How to determine the size of a wedding ring at home

Many men and women purchase wedding rings to later wear them as a symbol of family relationships. When it becomes necessary to purchase such a product for the first time, many people ask the question: how can one reliably determine the size of a finger? Employees of jewelry stores provide the service of determining the required size of such an item, but at the same time there are certain simple and quick methods by which you can find out the size of this accessory at home.

The importance of making the right choice

In this case, it is not the design that is of fundamental importance, but the size of the wedding ring. The appearance of the “complicated decoration” is just a matter of taste with an eye on fleeting fashion, but the metric parameters of the engagement ring are a matter of your comfort and health.

If you buy a ring “to grow,” there are high chances that it may simply not survive until it grows, that is, it may get lost. You can, of course, “support” it with another ring, but this is not the best option.

Gold wedding ring (go to the SUNLIGHT catalogue)

A wedding band that fits too tightly on your finger is not only a physical discomfort, but also a problem with blood circulation. Can you imagine what will happen to your finger on a hot day, on the beach or in the gym? Of course, at such moments it is better to remove any rings, but if the engagement ring is too small, any manipulation with it turns into torture.

The engagement ring should be exactly the right size, no more and no less! So let's get down to figuring out your anthropometric data and correlating it with the size range of wedding rings.

Does the ring have stones or other decorations?

As we age, our fingers become thicker. The main symbol of marriage may begin to put pressure and then the help of a jeweler will be needed. But not all rings can be pulled! If a stone is inserted, it will simply fall out after this procedure. You can, of course, first pull it out and then re-glue it for an additional fee. But if there are a lot of stones in the ring, then this is not an option.

As for the engraving, if you decide to stretch the ring, it can become very distorted. Therefore, before buying an engagement ring, think about these points.

size table

So, let's decide on the size. You need to understand that there is no single typology of jewelry sizes in the world - it’s something like with clothes and shoes. So when choosing an engagement ring, pay attention to the country of manufacture.

Here is a summary table with the sizes of wedding rings. Here are the parameters for engagement rings produced in different countries of the world:

The table shows the most popular size ranges in Russia, but the list is far from exhaustive. For example, Japan, Switzerland, and France have their own numerical classification. And in the UK, letter size designations are completely accepted!

The easiest to understand is the Russian size range, which, by the way, is also relevant for some European countries (for example, Germany). It is based on a single SI table and simple measurements.

We take the circumference of the ring on the inside in millimeters, divide by Pi (a mathematical constant equal to approximately 3.14) and get the diameter. This will be the ring size in the Russian system.

The basic formula is as follows: D (diameter) = l (circumference, finger circumference): 3.14.

Everything is extremely simple: you just need to accurately determine the diameter of the finger and make basic calculations. Other countries have adopted much more complex formulas, so don’t bother with math: it’s better to just find out the girth of your finger and correlate the value with the table above.

As you can see, ring size 15 is the smallest, but even this is rare in mass retail chains. Typically, small size wedding rings have to be made to order in jewelry workshops. Of course, this is an extra expense and hassle, but you can choose a truly exclusive model that will highlight your individuality. The same applies to large size rings (over 22 according to the Russian system).

For a fragile girl, you should choose about size 16, for a lady of average build - size 17 or a little larger. But this is by no means a dogma: rough estimates cannot replace accurate measurements.

The most popular are men's wedding bands in sizes 18.5-20.5. You need to look hard for bigger rings. Or make it to order, as mentioned above.

What is it made up of?

In a jewelry store, all the rings are signed with numbers from 15 to 23, and they differ not by one, but by 0.5, that is, after size 15 comes 15.5, then 16, 16.5, etc. These numbers indicate the diameter of the ring in millimeters. This is not the circumference, as many are accustomed to thinking, but precisely the size of the line passing through the center of the circle and dividing it into two equal parts.

The most popular sizes of women's rings are in the range of 16-18, men's - from 21 to 23. It is pointless to focus only on these numbers, since in each case the finger can have an individual structure. The best option would be to first try on different models to determine the optimal size.

How to determine the size of a wedding ring at home

The easiest way is to take measurements directly in the store: there you will definitely get the color right. The seller will probably have special devices in his arsenal that allow him to determine the size of rings with an accuracy of up to a millimeter.

But if you decide to use the services of an online store, you will have to find out the size of the wedding ring at home. Treat this process carefully: even a couple of millimeters matter. It is also necessary to take into account the fact that the finger in the middle of the phalanx may be thinner than at the joint (this is very typical for people of asthenic physique).

Let's look at the simplest ways to help determine the size of a wedding ring for a man or woman on the eve of the wedding (or after it).

Gold wedding ring (go to the SUNLIGHT catalogue)

According to the finished ring

The easiest way to choose the right size of a wedding ring for a woman or a man is if you already have a similar piece of jewelry in stock. Ideally, this should be as simple a ring as possible, optimally suited in size.

Let's look at the first option:

• We place the ring on thick paper and arm ourselves with a pen with a thin rod (preferably a capillary).
• Press the ring onto the paper and carefully trace it around the inner circumference.
• Apply a ruler to the diameter and look at the value - this will be the desired diameter.

To implement the above method, only a ring without elements protruding from below or from above is suitable. A signet or ring with a large stone will definitely not provide the required data accuracy.

If you don't have a smooth ring in your arsenal, you can try an alternative option.

• We look for dimensional stencils on the Internet (like coins) and print them on a printer in accordance with the actual size.
• Carefully cut out the size circles with nail scissors.
• We try on the existing ring until the size matches.

An alternative option is to create dimensional circles yourself, using a good engineering compass.

Using a strip of paper

You can also determine the girth of your finger using a strip of paper. It is best to use drawing paper: it is denser than regular writing paper, but softer than cardboard, so it makes it possible to take measurements as accurately as possible.

We proceed like this:

• Cut a strip of paper (length - about 5 cm, width - 1-1.5 cm).
• We wrap it around the lower phalanx of the ring finger (including the bone).
• Mark the joint with a pen or felt-tip pen.
• We unfold the tape, apply it to the ruler, make measurements and calculations.

A similar option using a template in the form of a ribbon is also very good. You just need to print it on a printer at a scale of 1:1, cut it out and measure your finger. Don't have a printer? It is easy to construct such a template by hand using a pencil and ruler.

Thread

For our purposes, a thick thread, rope or braid is suitable. It is fundamentally important that the measuring thread is strong and does not stretch, that is, it maintains its original length during all manipulations.

It's simple: we tie a thread around the finger in the area of ​​the thickest joint, firmly fasten the knot, cut the thread right next to the knot, apply it to a ruler and measure the distance from the free tip to the knot. Finally, we apply the basic formula and get the size of the wedding ring.

This method is very difficult to implement alone. Ask your future spouse or someone close to you for help, otherwise the measurements will be fraught with large errors.

Available measuring tools

If you have a tailor's measuring tape in your home arsenal (it is often called a “centimeter” in everyday life), there is no need to bother with paper tapes and threads. Simply wrap a tape measure around your finger in the desired location, make a mark, and apply the basic formula.

An alternative option is to use a caliper. This tool is unlikely to be found in a woman’s household, but a skilled man probably has it.

When measuring a finger with a caliper, you will immediately get the diameter, that is, the size of the ring, so no additional mathematical steps are required. The main thing is to measure your finger along the joint and not pinch it too much.

We're done with secret methods, let's head to the store

Women often love jewelry more than men. They probably already know what kind of engagement ring they want to wear. If a girl has a dream, then you should let her choose a ring on her own, trying on everything she likes.

Important! Ring sizes from different brands, regardless of shape, may vary.

And, if your woman tried on a ring, for example, size 16 from one manufacturer, then from another it may fit her either size 16 or 16.5.

What width should you choose for your wedding ring?

We seem to have decided on the size, let’s move on to other parameters. First of all, consider the width of the product:

• A wedding ring with a width of 3-4 mm is considered narrow. It looks great on petite hands or long graceful fingers. But this option is not very suitable for those with chubby palms and men.
• The width of the wedding ring is 5-6 mm (with a thickness of 1.5-1.8 mm) and is truly universal. It is suitable for both sexes of any size. If you don’t know what to choose, this is definitely your option.
• A ring of 8 mm and above is a very wide engagement ring. This is an option for representatives of the stronger half of humanity and ladies with very long graceful fingers.

When choosing a ring size, you need to take into account its thickness. If you plan to choose a narrow ring, round down the values ​​obtained from measurements, and round up for a wide ring.

It is necessary to say a few words about the thickness of the ring. A ring a millimeter and a half thick, perhaps, adds elegance to the handle, but is easily deformed under the slightest load (remember: gold is a very soft metal).

Gold wedding ring with diamonds (go to the SUNLIGHT catalogue)

A ring that is too thick (over 2 mm) looks very stylish and rich, but often rubs and clings to everything in the world. Moreover, it is not a fact that it will be stronger than a thin one: if you choose a chic thick ring, but it is relatively inexpensive, then most likely the engagement ring is hollow. Such models are also prone to deformation and are practically unrepairable.

In terms of thickness, the ideal golden mean is 1.5-2 mm.

Methods for measuring a finger without a jewelry tool

There are two effective ways to measure fingers in the absence of a special jewelry tool - a finger gauge:

• Wrap your finger loosely in thick thread that does not stretch. Close it. Measure the length of this segment, using a regular ruler. Divide the resulting length in mm by 3.14.
• Print and cut out a strip with dimensions - a kind of home ring gauge. Make a slit at one end and thread the other end through the slit. Place it on the finger you want to measure. Record the value.

After taking measurements using one of the methods described above, round the value to “minus” for thin products, and to “plus” for wide ones.

When and how is it best to take measurements?

It must be remembered that the thickness of the fingers is not a constant value: it can fluctuate by a size and a half even during the day.

It is not recommended to take measurements:

• when you are sick (fever);
• in the morning or evening;
• in hot weather;
• after training or going to the sauna;
• if you drank a lot of water.

Ideal time for measurements: midday, normal mood and condition, peace, coolness, not drinking too much liquid.

The most difficult thing is to choose a ring if the bride is in an interesting position. In the first or second trimester of pregnancy, almost everyone’s fingers swell. The most reasonable option is to choose a comfortable and inexpensive model, and after giving birth and returning to normal physical shape, replace it with something more presentable in accordance with the current size.

If you chose an engagement ring earlier, but during pregnancy it became too small, it is better to simply take it off. Changing ring sizes back and forth is not only wasteful, but also not always possible. If you want to emphasize your married status, during pregnancy, take something inexpensive, but in size.

What sizes do women and men wear depending on their build?

By looking at a person, be it a woman or a man, you can try to determine the size of a suitable product. It all depends on your body type and build:

• thin, short people wear jewelry size 15–16.5;
• men and women of athletic build wear rings with a diameter of 16.5–18.5;
• Accessories with a volume of 18.5–22 are fully suitable.

It is also believed that the size of the wrist is directly proportional to the diameter of the ring. For example, if your wrist is 18 cm in diameter, then the size of the jewelry will be 18.

Why is it important to choose the right ring size?

A correctly selected ring allows you to wear it as comfortably as possible for a long time. Then the selected decoration is tightly fixed, but does not pinch the phalanx of the finger. The accessory is convenient to put on and take off, it does not fall off the finger, nor does it turn over (often happens with rings and rings with massive stones). A piece of jewelry that is too narrow can cause discomfort and pain. From a medical aspect, it is a dangerous acquisition: blood vessels are pinched, the blood supply to the finger is disrupted, and there is a risk of developing vascular diseases and atrophy.

When the size of the jewelry is chosen incorrectly, it is not comfortable to wear all the time. It is possible to change the size of the finished product, but it is not always possible. Complex designs with an abundance of stone inserts cannot be modified without compromising the decoration. The geometry of the accessory changes, the appearance of the work deteriorates. Therefore, it is important to pay due attention to the issue of selecting the size of the jewelry.

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