How Should an Engagement Ring Fit?

An engagement ring is usually worn daily and is considered the most significant piece of jewellery for a couple. It’s no surprise that finding the perfect ring can raise several questions and one of them is – how should an engagement ring fit? If you are currently shopping for engagement rings, you must be wondering about this as well. And why not? For the token of your eternal love, a proper fit and comfort are quintessential. Determining the right fit for an engagement ring can be challenging because of the stark differences in finger shapes and ring designs. But before figuring out how to find the right ring size for your engagement ring, let’s first take a look at the factors to consider before making a purchase.

Tips on Buying an Engagement Ring

Whether you are looking for a classic diamond ring or something unconventional, it should reflect your bride’s personal style and taste. While it is great to keep up with the latest engagement ring trends for your ring-spiration, here are some of the crucial factors to consider to find her dream engagement ring:

• Set a budget – You should set your budget based on your financial standing as well as any special wishes of your soon-to-be fiancée. You might either want to choose an engagement ring well within your budget or follow the traditional rule of spending your three-month salary on an extravagant sparkler. 
• Assess her personal style – Take a look at her collection. Does she favor classic or contemporary designs? Is her style modern and minimalistic or does she often look for intricate details? You might want to figure out what engagement ring looks good on small hands?  Or, what type of diamond shape looks best on long fingers? And depending on the shape and size of her hands, pick a suitable ring. You can also rely on your friends, sisters, cousins or anybody close for a better idea.
• Choose the shape – There are numerous options when it comes to ring shapes ranging from oval and round to princess, marquise and heart shapes. Apart from the ring’s design and the stone, the shape also determines the ring’s overall appeal. 
• Engagement ring trends – Whether you’re looking to buy a ring right away or simply exploring some stunning pieces for your sweetheart, the top engagement ring trends for 2022 are worth taking a closer look at. 

The most beautiful celebrity engagement rings are a good place to start if you are looking for trending ring styles. While traditional and timeless pieces never go out of style, on-trend engagement rings with unusual cuts and distinctive designs are perfect for edgy and modern brides-to-be.

• Know your diamonds – Understanding the four C’s – Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat can be life-changing and assist you in making an informed diamond purchase. The same applies to coloured gemstones as you explore beautiful engagement rings. 
• Select the right metal – When it comes to selecting the right metal, you have four options: platinum, white gold, yellow gold and rose gold. Choose the one that best matches your partner’s style.
• Compare prices – Make some comparisons before making a purchase. It’s suggested to start looking for an engagement ring two to three months before you propose.
• Determine the ring size – This should never be a guessing game. After narrowing down the budget and all other aspects of the ring, determine the band’s fit.

How to Determine the Perfect Ring Size?

Nothing is more upsetting than losing an expensive diamond ring in the depths of your kitchen sink’s drain or having it restrict your blood flow and leave a permanent indent on your finger. Before finalizing the ring, you must get her exact ring size. 

Although there are numerous methods to measure ring size, only a few are widely used. The tool you employ will totally depend on your circumstances. But before that, remember:

• Attempt numerous times to ensure correctness – Measure your finger three to four times because temperature affects the finger size, and you may get varying results each time. Cooler temperatures often cause our fingers to shrink, whereas warmer weather causes our fingers to swell at times. 
• Consider the knuckle size – If you know her knuckle size is large, get an engagement ring that is half a size larger than her finger size alone. Otherwise, the ring won’t sit in a proper position.

Here’s a look at the various methods to gauge the ring size:

Method 1 – Measuring Tape

The most precise way to know the size of your ring is to use a measuring tape. It is best to take the finger measurement when it is most likely the largest at the end of the day. Also, the same finger on the left and right hands may have different ring sizes, so make sure to measure the finger you’ll put the ring on.

Place the measuring tape over her finger and make a circle with it. Adjust the circle’s size and position across her knuckles to fit comfortably. Make a note of the millimeter measurements to find out the perfect size. 

Method 2 – Mandrel Method

A ring mandrel, also known as a triblet, is a tapered steel tool that is used to create, shape and reshape rings. If you have your hands on one of her rings from her collection, you can use a mandrel to confirm her ring size.

Method 3 – Use Ribbon or Floss

Wrap a piece of floss or ribbon around the base of her index finger.  With a pen, mark where the ribbon or the thread first overlaps. Stretch the length of the thread along a ruler or measuring tape and record the measurement in millimeters. Because floss and ribbon can stretch, don’t pull them too much as it will impact the measurement and you might end up buying a ring that is excessively big.

What Is the Perfect Fit for a Ring?

The ring should be easy to wear and remove whenever needed. As a general guideline, the ring should slip smoothly over the knuckle but need a bit more work to remove. In fact, it should just barely glide over your knuckle to prevent it from falling off. A perfectly fitting ring snugly fits around the base of the finger and leaves no imprint marks. When you push the ring up, there should be a little gap between the finger and the ring.

In general, a good-fitting engagement ring should be snug enough to keep the centre-stone centreed on the finger but loose enough to turn around effortlessly. If you require oil or soap to wiggle it off, your ring is probably too tight.

Conclusion

The primary issue is that our fingers’ size change throughout our life. In the summer, a ring may fit snugly, but it may spin or slip out in the fall and winter. Cooler temperatures lead our fingers to contract, whereas heat and humidity lead them to expand.

Moreover, engagement ring fit is influenced by more than just the changes in weather. Salty meals and water cause inflammation, and life events such as weight loss and pregnancy alter ring size. So bear all these factors in mind before deciding on the ring size.