So you've decided to go for it and get a new ring - but have no idea what size to buy. There are a few options.

HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO DO....

The two most reliable methods are:

1) to use one of those finger sizers. You know the ones, the set of metal rings that you try on until you get the perfect fit. You can pick up one of these for yourself on ebay  or similar. Or just pop into a high street jewellery shop and get them to size your finger for you. They are usually quite happy to do this for you. 

Or

2) you could measure an existing ring that fits you perfectly on a ring gauge, which again you can pick up cheaply or find in a local jewellery shop. I'm also really happy to do this for you if you'd like to send it to me. Just get in touch.

The third, and slightly less accurate method, is to use a DIY ring sizer. These are like little plastic belts that you pop around your finger and adjust until you have a perfect fit. I sell these in my shop. The results are usually absolutely fine, but they do feel slightly different to a ring which I think makes the fit a little harder to judge. 

WHAT NOT TO DO!

There are a couple of ways to get a less accurate measurement which I really would not recommend - these are: 

1) measuring your finger with a piece of string or paper. The flimsiness of these materials does lead to a much less accurate measurement. 

2) measuring the diameter of an existing well-fitting ring with a ruler or a printable size chart. I know this seems like a logical thing to do, but half a mm can mean a whole size difference so unless you are extra accurate in taking the measurement, it could result in a poor fit. 

THINGS TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION WHEN CHECKING YOUR RING SIZE. 

The thicker the ring, the tighter the fit, so if you choose a ring with a deep band width, you will likely need to go one size up. Likewise, if you're going for a set of stacking rings of three or more, go up half to a full size to take account of that. 

The best time of day to measure is in the evening, when your fingers are largest. Avoid measuring when you’re cold, as fingers are at least half a size smaller. 

HOW TO SECRETLY MEASURE FOR RING SIZE.

All of the above methods are easy enough to measure your own ring size but what if the ring is a gift and you want to keep it secret? Don't worry, there are some options. 

The easiest one is to borrow a ring that fits the person in question really well.  Ideally you should borrow the ring for long enough to take it to a jewellers to get it measured on a ring gauge. Remember that each finger is different so if you are planning on purchasing an engagement ring as a suprise, don't take the ring size of a ring which fits the person's thumb, or second finger. You'll need to use a ring which fits well on the ring finger. 

If you can't borrow the ring for long enough to take to a jewellers shop - again, you could buy your own ring gauge (I think you can get them for less than £5 on ebay) or you could try the ring on your own finger, and make a mark where the ring sits. Then head to the jeweller and get the ring measurement that fits to that point on your finger. 

Finally, and this one is probably a little obvious, but you could ask what ring size he/she is, either asking the person themselves, or phoning a friend or relative to see if they know. 

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT TO GET THE RING SIZE RIGHT. 

It's important to get the size as accurate as possible, as all of my rings are handmade to your exact specification. As a custom item I can't accept returns unless there is a fault with the ring. 

If the ring is too small I can usually help, as I have a tool which enables me to stretch the band of rings a little - possibly up to 2 sizes depending on the ring. This would involve a small cost to cover my return p&p and time. 

However, if the ring is too big I can't resize it. Reducing the size of the ring involves cutting through the band to remove some of the material, and then resoldering.  Unfortunately, the temperature involved in the resoldering process is high, and flows round the band and into the stones causing heat damage; discolouration and cracking.  I think some high street jewellers are able to reduce the ring size for you, as they have special tools to restrict the heat, but I'm not able to recommend anyone specifically. 

You will notice that on my website the ring sizes are letters, and this is the UK ring size. If you have found your ring size in US sizing or European sizing which are both numerical just let me know as I can work with that. 

I really  hope that all helps, but if you have any problems or need some advice on sizing pop me an email, or leave a comment here.