How to find a ring size (without spoiling the big surprise)
The ring size is one of those first important steps in the process of creating an amazing, story-telling engagement ring. We’re not talking generic, stock-standard, mass-produced and off-the-shelf. We’re talking an engagement ring so personalised, it couldn’t have been designed for anyone else in the world.
While the best and most accurate way is to have your partner's finger measured by a jeweller, this isn’t an option when you need to keep the proposal hush hush.
Don’t worry, it’s possible.
And this is how.
Step 1: Use an existing ring
Is there a favourite ring in your partner’s jewellery box (ideally, one that fits on their left ring finger)? Here are four ways you can find an approximate size.
- Put the ring on a ruler and measure the inner diameter. This is the measurement of the widest point on the inside of the band.
- Borrow the ring (if your partner won’t notice it’s missing) and get it sized at a local jeweller.
- Try the ring on one of your fingers. It may not fit, but take note of where it sits. A jeweller will be able to measure your finger at this point to find an approximate ring size.
- Trace closely around the inside of the ring band to draw an outline on a piece of paper. The diameter of this circle is an approximate inner diameter.
Remember, this measurement will be a rough estimate and the ring may still need to be resized after the proposal. Try two or three of the methods above so your jeweller can determine an average. Make sure they know that the ring size is an estimate, as resizing may impact design features like engravings or gemstones.
Step 2: Get help from family and friends
It can sound suspicious when questions come from you, but family and friends may be able to get some insight without tipping your partner off. Try these on for size:
- First off, ask them! This may be a conversation they've had with your partner and it’s possible they already know the answer.
- Use a friend who's just gotten engaged. Get them to subtly encourage your partner to try on their ring to see if it fits.
- Get them to take your partner shopping. This is a great time to try on rings “just for fun”. It’s also an opportunity to do a little sneaky research into preferred ring styles.
Step 3: Pretend you're shopping for someone else
Wait for your sibling or parent's birthday and pretend you’re shopping for a ring as a present. Ask your partner to help by getting their ring size measured by a jeweller.
Hot tip: Avoid suspicion by measuring a few fingers, not just the left ring finger.
Step 4: Propose with a gem or proposal ring
Some people enjoy the deeply personal experience of creating their own engagement ring. Your partner may already have a clear idea of what they want, or may love the process of choosing their own design.
But this doesn’t mean your surprise proposal plans are ruined. It’s still possible to keep them top secret.
How you ask?
Use a stand-in proposal ring or gift a gemstone.
A proposal ring is gifted in place of an engagement ring (kind of like a promise ring, but with more intent), while Gem Gifting allows you to gift a beautiful stone chosen from our treasure chest of existing gems or sourced especially for you.
Both options can usually be delivered in less time than a custom designed engagement ring, perfect for when you need something fast. And when it comes to the actual engagement ring, an accurate finger size can be taken and your partner can take part in designing the ring they’ve always dreamed of.
When there are a million other things to think about, this is one way you can reduce the stress and focus on planning the perfect proposal.
How can we help?
Fairina Cheng is a Sydney-based independent jeweller that takes a distinctly different approach to design.
We create jewellery for rule-breakers and story-makers. Whether your partner is decidedly anti diamond or doesn’t stick to the status quo, we’ll help you create an engagement ring so personalised, it couldn’t have been designed for anyone else in the world.
Book a call to chat through your ideas and get one step closer to designing that perfect engagement ring.
