Wedding Band: A Snug Fit

Wedding bands are often the first piece of jewellery people wear every day, so it's no surprise that finding the correct fit is challenging. While there's no such thing as the perfect fit, you can still find a good one. A well-fitting ring should be comfortable and snug, but not too tight. It should slide over your knuckle with a little friction and fit snugly at the base of your finger. It should not be tight, and there should be a small amount of movement. When removing the ring, you should feel resistance as it passes over the knuckle.

The importance of a good fit

A wedding band is often the first piece of jewellery a person wears every day, so it's no surprise that finding the right fit is a common concern. While there is no such thing as the "perfect fit", a good fit is important for comfort and to ensure the ring isn't lost. A ring that is too tight will be uncomfortable and difficult to remove, while a ring that is too loose may slip off and be lost.

A good-fitting ring should slide over the knuckle with a little friction and fit snugly at the base of the finger. It should not be too tight, and there should be a small amount of movement. When removing the ring, there should be some resistance as it passes over the knuckle.

The width of the band also affects the fit, with wider bands feeling tighter. It's important to consider your finger shape when choosing a ring. For example, those with wide fingers and small knuckles should choose a size that fits tight around the finger, while those with large knuckles and small fingers should opt for a ring that can be slid over the knuckle and still removed comfortably.

It's recommended to get your finger professionally sized by a jeweller, using tools such as a metal ring sizer or mandrel. Getting a second opinion is also a good idea, as ring sizing is a personal preference and not an exact science. The best time to get sized is in the mid-to-late afternoon, as fingers tend to be at their largest at this time.

Overall, finding the right fit for a wedding band is important to ensure comfort and security. By taking the time to consider finger shape, width, and professional sizing, you can ensure your ring fits snugly and securely for a lifetime of wear.

How to determine your ring size

A ring should be snug enough to stay on your finger but loose enough to slide over your knuckle with relative ease. The fit of your ring depends on your finger shape and size, and the width of the band. Here are some tips to help you determine your ring size:

Use a Ring Sizer

You can use a plastic ring sizer to determine your ring size. Slide your finger into the sizer until you find a size that feels right. Try a half size up and down to find your precise fit. The right size should be snug but loose enough to slide over your knuckle.

Measure with String or Paper

You can also measure your ring size at home with a piece of string, dental floss, or paper, a ruler, a pen, and a ring size chart. Here are the steps:

• Wrap the string, floss, or paper around the base of your finger.
• Mark the point where the ends meet with a pen.
• Measure the length with a ruler in millimetres, then divide by 3.14 (or Pi) to get the diameter of your finger.
• Find the closest measurement on the ring size chart to determine your ring size.

Tips for Measuring

• Measure your specific finger: Different fingers on the same or opposite hand may have different sizes.
• Measure at the end of the day: Your fingers are likely to be largest at the end of the day.
• Allow room for your knuckle: Ensure the ring can slide over your knuckle without causing discomfort.
• Measure a few times for accuracy: Take measurements 3 to 4 times at different times of the day to account for fluctuations in finger size.
• Get a professional opinion: Visit an experienced jeweller to get your finger professionally sized.

How to size for different finger types

When it comes to wedding bands, you want a ring that feels comfortable yet secure. While there's no such thing as a perfect fit, you can find a good fit by working with an experienced jeweller and understanding your finger type. Here are some tips to help you determine the right size for your wedding band:

Tapered Fingers (Bigger at the Base, Smaller Knuckles)

If your fingers are larger at the base and gradually taper towards the knuckles, be mindful that rings can slip off more easily. Opt for a snug fit to prevent the ring from sliding out. If the tightness bothers you, a narrower band can provide more comfort.

Knotted Fingers (Bigger Knuckles, Smaller Base)

For those with skinny fingers and big knuckles, sizing can be tricky. Measure both your knuckle and finger, then select a size in between. This ensures the ring can fit over your knuckle without too much struggle, but it may be a little loose on your finger.

Wide Fingers, Small Knuckles

If your fingers are wider and don't have a noticeable size difference at the knuckle, choose a size that fits nice and tight around your finger. It should be snug so it stays in place but not too tight to restrict circulation. Test the fit by trying on the ring for a few minutes and performing various activities like wiggling your fingers, typing, or shaking your hands.

Large Knuckles, Small Fingers

If you have large knuckles and slim fingers, select the smallest size that you can slide over your knuckle without causing discomfort. The ring will be secure once it's on your finger. If it moves around too much, consider adding sizing beads or "speed bumps" inside the ring to help keep it in place.

General Tips:

• Visit a jeweller: While at-home sizing methods are available, it's best to work with an experienced jeweller who can help you find the most comfortable fit.
• Time of day matters: Your fingers may be larger in the mid-to-late afternoon, so this is a good time to get sized. Avoid morning measurements as fingers tend to be smaller in the early hours.
• Consider the width of the band: Wider bands will feel tighter, so take this into account when determining your size.
• Allow for fluctuations: Fingers can change size due to weather, diet, and daily activities. Choose a size that feels comfortable in different scenarios.

When to resize your ring

A good fit for a ring is one that feels comfortable most of the time. However, there is no such thing as a perfect fit, as our fingers change size with the weather, diet, and other factors. It is important to remember that sizing is a personal preference and not an exact science.

• If your ring is too tight, you will feel significant discomfort and may notice discoloration in your finger due to decreased blood circulation. In this case, it is best to resize your ring to avoid pain and loss of movement in your finger.
• If your ring is too loose, it may move around or spin freely on your finger. A loose ring is more likely to be lost or damaged, especially if it slips off your finger during daily activities.
• Weight fluctuations can also impact the fit of your ring. If you experience long-term weight changes, consider resizing your ring to maintain a comfortable fit.
• Temperature changes can affect the size of your fingers. For example, during the heat of summer, rings may feel tighter as our bodies retain water, while in cold winters, rings may feel looser.
• Pregnancy can cause swelling in the hands and feet, which may affect the fit of your ring. Rather than resizing, some women choose to wear their rings on a necklace until their body returns to its pre-pregnancy size.
• Water activities can also be a factor. Rings tend to come off more easily when hands are wet, especially in cold water. If your ring fits well but feels loose in the water, consider removing it and keeping it in a safe place while swimming.

If you are unsure whether to resize your ring, consult a professional jeweler. They can advise you on the proper sizing and help you determine if resizing is necessary.

Where to get your ring fitted

Now that you know how a wedding band should fit, you may be wondering where to get your ring fitted. Here are some options:

Jewellery Stores

If you're purchasing a wedding band from a jewellery store, they will likely offer ring fitting services. This can be a convenient option, as you can get your ring fitted by the same jeweller who crafted or sold it to you. However, be sure to choose a reputable jewellery store with experienced professionals who can provide accurate sizing.

Independent Jewellers

Independent, local jewellers can be a great choice for ring fittings. They often have more personalised services and may be more accommodating to specific requests, such as performing the work in front of you to alleviate any concerns about leaving your ring with them. To find a trustworthy independent jeweller, consider asking for recommendations from friends or family, especially those who have recently been married or had ring resizing done. You can also check online forums and reviews on specialised jewellery websites.

Department Stores

While department stores may offer ring fitting services, it's generally recommended to avoid them due to potentially overpriced and subpar services compared to independent jewellers.

Online Jewellers

Some jewellers offer virtual consultations and ring fitting kits that you can use at home. This can be a convenient option if you're unable to visit a physical store or prefer to have the fitting done in the comfort of your own home. However, it's important to ensure that the online jeweller is reputable and provides accurate sizing guides and tools.

Your Home

Although it's generally recommended to seek professional fitting services, there are some at-home methods you can use to estimate your ring size. These include using string or paper to measure the circumference of your finger or purchasing an at-home ring sizer. However, keep in mind that these methods may not provide the same level of accuracy as a professional fitting.

Remember, it's always a good idea to get a second opinion, especially when dealing with valuable jewellery. Don't be afraid to visit multiple jewellers or seek advice from those with experience in the jewellery business. Ultimately, the goal is to find a comfortable fit that will allow you to wear your wedding band with ease and confidence.

Frequently asked questions