Factors that can affect your engagement ring fit

Let’s start with the bottom line. There is no such thing as the perfect fit. This is a myth or fallacy. Your day-to-day and even minute-to-minute changes can be caused by hormone fluctuations, a salty meal, what you consume, alcohol, summer weather or high humidity. We’ve all had that sudden panic of “my ring won’t come off!”. Not to worry; this is normal.

For many women, a “good fit” with their engagement ring means “comfortable most of the time.” There are days when rings are too tight and days when they feel a bit loose-fitting. Also normal. Our bodies, much to our disgust, are always changing. So, it’s natural to notice that your engagement ring fit may be different from time to time. Some of these changes occur over time, causing you to resize it, while others are part of our daily cycle.

As you make a final decision about your ring size, (whether its a brand new ring or your current ring that needs an adjustment) take a moment to think about how your body reacts in everyday scenarios. If your fingers swell in humidity or shrink in the cold, choose a size that feels comfortable in both scenarios. If your family has a history of arthritis, choose a ring style that can easily be sized if your knuckle shape changes down the line.

Common Engagement and Wedding Band Sizing Errors

Assuming all ring styles fit the same 

When you wear a ring that has a narrow band, it sits directly at the finger joint, while a wider style will cover more of the finger which means you’ll need a larger size. Sometimes stones can make a ring top-heavy or wider. Some rings, such as eternity bands, have stones all the way around the ring making it impossible to size. Each ring design can determine the fate of your sizing constraints. In this case, you definitely want to have a custom-designed engagement ring that is made just for you in every way.

Most people don’t know the many factors that go into ring sizing. The style and stones and how rings are worn can all impact comfort and wearability. Here are some mistakes people tend to make when figuring out the size for their or a partner’s ring:

They us the wrong sizing tool

You shouldn’t assume that DIY ring sizers online will include all the information you require to make a solid decision. Much like buying lab-created diamonds or diamonds online, there isn’t an element of personal touch and you often don’t get what you expected. Since ring styles are unique, manufacturers often have custom ring sizing tools to ensure that you can get the right size for the design you are considering. Seek your local Jeweler.

Forgetting about the wedding band(s)

The majority of men wear just one band, but women tend to wear an engagement ring plus band – some ladies these days are even wearing three – an engagement ring and two bridal bands, one on each side of the engagement ring. When you stack multiple rings, they fit as one wide ring, so you will need to account for a larger size. In some cases, this could span knuckle-to-knuckle.

You forgot about the weather

Hot and humid weather can make your hands swell and adversely, the cold makes them shrink. If you are sizing a ring in January in Minnesota, you should plan for the extra room because chances are that it will fit much different when June soon arrives. Though you shouldn’t size your ring all the time, you may have to the first year in order to get it just right. Again, right doesn’t mean a perfect fit – it means comfortable most of the time.

You think you won’t change weight

Dieting before the wedding? Big weight loss in your future? How about a 2 week liquid fast before the big day? This can cause up to one full size in variation and you should think about this – specifically before you’ve had a chance to purchase engagement ring insurance for loss or theft.

Sizing for roominess

For men, a wedding ring is the first they’ll wear making it pretty common that they want something that feels loose and easy to move and comfortable in their daily activities – which can be more aggressive than women (in some cases). The problem here, of course, is a sudden loss when an environmental shrinking factor occurs they simply aren’t paying attention. It literally happens every day.

Common Finger Types

Large knuckles and small fingers

You may have large knuckles but slim fingers. If this is you, you will want to choose the smallest size which you can slide down over your knuckle and still slide back off without causing discomfort or pain. Once on the finger the ring will stay securely in place. If your ring moves around or spins too freely, your jeweler can sometimes add a few sizing beads to the inside of your ring. These bumps help hold the ring against your finger but can still be worked over the knuckle. They also provide a little extra weight to anchor your ring if it is top heavy.

Wide fingers and small knuckles

Oh, the dilemma! If your fingers taper from larger at the palm to smaller at the finger without a noticeable size difference at the knuckle, you’ll want to choose a size that fits nice and tight around your finger. This fit should be very snug so it stays in place, but not so tight that it squeezes or cuts off your circulation. With a ring sizer on, you’ll want to move your fingers around, write with a pen and make a fist to ensure that it fits comfortably in daily activities. You may even want to try typing on a keyboard, going in and out of pockets, etc.

Over time, your fingers will develop a natural indent from wearing your ring. This niche will become the “sweet spot” where your band lives comfortably and doesn’t feel constricting.

Personal Preference

Some people prefer their ring to fit slightly snugger or slightly looser. You may not even know your preference before having your finger sized or being proposed to with a diamond engagement ring. Speak with your local jeweler in order to find a fit that works best for you. A jeweler is going to be able to take the ‘art’ of finger sizing and a apply it to your preferences, finger and lifestyle in order to get the best possible fit.

Proper Ring Fit Is Very Important

Choosing a ring that fits comfortably is important for the long run. If a ring fits too tight, you may find yourself wearing it less often because it feels uncomfortable. If a ring fits too loose, it’s more at risk for slipping off or becoming lost and you may not wear it everywhere (not the goal with your wedding rings).

In summary, the tissue on your fingers will fluctuate as you move through your normal daily activities. Early in the morning and late at night we may find our fingers are more swollen. Diet can affect water retention and bloating, which makes rings feel tighter. Before purchasing a wedding band, it’s best to measure your finger size when it is most stable. This usually occurs in mid-afternoon, after you’ve eaten lunch. If you work in downtown Minneapolis, this is really convenient becuse Gittelson Jewelers is in the skway. You can just bop in on your route back to work a couple of different days to see how your finger size may change.

What the best way to size your ring?

In the end, the best way to size a ring is to visit your local jeweler and get it professionally sized with a correct measurement. This will be alongside years of experience in sizing fingers. You won’t regret taking a little extra time to get this just right. Not a perfect fit… but just right.