A Guide To Ring Sizing & Resizing

There’s nothing more frustrating than falling in love with a ring, only to find out it doesn’t fit correctly once you put it on your finger. So, how do you know what ring size you are? And what should you do if you’re between sizes?

If you’re not sure what size ring to buy, don’t worry—you’re not alone. In fact, picking the perfect ring size is a common issue shared by many jewelry shoppers. Most people do not know their ring size when they first start shopping for engagement rings.

So, we put together a quick ring sizing guide to help you make sure your ring purchase will fit perfectly.

What Is My Ring Size?

Ring size is determined by measuring the inner circumference of the ring in millimeters. Like clothing, ring sizes follow a standard scale from jeweler to jeweler, although they can vary slightly from one brand or designer to another. The most common sizes are 6, 7, 8, and 9, though women may wear sizes lower than 6, while men’s rings tend to run in larger sizes of 8 to 14.

While it would seem that your ring size would be similar to your shoe size, staying the same over time, this is actually not true. Our ring size can change as we age, as we gain or lose weight, and even when the temperature changes. The material and design of the ring itself can also impact sizing–similar to how your jeans size may change depending on the cut of the jeans.

For men’s rings specifically, these metal wedding bands can be made with one of two fits: comfort or standard. A standard fit ring is flat on the inside, with the ring’s entire backside against your finger. The inside of these rings is usually pretty smooth and can be made with white gold or platinum.

On the other hand, comfort fit rings for men are made from ceramic, titanium, or tungsten. The ring's edges are rounded up so that the outer part of the band is more comfortable around the ring finger. One downside to comfort fit rings is that they tend to be made with materials that cannot be resized later on, making it that much more important to find the right size before making a large jewelry purchase.

Knowing the common ring sizes can help to make your search for the perfect fit that much easier. Now it’s time to figure out how to measure your ring size, which we will discuss below.

How Do I Find My Ring Size?

There are a few different ways to measure your ring size. You’ll get the most accurate measurement by visiting a local jeweler, who has the most precise tools available for finger measurement. However, if you can’t make it to the jewelry store, there are still plenty of options for finding your ring size at home.

First, try wrapping your finger with a flexible tape measure. Once you have your measurement, refer to this ring size chart to find your corresponding size. If you don’t have a flexible tape measure, you can also use a string, piece of paper, or even dental floss to find your correct ring size. Wrap the paper, string, or floss around your finger and mark where the two ends overlap. Then, measure the distance to the marking with a ruler.

Ring Size Chart

What Should You Do If You Are Between Ring Sizes?

If you’re between sizes, it’s usually best to size up rather than down, as it’s easier for a jeweler to adjust a ring that’s too big than one that’s too small. You may even go back and forth between two sizes. For example, your hands can swell up on hot days, making your ring size slightly larger. With this in mind, it’s best to buy the bigger size if you’re between two sizes. As you look at ring sizes, you’ll also want to keep the width of the ring in mind. We recommend choosing a ring with a wider band if you have wider fingers. This will ensure that the ring is comfortable to wear and won’t look too small on your finger.

How Are Rings Resized?

Ring sizing will vary depending on whether you need to go up or down in size. To make a ring larger, the bottom of the ring—called the shank—is cut open. Then, the ring is pulled apart just enough to add enough metal to fill the opening. The jeweler then solders the ring, heating the metal to its melting point so it can be remolded. This helps to preserve the thickness and quality of the ring’s band.

To make a ring smaller, a jeweler will cut the shank and then take out the proper amount of metal before joining the two sides together and soldering the ring closed.

Can All Rings Be Resized?

Keep in mind that some rings can’t be resized at all. This is because jewelers can only work with certain metals, such as silver, gold, and platinum, when resizing a ring. There are other variables, as well, that make certain rings unable to be resized. These may include:

Metal Type: As we mentioned above, rings made of tungsten, ceramic, or titanium cannot be resized because the material is too hard. Additionally, rose gold is another material that may not be easy to resize, because it is known to crack under extreme stress.
Design Features: Certain features, such as stones that are set all the way around the band, prevent a ring from being resized. This is because there is no bare metal for a jeweler to work with, so the resizing process would only destroy the ring.
Large Ring Size Adjustment: Most jewelers can only adjust a ring up to two or three sizes smaller or larger. Attempting to adjust the ring anymore could lead to serious damage and potentially affect other elements of the ring, like its center stone and/or setting.

How Much Does Ring Resizing Cost?

The cost of getting a ring resized can vary from jeweler to jeweler. Many jewelers are happy to measure your finger for free, but resizing services for rings that have already been purchased usually cost money. In addition, resizing prices can differ depending on certain variables, like metal type, ring width, the number of stones or diamonds the ring has, and how many sizes it needs to be adjusted.

In general, if you need to get a ring resized, expect to pay anywhere between $20 and $300. While resizing services may become pricey for more sophisticated ring designs, we highly recommend leaving this service to a professional, since it’s easy to make a mistake and damage the ring if you attempt to resize it on your own.

Find Your Ring–and Ring Size–at Noe’s Jewelry in Raymore, Missouri

Whether you’re shopping for an engagement ring, wedding band, or just a special treat for yourself, make sure you know your ring size before you buy. With a little bit of planning, you can be sure your ring will fit perfectly.

At Noe’s Jewelry, we offer rings in various sizes, so you’re sure to find the perfect one for you. Visit our jewelry store in Raymore, Missouri, or contact us at 816-322-7227.