adorned finger. Follow the chart below to see which size ring you need.
- Size 3 = 44.2 mm
- Size 3.5 = 45.5 mm
- Size 4 = 46.8 mm
- Size 4.5 = 48 mm
- Size 5 = 49.3 mm
- Size 5.5 = 50.6 mm
- Size 6 = 51.8 mm
- Size 6.5 = 53.1 mm
- Size 7 = 54.4 mm
- Size 7.5 = 55.7 mm
- Size 8 = 56.9 mm
- Size 8.5 = 58.2 mm
- Size 9 = 59.5 mm
- Size 9.5 = 60.8 mm
- Size 10 = 62.1 mm
- Size 10.5 = 63.3 mm
- Size 11 = 64.6 mm
- Size 11.5 = 65.9 mm
- Size 12 = 67.2 mm
- Size 12.5 = 68.4 mm
- Size 13 = 69.7 mm
- Size 13.5 = 71.0 mm
- Size 14 = 72.3 mm
- Size 14.5 = 73.5 mm
The Paper Method
You can do the same thing, but with paper.
Cut out some paper (try keeping it under an inch in width and a few inches in length for best results). Then, wrap that baby around your finger. Mark or bend the paper where it begins to overlap and measure it from end-to-end.
Then, use the chart above to determine your ring size.
Find a Paper Ring Sizer
Paper ring sizers are cool. They are printable paper rings that have the sizes pre-printed on them so you can just wrap it around and instantly know your ring size.
They normally have a square part that’ll help you stabilize the paper as you wrap it around your finger. And, in the square part is a slit where you’ll slide in the pointed side and pull until it is snug on your finger.
Here’s a good ring sizer to use!
Can My Ring Be Resized?
Yup! They sure can.
Note that if you have a lot of gemstones or diamonds in your ring design, it may be impractical to resize a ring. Doing so could weaken the settings and ruin your bling. So always go to a trusted source.
If your ring is a little too big, you may consider buying some adjuster bands for your rings. These little fellas are normally made of plastic and they wrap around the bottom part of your band. You can add as many as you need until your ring feels comfortable around your finger.
Put Some Rings on It!
No matter how you measure your ring size, it’s always good to get your special rings from places that offer resizing options as well as can help you out.
When you’re finished measuring your finger, hop on over to our ever-evolving ring collection. We are dedicated to making meaningful jewelry that you’ll always want to wear.
We only use high-quality metals like sterling silver and 14-karat solid gold, and gold vermeil. None of that cheap stuff other retailers skimp by with!
Speaking of other retailers, did we mention that we got rid of the middlemen? This means no pushy salespeople all up in your face trying to sell you a ring that’s been marked up 1000%.
So come on over and put a ring on it, and another ring, and another ring!
SOURCES:
http://www.ringsizes.co/
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2216/4001/files/Rellery_RINGSIZER_47f5b7f7-cad5-4716-855f-247f83405ebf.pdf
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/clothing/a27007246/gwhole-ring-size-adjuster-review/