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If you’re planning to make a proposal, you’ll have a fair few things on your mind right now. Not just the where and how to do it. But the endless questions relating to the ring – what will your intended like? Should you design it yourself? (The answer is always ‘yes!’ to that one!) What stone(s) should you select? What metal? And should you have the actual ring ready for the question popping, or should you wait to get your partner’s opinion? Added to that, there’s the age-old stumbling block: how do you know what size ring to order?

Ring sizing is important. Not just because you want the ring to actually get on the intended finger once the question has been asked. But because you want it to be comfortable. And you want it to stay there. Even putting the sentiment entirely behind, you don’t want to risk losing something that valuable. So, how can you get the ring size right without giving the game away?

The Essentials of Ring Sizing

Engagement rings are traditionally worn on the third finger of the left hand. While it is better to get an accurate measure, there are things that you can do if you want to keep the element of surprise.

Use the information available to you

One of the easiest ways to ascertain a ring size is to measure existing rings. If you can sneak one out to a jeweller, then great. If not, try carefully making a mould in some Play Doh. It won’t be absolutely precise – casually worn rings aren’t always a perfect fit – but it’s a good starting point to use with a ring sizing chart.

If you’re using an existing ring as a guide, it’s good to keep in mind that ring sizing will be influenced by the width of the band. The average engagement ring is 2mm wide. Any variation away from this will necessitate a larger band width.

Use the law of averages

Every hand might be different, but it’s still possible to make an educated guess when it comes to ring sizing by following the law of averages.

The average woman’s ring size is L½. The average man’s ring size is Q. If your partner is average height and average weight, then this is a good place to start.

If your partner is petite or of very slim build, then you can usually drop down a couple of sizes to an I for women. For shorter, slim men then you will probably be looking at an N or M fitting.

Those of a larger height or build will usually have wider fingers, so for men you’ll be safer starting with size T. If you’re shopping for a woman, begin with a size N.

Ask for help

Friends and family can be a great resource when planning a surprise proposal. If you’re looking for covert ways to get a precise measurement, then ask your partner’s friends to invite them out ring shopping. If the friend is getting measured, the chances are that your partner will be too.

Don’t panic

Although it’s natural to want your engagement ring to be right first time, a lot aren’t. In fact, roughly 70% of all ‘surprise buyers’ will need their rings to be resized. At Durham Rose, we offer a free first resizing service, altering rings up to two sizes without any additional fees (a small charge may be levied for larger alterations). So, if it’s not quite right, it’s not the end of the world.

If your engagement ring does need resizing, it’s a fairly simple process. We will simply make an incision in the band and extend it or reduce the size as needed. It will then re soldered and refinished, good as new.

Sizing is probably one of the more difficult parts of buying a surprise engagement ring. But it needn’t be a major issue. A little bit of common sense can go a long way. And remember, the size of an engagement ring is never set in stone.

If you would like some guidance on ring sizing before commissioning your bespoke engagement ring, please get in touch.