Ring Size Chart: Expert Tips to find your Perfect Ring Size

Finding the perfect fit for your engagement and wedding rings is crucial. Not only for comfort, but it also ensures that your diamond stays securely on your finger without feeling too tight or too loose! A ring that fits comfortably means you can actually wear it for your lifetime. A well-fitting engagement ring should feel like an extension of the wearer's hand, sitting gracefully, securely, and balancing comfort as well as elegance.  While sizing might seem straightforward, there are some important factors to consider that will affect which is the right size for you.

In this guide, we delve into the intricacies of engagement ring sizing, from what it should feel like, factors to consider about design and tips about resizing in the future. 

Follow our tips below to determine the best ring size for your custom design ring.

How should a Ring Fit? What should it feel like?

An engagement or wedding ring should feel light and closely follow the form of your finger. It should feel effortlessly secure on your hand, staying in place with your natural movements. A ring should slide over your knuckle with gentle resistance, requiring a bit of effort to put on and remove. Yet it should not feel tight, restrictive or cause discomfort. The band should sit comfortably without leaving a deep mark on the skin or causing your finger to swell. It should also rotate slightly with ease, yet not spin each time you move your hand. It's all about finding a balance so you don't worry about losing the ring, yet it should be physically unimposing. 

A well-fitting ring is one that you barely notice like a seamless extension of your hand. And ultimately, it should feel comfortable above all else. The preference for a tighter or looser band is a matter of opinion and can vary from person to person.  

Measuring Your Ring Size at Janai

In-Store with our Ring Sizing Kit

During your consultation at Janai, part of the custom design process includes identifying and confirming your finger size. Measuring your ring size in-store is much simpler than you might imagine. It’s as easy as trying on a selection of our sample rings to determine which feels right for you. As soon as you try on samples from our ring sizing kits you can achieve an accurate result to confirm the size for your diamond ring.  For those curious about estimating their size before an appointment, you may measure the circumference of your finger using an AU ring sizing chart as a starting point.  

Our consultations will consider factors about the design of the ring. As the width of the band will also affect how tight or loose the ring will feel. Wider bands tend to feel tighter and more refined bands looser. 

Trying on Sample Ring Sizes

For both mens and womens rings, you will try different ring sizes from our kit until you discover your size. The process is tactile and intimate, allowing you to feel the subtle differences and choose a fit that is best suited to your finger and the chosen ring design (we’ll talk more on how this affects sizing later). Inside our jewellery shop in Melbourne you can usually discover your ring size in less than a minute or two.  

The experience of trying on these sample rings will ensure your final choice is an ideal fit that will sit both comfortably and beautifully on your hand. It also helps you to understand the fit and feel of your ring before it is made! Our master jewellers can craft rings to fit to ¼ sizes, assuring the best fit for you.

For a Surprise Proposal
Borrow and Bring a Ring to your consultation  

If you’re planning a surprise proposal and know she owns a ring that already fits perfectly. Bring it in store to use as a reference. Here’s how we can use her existing ring to get an accurate measurement:

Ring Size Mandrel/Gauge

Our diamond consultants will place the ring on our mandrel. They will simply slide the ring down the tool until it fits snugly. The corresponding mark on the mandrel will be the ring size and this will be used as the measurement.

Using a ring she already loves is a great way to ensure the new ring will be a perfect fit. By using the mandrel to find the equivalent size, the custom made ring will be crafted to the same size.

Aren't able to make it to our jewellery store in Melbourne?
Measuring your Ring Size at home 

This isn’t a method we usually recommend as it isn’t always accurate and doesn’t account for how the ring will feel. However, if measuring your ring size at home is your only option. Here’s how:  

1. String or Paper Strip Method: Wrap a piece of string or a thin strip of paper around the base of your ring finger. Place a mark where the ends meet.
2. Ruler: Lay the string or paper flat and measure the length to where you marked it in millimetres. This measurement is your finger's circumference.
3. Ring Size Chart: Compare with a ring size chart (which you can easily find online) to convert this measurement to your ring size.

Consider that your finger size may change at different times of the day due to various factors such as weather and temperature and your activity level.

Ring Size Chart: AU and USA 

If you already own a ring that fits comfortably, you may also refer to a Ring size chart to compare or convert the sizing. Depending on where your ring originated from, Australia and the USA use different sizing systems, and the below chart will help you make conversions easily:

Ring Size Conversion Chart 

Refer to a full conversion chart with circumference in millimetres to ensure accuracy when finding the perfect fit. 

Things to Consider when discovering your Ring Size

Ring Band Width and Thickness

One often overlooked aspect of ring sizing is the band width and thickness. Wider bands tend to fit tighter on the finger compared to thinner ones, so if you’re opting for a thick band, you may want to go up half a size. The thickness of the band can also affect comfort; thicker bands may feel tighter, while thin bands may feel looser. It’s all about finding a balance that works best for your finger and the style you’re aiming for.

Standard (flat) or Comfort Fit Band 

The fit of a ring can also vary depending on the style of the band. A flat band with its straight edges may feel slightly tighter against the finger due to its consistent surface area. Whereas a comfort fit with a rounded interior that gently tapers towards the edges, often provides a bit more flexibility and can feel a bit more spacious. A comfort fit band offers an exceptionally smooth and relaxed feel, allowing the ring to slide on and off with ease. Each band offers a distinct look and sensation. You can try both in-store and discover what feels best for you and decide based on your comfort and style preferences.

Knuckles/Finger Shape 

The shape of your fingers and knuckles may play a significant role in determining your ring size. If your knuckles are larger, you might need to size up so that the ring can pass over them comfortably. However, this might make the ring feel loose once it’s on your finger. In such cases, it’s essential to find a balance between a size that fits over your knuckle and one that won’t spin too much on your finger. Consider a ring with a thicker band or one with a comfort fit, which has a slightly domed interior that helps the ring stay in place.

Weather, Temperature and Ring Size Changes 

The fit of a ring can fluctuate with changes in weather and temperature, which will subtly alter how it feels on your finger. In warmer climates or seasons, your fingers may swell from the heat, making rings feel tighter. Conversely, in cooler weather or seasons, your fingers may shrink from the cold, making rings feel looser. These fluctuations are normal, but they can affect how your ring fits day-to-day. These natural variations mean that a ring that fits perfectly one day might feel a little different to the next. Considering this can help you choose a size that accommodates and maintains that your ring remains comfortable and secure all year round.

Wearing as a Bridal Set  

Engagement Ring size can feel quite different when worn together as a set with a wedding band. It can be worth trying on an intended bridal set together in-store to best understand the comfort before committing to your design.   

Resizing a Ring 

If your ring doesn’t fit as perfectly as you’d like, or how it used to, don’t worry—resizing is an option for many types of rings. In fact, most rings will be resized once in their lifetime.

Over time, life events such as pregnancy or weight changes may lead to your engagement ring feeling uncomfortable. Fortunately, most rings can be resized. Engagement ring resizing is a common service offered to our exisiting clients by our jewellers at Janai Jewellery. Whether you need to make your ring larger or smaller, resizing ensures that your ring fits perfectly again without compromising its beauty.

Before purchasing it’s worth discussing with your consultant about whether the ring can be adjusted in the future. Some ring designs (especially those with intricate designs or full diamond eternity rings) cannot be resized. If resizing is an option, it’s a straightforward process that a jeweler can perform to either increase or decrease the size by 1-2 sizes. It’s best to aim for an accurate size from the beginning, as every resize will weaken the ring. With every resizing and polishing process there will be less gold or platinum remaining of the ring. So consider carefully.

Can Diamond Rings be resized?

However, it’s important to note that not all rings are easy to resize, and some cannot be resized at all. Rings with intricate designs, such as pavé bands or full eternity bands, may need to be entirely remade. These ring designs are more challenging to work with due to the risk of affecting the diamonds and security of the stones. If you’re considering purchasing a ring with these features, it’s wise to ask about future resizing possibilities.

For more: Check out our guide to ring resizing here

What is the process of resizing? 

Always take your ring back to the trusted jeweller where you purchased from. They can make the required adjustments to produce the custom fit that is perfectly tailored for you and will know the ring best. Making adjustments to the sizing of a ring is a delicate process. Each setting and style is different and requires a consultation to assess the resizing process and the options available.

Solitaire rings are the most straightforward style setting to make sizing changes. To increase the size, the band is carefully cut, and additional metal, such as 18ct gold or platinum, is added. The jeweller then molds the band back into shape and polishes it to perfection. If the ring needs to be made smaller, the process involves cutting the band and removing a small piece of metal before rejoining the ends. With skilled craftsmanship, there will be no visible signs of the resizing process. Rings made of 18ct white gold, rose gold, yellow gold, or platinum can usually be resized with ease. At Janai when we resize your ring, we ensure that the ring retains its original beauty and strength.

It's advised that rings only be resized up or down by one or two sizes.

Design factors to consider for future resizing

Rings with intricate designs, such as those with diamonds along the shoulders or pavé settings, require more delicate handling. Resizing these rings can be more complicated due to the potential pressure on the stone settings, which could cause diamonds to shift or even crack. Full eternity rings – those with diamonds around the entire band – cannot be resized at all, so it's essential to choose the right size when making your purchase.

In some cases, especially for complex designs, resizing may not be possible, and a complete ring remake may be required. Our diamond specialists can provide expert advice on the best approach for resizing based on your specific ring style.

As a rule, the more gold in the band and setting means more flexibility when it comes to resizing. Whereas more diamonds on the band lends itself to a more complicated process. 

What is the cost of resizing?

At Janai Jewellery, we offer professional engagement ring resizing services for our clients. Once your ring has been assessed and the new size is decided, the process typically takes about two weeks. The cost of re-sizing starts at $180, which includes cleaning the ring, polishing, retipping the claws as well as checking and tightening the structure of the ring.

Why Ring fit matters

With this in mind, a beautifully crafted ring should be worn for a lifetime. A greater focus on finding the perfect fit and comfort ensures you will wear your Engagement Ring often as it was originally intended. At Janai we want to ensure your sparkling diamond is able to be worn and admired. We have an expert team of jewellers and diamond setters who are able to assist with all of you resizing requests.

An Engagement Ring is a deeply personal piece of jewellery that is designed to be worn and seen. When beautiful designs and shining diamonds come together, there should be no compromise when it comes to wearability.

Janai Jewellery - Your ideal jewellery store for custom engagement rings in Melbourne!

Finding the perfect fit for your engagement ring is simple when you’ve considered factors like band width, knuckle size and temperature. Our expert tips will ensure your ring is comfortable and feels as good as it looks.

For more detailed advice on sizing and resizing, visit us at Janai to create your dream Engagement Ring in Melbourne today!