Shopping online for rings very often comes down to which ring size to order. This is a step that requires extra attention as mistakes may result in unnecessary re-sizing and back and forth mailing charges. While having a jeweler measure for you is the best option to get an accurate size, there are definitely simple ways to figure out which ring size to order for you or for that special someone you want to surprise. I listed below 3 different methods depending on your how much information you already have.
#1: size conversion
You know your ring size in your country's system but want to order in a different ring size system. This is the easiest case, you can just go check this international ring size converter.
#2: matching to existing ring
You have a ring that fits well the same finger you try to shop for. This is also a super easy situation and you don't even need a printer. Just go check out this website: http://findmyringsize.com/ You will match the inner circle of the ring with the corresponding size you see on screen. If you do this from a computer will need any standard credit card (only international standard size) to calibrate the size on your screen. The good news is if you do it on your phone it will auto-calibrate and you just need to put the ring on your phone screen and hit +/- on the ring size button until the inner fits the drawing underneath. Et voila!
#3: measuring your ring size
You can measure your ring size by using very basic material at home or at the office. I created this video tutorial that explains the different steps:
You will need: a sheet of paper, scissors, a pen and a ruler preferably in cm. The steps to follow are:
- Cut a thin band of paper (roughly 4mm wide by 7cm long)
- Wrap the band of paper around the finger you want to get the size for. Have it nicely snug just under the knuckle.
- Mark with the pen the exact place where the paper overlaps.
- Measure with the ruler in cm the length of the paper up to the mark of overlapping, this is your finger circumference.
- Then find the corresponding US ring size for your finger circumference in cm.
Some tips and caution to get the most accurate measure:
- Measure at the end of the day rather than in the morning, your finger get a bit bigger during the day.
- Measure at moderate room temperature, fingers get smaller when cold and bigger when warm.
- Don't assume the same finger will have have the same size on both hands. Your primary hand is usually 1/2 size bigger.
- If your knuckle is much bigger than the base of your finger, measure the size at your knuckle, then at the base of your finger and pick a size in between.
- Repeat the measure at least 3 times to be sure you get consistent result.
- If you want to buy a wide band (6mm and up) get one size bigger than the one you measure.