The Subtle Guide to Discovering Her Ring Size (Without Spoiling the Big Surprise)

Introduction

Rings can be tricky to size. For starters, you can’t just check the size tag the way you would a pair of pants or a t-shirt. What’s more, rings are not generally purchased with the same frequency as clothing, so you can forget about snooping through her browser history or purchase orders.

All this begs the question: how do I figure out my girlfriend’s ring size?

Not to worry. In this guide, we give you all the tips and tricks you need to determine her ring size. Whether you have an actual ring to bring to the jeweller’s or you require some more creative (read: sneaky) ways to get it done!

Ring Size Tips & Tricks

It’s a Science

While choosing the right ring style is an art, choosing the right ring size is a science. Even the most seasoned jeweller can’t determine a person’s ring size by simply looking at their hand. In fact, there are only two reliable methods to accurately measure ring size. The first is to use an old ring for comparison; the other is to have the ring finger measured on-site.

Obviously, this complicates matters for those who want to keep their proposal secret. In the upcoming tips, we teach you the most effective ways to work around the hurdles.

Gambling Odds

On average, the typical ring size for a woman is between 6 and 7. In our own professional experience, the happy medium hovers around 6.5. This doesn’t guarantee a perfect fit every time, but if you’re a betting man then odds are in your favour.

Of course, unlike real gambling where there are no second chances, you can always come in and have the ring resized later. This provides more flexibility, offering you a safety net to take a chance.

The Heist

Ah yes, nothing is more powerful and intuitive than a good ol’ fashioned heist! For men confident in their reconnaissance abilities, this is the go-to method. All you need to do is get your hands on a ring that your girlfriend already owns and bring it in for sizing.

This method is not for the faint of heart. It’s best used in scenarios where you have easy access to your girlfriend’s rings—say, an unlocked jewellery box or nightstand drawer. Additionally, select a ring she doesn’t wear on a regular basis (and hope the urge to wear it doesn’t strike her on that particular day).

The Pinky Snap

This remains one of the most creative methods guys have used to extract their lovers’ ring size. As the name implies, you want to get your hands on one of her rings. Unlike our previous method, though, you only need it for the time it takes to snap a photo.

So when the opportunity arises, slip it on your pinky (since it’s unlikely to fit on any other finger), and take a picture on your smartphone. When you come in, the jeweller can measure the exact point at which the ring got tight on your pinky. When done right, this is a very accurate method to infer a person’s ring size.

This is an excellent tactic for those whose perceptive sweethearts make a heist unthinkable.

Avoid Ring Sizers!

One of the biggest disappointments we see is when men come equipped with a ring sizing chart. These men are more interested in getting the right fit than in pulling off a surprise. Fair enough but, unfortunately, many of them end up sacrificing the element of surprise for an incorrect measurement—double disappointment.

So why are ring sizers so often wrong? There are two reasons. First, most people don’t use them correctly. Second, they vary slightly when printed at home. One of the tell-tale signs that a man has the incorrect measurement is if the ring size is in the 8 - 9 range. In our experience, they’re almost always wrong. This is the cue to go back to the drawing board and dig a little deeper.

If you don’t care about surprises, skip the makeshift size chart and visit the jeweller’s as a couple. This way, the jeweller can take an in-person measurement that won’t leave any room for doubt.

One Thing Is Not Like the Other

When trying to determine your girlfriend’s ring size, it’s important to get the measurement from the left hand, where the ring finger is located. This is because the right hand tends to be a quarter size larger than the left.

This is worth taking into account if she typically wears her decorative rings on the right hand. If you manage to pull off a heist, present the jeweller with the ring and let them know which finger and which hand she wears it on. This allows for a reasonable adjustment.

Love Knows No Bounds

Like shoe sizes, ring sizes can vary substantially from country to country. If you and your sweetheart don’t share the same area code or timezone, you’ve got some homework to do.

A good place to start is with an International Ring Size Conversion Chart. This will point you in the right direction. It’s also wise to pay a visit to your local jeweller to get a second, professional opinion.

 International Ring Size Conversion Chart.

Bigger is Better

If you’ve exhausted all the ways to find her ring size—don’t worry. There’s still one essential tip for those who refuse to blow the surprise.

The rule of thumb is that bigger is always better. Think about it: If you want your proposal to go off without a hitch, you need to be able to slide the ring on her finger, right? A little wiggle room allows you to create the perfect moment without needing the perfect size.

Once she says “yes!”, head to the jeweller’s as a newly engaged couple to get it properly sized.

Conclusion

Though not the worst thing that can happen, getting the wrong ring size can still lead to many inconveniences at an already stressful time. Not only that, it will cost you time and money to make the trip to the jeweller’s and have the work done. This is why it’s so important to pay attention to your lover’s ring size as soon as you decide to pop the question.

Want to make sure the moment is perfect? Stop by Majesty Diamonds and speak with one of our veteran jewellers. Whether you’ve got an example ring or need to come up with a perfect heist plan, we’re here to help make your proposal as unforgettable as possible!