Ring Size: Why Getting It Right the First Time Matters More Than You Think
Most people assume ring sizing is the straightforward part of buying a ring. You look up a chart, measure your finger at home, note down the number — done. The ring arrives, it fits, and you move on.
The reality is that ring size is where most ordering problems start. Home measurement methods sound simple, but they introduce enough error to get the size wrong — and a wrong size means your ring either can't be worn or needs to go back for resizing. Resizing is manageable in some cases. In others, it's genuinely complicated. Either way, it's avoidable.
Here's what you actually need to know.
Why Home Methods Let You Down
The Tools Aren't Precise Enough
The string-and-ruler method. The paper strip. The printable chart. Every one of these introduces measurement error at the point of reading — and in ring sizing, half a millimetre in finger circumference translates to a full size difference. Without a calibrated ring mandrel and a graduated ring gauge, that margin of error is almost impossible to eliminate.
Ring Width Changes the Fit
A 2mm band and an 8mm band worn on the same finger feel completely different. Wider rings sit higher on the finger and fit tighter, so they're typically ordered at half a size larger than a narrow ring on the same finger. Most home methods don't account for this — they give you a finger size, not a ring size for your specific design.
What Happens When the Size Is Wrong
A ring that doesn't fit needs to be resized. Resizing involves cutting the band, adding or removing a section of metal, and re-soldering it. For a simple plain band, this is routine. But most engagement rings aren't plain bands.
| Ring Type | Resizing Situation |
|---|---|
| Plain band (gold or silver) | Straightforward in most cases |
| Solitaire with simple setting | Usually manageable within 1–2 sizes |
| Pavé or channel-set band | Difficult — stones around the band complicate or prevent resizing High Risk |
| Eternity ring | Cannot typically be resized without removing and resetting stones High Risk |
| Adjustment beyond 2 sizes | Can affect structural integrity and design proportions regardless of style |
There's also the question of metal. Yellow and rose gold resize well. White gold needs rhodium plating after resizing to restore its colour. Titanium and tungsten cannot be resized at all.
The Right Way to Get Measured
Visit any jeweler and ask them to measure your ring size using a ring gauge — a set of graduated metal rings in every standard size. It takes two minutes, costs nothing, and gives you a precise reading in both the local and international sizing system. That number is all we need to start making your ring.
If you're in Colombo, visit us at our showroom on Galle Road. We'll measure you, walk you through the ring styles you're considering, and answer every question you have before anything goes into production. No commitment required — it's just the right place to start.
Want to visit the showroom or have a question before you come in?
💬 Chat with Us on WhatsAppBuying as a Surprise? Here's Exactly What to Do
Most engagement rings are bought as a surprise. You can't ask your partner to go and get measured without giving the whole thing away. So here's what actually works.
Borrow a ring they already wear — quietly, without mentioning it — and bring it to a jeweler to be measured. The jeweler places the ring on the mandrel, reads the size, and you have what you need. Return the ring before it's missed. Simple.
A few things to keep in mind when you do this:
- Use a ring they wear on the ring finger of the left hand — that's the finger your ring will sit on, and sizes differ between fingers
- If they wear rings on both hands, the left and right ring fingers can differ slightly — left hand is preferable
- If they only wear rings on other fingers (index, middle, pinky), let us know which finger and we can advise on the adjustment needed
Can't get hold of an existing ring? Message us before you order. We can discuss the best approach for your situation — including making the ring in the closest standard size, with a plan to resize it properly after the proposal once you can get an accurate measurement.
Not sure how to handle sizing for a surprise? We've worked through this with hundreds of buyers — message us and we'll figure it out together.
💬 Chat with Us on WhatsAppFrequently Asked Questions
Most rings can be adjusted by one to two sizes. The exception is rings with stones set around the full band — pavé, eternity, and full channel-set styles — where resizing is very difficult or impossible without additional work on the stones. If you're considering one of these designs, getting the size right before production matters even more than usual.
You can, but home methods — string, paper strips, printable charts — introduce enough measurement error to get the size wrong. Finger size also changes throughout the day depending on temperature and hydration. A professional ring gauge, used by any jeweler, gives you a reliable reading in two minutes.
Visit any local jeweler and ask them to measure your ring size using a ring gauge or mandrel. Note the size in millimetres as well as whatever local system they use, and share it with us when you order. We work across all standard sizing systems and will confirm the conversion before we start.
No. Sri Lanka and the UK use the same letter-based sizing system (A to Z). The US uses a numerical system. We work in both and can convert between them — just share the measurement in millimetres and we'll handle the rest.
Contact us via WhatsApp and we'll assess the adjustment needed. For most designs, minor resizing within one to two sizes is straightforward. For more complex adjustments or intricate ring styles, we'll advise on what's involved before proceeding.