Ring Sizes

There are so many exciting things for a newly engaged couple to think about that apparently trivial things like ring sizes can get over looked. Determining and understanding the size of rings, however, is an essential part of the process of buying one of the most important pieces of jewelry that you'll every own.

A ring needs to be the right size to fit perfectly.

The size of a ring is measured in many different ways. When buying an engagement ring, many people think first of the style of ring and perhaps the stone size. While this is an important feature of an engagement ring, knowing the size of the ring as it pertains to your finger is crucial. An engagement ring that is too small will be uncomfortable and difficult to wear, while an engagement ring that is too large will slip around the finger or even get lost. Finding the perfect engagement ring entails more than finding a ring that simply looks nice or fits within a budget. Many people wear their wedding and engagement rings every day for many years and buying a ring that fits and is comfortable to wear, as well as looking wonderful, is key.

The inside of rings is measured to calculate the size. Rings are measured on a numeric scale measured in quarters and half units with 0 being the smallest. Unfortunately, the measurements don't relate to inches or centimeters. A quarter size is equal to 0.032 inches. The measurement of your finger and engagement ring is best carried out by a professional jeweler. This ring is too precious and important not to have the perfect size. There are lots of ways, however, that you can learn more about the approximate size of your engagement ring. A printable ring size chart, for instance, is a great way to measure some of your existing rings and get an idea of your size.

Wide sets need larger sizes.

There are a number of factors that help to determine the perfect ring size. It is not simply a case of measuring your finger and looking for a ring with the same dimensions. Some other factors to consider include:

• The thickness of a ring will alter its fit. A very wide band, for instance, will need to be a larger size than a small band. This is important to consider when buying wedding and engagement band sets. A wedding ring that is too small will make a roll of flesh above the finger which will make the finger look swollen and could result in an engagement ring being uncomfortable to wear.
• Any fluctuations in your weight will also need to be taken into account. Many brides-to-be lose weight during the engagement and wedding planning process and this needs to be taken into account. Some people also experience a swelling of their hands during hot weather and this should also be considered when buying an engagement ring.
• The style of ring will make a difference to the size. Rings with round shanks or a curved inside will give more tolerance than a ring with a flat interior.

Knowing the ring size is crucial when buying engagement rings. It is so easy to get carried away in the heat of the moment and buy a ring that looks fantastic but doesn't 'quite' fit correctly – hoping that you'll grow into it or lose weight! The sad reality is that if a ring doesn't fit perfectly to start with, it is unlikely to in the future. Many reputable jewelers and wedding supply stores will be fully trained at measuring fingers and rings. They will be able to talk with you about your choice and ensure that the correct size of ring is chosen. This will involve taking into account the factors discussed above as well as any special features of a ring.

Most engagement rings can be resized to make it the perfect size. The type and style of the ring will determine how straightforward a job this is. Most rings can be sized by stretching or compressing the ring band. The jeweler will be able to advise on this and this service is often offered free of charge when buying a ring from them, or it can be covered under a protection plan for future size changes. When buying a second hand ring or perhaps if you have been lucky enough to be given an heirloom engagement ring a jeweler is likely to make a small charge to resize the ring so it is a perfect fit.

Here are some tips for using ring sizes:

• Remember that different countries use different scales. This is important to consider when buying a ring over the internet or when buying an engagement ring at an online auction. Always double check and clarify to make sure there are no nasty shocks when the ring arrives.
• When using printed ring charts make sure that the chart is printed at 100 percent. These DIY charts are excellent, however they shouldn't be used instead of professional advice.
• Track your ring size over the course of a day, week, and month. You may be surprised at how much it changes!

Getting the perfectly sized ring is an important step on the road to wedded bliss.

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