Ring sizing

Determining proper ring size is one of the most often asked questions asked of me in my silversmithing business. There are several ways to measure your ring size. Some are more accurate than others.

The most accurate way to measure your ring size is to have it measured by a jeweler using a ring sizer. A ring sizer is a collection of plastic or metal rings that have proper ring sizes stamped on them. You simply try on the rings and note the size of the ring that properly fits your finger. All jewelry stores and many department stores have ring sizers that you can use. A few of my customers have used sizers at Walmart. It is quick and easy but requires a trip to the store.

You could also buy ring sizer if you want one. Jewelry supply stores offer ring sizers for sale and many of them have web sites. A popular web site for jewelry supplies is Rio Grande Jewelry Making Supplies. They can be found on the web at www.riogrande.com. I also offer sizers through my Etsy shop here. I don't make any money on these. I only offer them as a service. It is $6 and includes the sizer, shipping, and packaging.

Another accurate way to determine ring size is to measure a ring that fits your finger. Just measure the inside diameter of the ring. If the ring is out of round, take several measurements and average the measurements. Following is a chart of inside diameter measurements in millimeters and corresponding US ring sizes. If in doubt about the size go up 1/2 size.

Ring size    Diameter in mm                       Ring size   Diameter in mm
4                 15                                             4.5             15.3
5                 15.7                                          5.5             16.1
6                 16.5                                          6.5             16.9
7                 17.3                                          7.5             17.7
8                 18.1                                          8.5             18.5
9                 19                                             9.5             19.4
10               19.8                                        10.5             20.2
11               20.6                                        11.5             21
12               21.4                                        12.5             21.8
13               22.2                                        13.5             22.6  

Without precision measuring instruments it is hard to measure 1/10ths of a mm. It is sometimes easier to measure the circumference of your finger to obtain a ring size. Wrap a string around the knuckle of  your ring finger and then measure the string. Following is a chart of finger circumference and corresponding ring sizes.

Ring size    Circumference in mm          Ring size   Circumference in mm
4                 46.8                                      4.5              48
5                 49.3                                      5.5              50.6
6                 51.9                                      6.5              53.1
7                 54.4                                      7.5              55.7
8                 57                                         8.5              58.3
9                 59.5                                      9.5              60.8
10               62.1                                     10.5             63.4
11               64.6                                     11.5             65.9
12               67.2                                     12.5             68.5
13               69.7                                     13                71

If you carefully measure, the last two methods should give you a good approximation of your ring size. Some jewelry web sites have a paper ring sizer you can print out and wrap around your finger to obtain your ring size. In my experience they are pretty inaccurate. Size of the image can change during  scanning and/or printing that will give an inaccurate reading. I tried two such sizers this morning and both measured smaller than the correct size. Some web sites selling rings just want to make the sale. If the ring is too big, they will resize it (for a fee, of course). 

If you are thinking of  buying a ring over the internet, I suggest you have your finger sized by either a jeweler or send for a ring sizer. If you send for my sizer I will guarantee the ring I make will fit or I will resize it at no cost.