A common scenario for many partners is that when it comes to getting engaged, rings have to be measured, and nobody likes to spoil the surprise by getting measured properly.
AC Silver, retailers of antique jewellery, can advise you on how to measure yourself and your partner for the perfect ring so that the surprise can be extra special.
Measuring ring sizes in your home
Before heading to the jewellers, you can measure your own ring size at home, which is a good starting point. By cutting a thin strip of paper, wrap this around the finger, and then make a mark once the paper has gone the whole way around the finger. However, you should keep in mind that some designs are bigger than others, which will have an impact on your ring size.
You should also keep in mind…
On a ring, band and shank widths should also be considered. A wider band used on a wedding ring, will always have a tighter grip on your finger in comparison to a slender solitaire. A ring gauge will be used by a jeweller so that the size of the shank can be determined, which means that you’ll be able to get the perfect fit for your ring. The greater depth of the ring shank, the greater impact on the size of the ring, which may result in you having to go a ring size up.
Even though you probably haven’t thought about it, your fingers are smaller in the morning, so try to measure your finger later in the day – once your ring finger is at its normal size. A cold finger could be half a size smaller; what this means is that during the summer your ring could become too tight – so the ring should always have some leverage and slack.
This rule doesn’t necessarily apply to all rings, as all rings are different and need to be considered individually when you’re trying for size. Larger cocktail rings with a heavy top should have a snugger fit. This helps to stop the ring spinning once it is on the finger.
To ensure that your ring is a good fit, having to wiggle it over the knuckle when you take it off is always a good sign.
To surprise a loved one, use a ‘ring stick’, which is also known as a mandrel sizing tool – this will ensure that the ring is a perfect fit when they try it on.
Try to keep in mind that no measurement is 100% accurate – and nobody wants to see their partner left disappointed. We would always recommend that you consult a professional before any call is made on the rings that you both choose.
