Our Guide To The
Right Ring Size
Figuring out a ring size can be tricky, whether it’s for yourself or someone else. That’s why we have put together a few different tools and tips to help you determine your own ring size, for the most comfortable fit, and a guide on how to determine your partner’s ring size (without them knowing!) so that, with a bit of luck, it will be spot on when it comes to the proposal!
Please remember that ring resizes are always an option (as long as the band isn’t fully set with diamonds). Generally, we can resize all rings +/- 3 sizes. Please contact us if you have a question about the resizing potentiality of a specific ring.
Resources
Our complimentary ring sizer makes it easy for you to measure a ring size at home. Ring sizers shipped inside the UK will arrive within five to seven business days.
All our Ethica rings are made to UK sizes. Download our handy size chart below to see how these sizes convert to US and European sizes and also the mm dimensions. It also includes a handy print out of the UK ring sizes which can be used to measure existing rings when printed to the correct scale. We advise only using this as a rough guide.
Prior to printing, be sure that the page scaling is set to "none" in your print dialog box.
Please note: while both the physical and printable ring sizers are great tools, nothing is more accurate than getting sized by a professional jeweller. Please take into consideration the width of the band of the ring you are purchasing as ring size can vary based on accompanying band width. Speak to us if you are unsure and we will be happy to help you.
Our Top Tips
- Our dominant hands are generally slightly larger — make sure you measure the right finger on the correct hand!
- Rings with wider bands will fit a bit tighter. If you plan to measure one of your partner's rings, try to measure one with a similar width as the ring you want to purchase
- Make sure the finger is at normal body temperature — fingers can shrink or expand when hot or cold.
- Your fingers tend to change size throughout the day — the best time to measure your finger is the afternoon, although it is also very personal. Measuring at various times of the day will help you determine when your fingers naturally swell.
- If your knuckle is bigger, take 2 measurements and choose a size in between — ring needs to fit over knuckle but not be too loose or it will spin around.
If you are aiming for a surprise, read our tips about How to Measure Ring Size for a Surprise Proposal.
How To Measure Your Partners Ring Without Them Knowing
Recruit a friend! - This can be one of the most effective ways of finding out their ring size without arising suspicion. Ask one of your partner’s friends or relatives to go shopping with them with the aim of “looking at engagement rings for fun.” If all goes well, they could end up finding out the ring size and maybe even the style of ring they love/hate! Just make sure your confidant is someone you can trust to not spill the beans!
Get drawing! If they happen to wear rings already, then you could bring one of their rings to us in an appointment to be measured. Just make sure you know which finger they wear a particular ring on. If you’d rather leave their ring at home then simply get a piece of paper and draw around the inside of the ring and then the outside of the ring. This way, you keep the ring safely at home whilst you come to us to measure it.
Compare their finger to a friend or family member. Does your partner have a sister, mum, friend (etc) with a hand that looks similar in size? It may not be spot on but if their hands and general proportions look similar, then you should be in the right sort of range. Alternatively, try on one of their rings, if they wear them, and see where it comes to on your finger. You can then arrange an appointment with us and use our sizing rings to replicate the position of where the ring comes to on your finger. Depending on the finger they wear the ring on, you can then guesstimate the finger size of the ring finger of their left hand.
If these tips still leave you in the dark, then consider the following approximate size guidelines: For very small hands, ring finger is generally G, H, I (indigo) For small to medium hands, ring finger is generally J, K For medium hands, ring finger is generally L, M For larger hands, ring finger is generally N, O, P For large hands, ring finger is generally Q and above.
Complimentary Resizing
Ethica Diamonds offer a standard complimentary resize on all engagement rings (excludes wedding bands) within 30 days from the delivery date. This is for UK customers only and provided the resize is within the jeweller's recommended sizing range.
Resizing the ring after it has been made is generally not a problem, as long as the band of the ring isn’t fully set with diamonds/stones.
If you are completely unsure of the ring size before purchase, we recommend opting for a design with a plain band, which can be resized more than +/- 3 sizes.
Contact us if you need more advice on resizing your ring.
Ring Size FAQ's
How tight should a ring be?
Your ring should slide over your knuckle nicely and fit quite snug at the bottom without feeling too tight. When it comes to taking it off, you should feel a slight resistance or have to apply more pressure to move it back over your knuckle. It’s also key to remember our helpful ring sizing tips, you don’t want the ring to feel too loose or too tight in different temperatures.
Is it easier to size a ring up or down?
Generally, rings are easier to size down than to size up, so being more generous when estimating a finger size is a good idea. It also means that, if the ring is for proposal, they will be able to fit it on their finger!
What’s the average ring sizes for men and women?
Our very approximate guidelines for women’s finger sizes are as follows:
- For very small hands, ring finger size is generally G, H, I (indigo)
- For small to medium hands, ring finger size is generally J, K
- For medium hands, ring finger is generally L, M
- For larger hands, ring finger is generally N, O, P
- For large hands, ring finger size is generally Q and above
Can every ring be resized if I get the size wrong?
Nearly, but not all rings can be resized. Rings which have diamonds set in the band all the way around (fully set diamond bands) cannot be resized, so it is very important that you know the correct ring size before ordering a fully set band. The easiest rings to resize are those with plain bands, since a change in size will not cause movement to pavé settings which secure small diamonds/ stones. Rings with side stones or diamonds on the shoulders can still be resized, if there is a sizing gap at the back of the band (a section of the ring which is plain) but these rings may have a smaller resize potentiality; +/- 1-2 sizes instead of +/- ¾ for plain band.