Ring Sizes
Each country has developed a different standard for expressing ring sizes. The EU has a standard but there are also national standards for each EU member state in operation simultaneously. Canada and the USA use the same standard. In this review, we will look at the ring sizes used in the United Kingdom, the USA, and the European Union.
The chart above might seem a little confusing at first. However, you can simplify your reading of it by focusing on your preferred unit of measure. If you like imperial measurements, just look at the inches columns. If you are used to the metric system, look at the mm columns, which show millimetres.
UK ring sizes run from A to Z. However, to match the extent of standard ring sizes used in the USA, that range has been extended by four more sizes: Z1, Z2, Z3, and Z4. The EU’s sizes are the easiest to follow because they are just the circumference of the ring rounded to whole numbers.
Where to measure?
There are two ways of measuring a ring. One is to look at its circumference and the other is to note its diameter. The circumference is the length you would get if you cut the ring and then stretched it out into a line. The diameter is a measurement from one point on the ring to its exact opposite point. Both circumference and diameter measurements relate to the inside edge of the ring. This equates to the dimensions of the finger that it would fit.
You are unlikely to encounter a ring smaller than UK size E – this is very small and would suit the finger of a child. Women’s fingers range in size from UK I to S; men’s sizes range from R to Z4.
In the UK, the most frequently sold ring sizes for women are L and M and for men, T is the most common ring size. The most frequently sold ring size for women’s engagement rings is L. While men don’t usually wear engagement rings, T is also the most frequently bought size in this category. In both cases, the most frequently bought wedding ring size is the same.
Ring sizes are absolute measurements, which means that they aren’t influenced by other ring attributes. For example, if your ring size is L, that applies to rings made of silver, gold, platinum, and any other material. The stones on the ring also don’t influence your ring size.
Find the size of your finger
Jeweller’s shops have, since time immemorial, kept a set of finger size ring gauges to help customer find out which sizes of rings to buy. Nowadays, with many people buying jewellery online, it is possible to buy a set of these gauges for yourself.
Most likely, you won’t be buying rings very often and once you know your ring size, you won’t need to use the ring gauges again. Finger thickness does change over time because of weight gain or loss. So, it is a good idea to recheck your ring size periodically. Also, keep in mind that each of your fingers are different sizes. However, the corresponding finger on each hand should be the same size – that is, the index finger on your right hand will be the same size as the index finger on your left hand.
Keeping track of a set of ring finger gauges can be difficult given their infrequent use. Alternative formats include a board with holes in it. Some websites also provide an image that you can print out and cut out the illustrated holes in order to emulate one of these boards.
A more recent innovation is a small band, which is like a tiny zip tie. This type of gauge has the ring sizes marked along it. So, you slip your finger into it and tighten it up until you get you your finger size. You then just have to read off the resulting size marked on the band at the point of its ratchet.
Some jewellery websites also offer an image of a measuring band that you can print, cut out, and then wrap around your finger.
Perhaps the easiest solution to getting your ring measurements is to go into town and visit a jewellery shop. Express an interest in rings and the shop assistant will produce a ring finger gauge.
Find the size of a ring
There might be times when you are shopping for a ring but its size is not marked. This is particularly likely with estate sales or inheritances. Most online sellers of used rings will take the time to measure the ring and advertise its size. However, you could find yourself needing to measure a ring that you have in your hand.
The standard measuring device for rings is called a mandrel. This is a round stick, like a thick wand that narrows towards its tip. The side of the mandrel will have a scale on it, showing the succession of ring sizes.
You can buy a mandrel online. Make sure it has the scale for your country marked on it.
Measure your finger for free
If you don’t want to buy a measuring device or go to a Jeweller’s shop, there are two methods that you can use to measure your finger with items that you probably already have lying around the house.
Measure your finger’s width
The width of your finger at the base, where the new ring will settle, corresponds to the Diameter of ring size given in our table above.
You will need:
· A ruler or tape measure
Method: Place your ruler or tape measure on a flat surface. Put your finger on the ruler so it blocks out some of the numbers. If you prefer to work in inches, use the Imperial side; if you prefer millimetres, use the Metric side. You have two options:
1. Place your finger so that one side is on the mark for 0. Note the first mark on the other side of your finger.
2. Place your finger anywhere on the ruler. This will block out a part of the ruler. Note the measurement immediately either side of your finger. Subtract the lower number from the higher number.
You now know the width of your finger. Refer to the chart above, reading down either the inches or mm column, depending on which unit of measure you used for checking your finger, to find that measurement. Read across to the left to see your ring size.
Measure your finger’s circumference
You can emulate the finger measuring band by looking at the Circumference columns of our ring size chart.
You will need:
· A ruler or tape measure
· A tape, sticky tape, a piece of cotton, or a thin ribbon
· A pair of scissors
Method: lay your tape, ribbon, or cotton on a table and place your finger on top of it, leaving a little material on one side and the remainder of the roll on the other. Pull up the cut end of the tape on top of your finger and then wrap the other side up to meet it. Cut the tape at the point where the two sides meet. Lie the cut tape/ribbon cotton along a ruler or tape measure to get its length. Read off this measurement in the chart above and then trace to the left to see your ring size at the beginning of the line.