Adjusting Wedding Rings: A Comfortable And Secure Fit

Finding the perfect fit for a wedding ring can be challenging. Wedding rings should be tight enough to prevent them from falling off but not too tight to cause discomfort. The most accurate way to determine your ring size is to visit a jeweller and get measured in person. However, you can also measure your ring size at home using a measuring tape. It is important to consider factors such as the width of the ring and the shape of your finger when determining the perfect fit. Additionally, your finger size can change throughout the day and year due to factors such as temperature, diet, and daily activities, so it is recommended to try on the ring at different times to ensure a comfortable fit.

Measure your ring size accurately

Measuring your ring size accurately is essential to ensure your wedding ring fits perfectly. Here are some detailed methods to help you get the right fit:

Using String or Floss

Take a piece of string or dental floss and wrap it around the base of your finger. Mark the spot where the string/floss first overlaps with a pen. Then, stretch the string along a ruler or measuring tape to get the length in millimetres. This length is the circumference of your finger. To get the diameter, divide the circumference by pi (3.14). Finally, use a ring size chart to compare the diameter of your finger to the standard ring sizes. Remember, string and floss can stretch, so avoid pulling them too taut, or your ring might end up being too big.

Using a Tape Measure

Wrap a flexible measuring tape around the base of your finger, close to the knuckle. Ensure it's comfortable and can slide over your knuckle without being too loose. Record the measurement where the tape overlaps in millimetres. To find the diameter, divide the circumference by pi. Compare your measurement to a sizing chart to determine your ring size. If your measurement falls between two sizes, opt for the larger size.

Using a Circular Ring Sizing Chart

If you already have a ring that fits well, you can use a circular ring sizing chart. Print one out, ensuring it's scaled to 100% for accuracy. Place your ring over the circles on the chart until you find the one that matches the inside circumference of your ring. If your ring falls between two sizes, choose the larger size to account for any finger swelling during the day.

Using a Ring Sizer

You can use a printable paper ring sizer or a plastic ring sizer. For the former, cut along the line and slip the pointed end through the slit, then wrap it around your finger. Pull it gently to a snug fit and lay the pointed end against the paper to find your size. For a plastic ring sizer, wrap it around your finger and thread the pointed end into the loop, pulling until snug. The arrow will point to your ring size. If it doesn't point to an exact size, round up to the nearest half or whole number.

Additional Tips:

• Measure your ring size at the end of the day when your fingers are warmest.
• Measure multiple times, as finger size can fluctuate with temperature changes.
• Consider your knuckle size. If you have larger knuckles, order a half size bigger than your finger measurement to ensure the ring can slide over your knuckle comfortably.
• Measure the finger you intend to wear the ring on, as ring fingers can differ in size between your left and right hands.
• Band thickness affects ring size. Thicker bands will make the ring feel tighter, so consider this when measuring.

Account for seasonal changes in finger size

When it comes to wedding rings, it's important to account for seasonal changes in finger size to ensure a comfortable fit all year round. Here are some tips to help you with that:

Firstly, it's worth noting that fingers tend to be slightly puffy in the morning and settle into their normal size during the day. They also tend to shrink a little when cold and expand when hot. Therefore, it is recommended to have your finger measured at the end of the day when the size is most normal. This will help ensure that your ring fits comfortably throughout the day, regardless of the temperature changes.

Secondly, consider the climate and season of your location. If you live in an area with distinct seasons, your finger size is likely to fluctuate more than someone in a temperate climate. For example, if you live in a cold climate, your fingers may shrink significantly during the winter months, so you might want to consider getting a smaller ring size or using ring adjusters during those months. On the other hand, if you live in a hot and humid climate, your fingers may swell, so a slightly larger ring size or adjustable ring might be more comfortable.

Additionally, you can consider using ring adjusters or sizing beads to accommodate seasonal changes. Ring adjusters, such as plastic coils or a horseshoe sizer, can be added to the inside of your ring to make it fit more snugly during colder months. These can be easily removed or adjusted as needed. Sizing beads, also known as sizing balls, can be welded to the inside of the ring to help it stay in place during warmer months when fingers tend to swell.

Lastly, give your ring a test drive. Wear it for a few days to see how it feels during different times of the day and in different weather conditions. The Japanese say it takes two weeks for your finger to learn to wear the ring, so give it some time before deciding if resizing is necessary. If the ring is too loose, it may fall off, especially on cold days. If it's too tight, it may create an indent on your finger, causing discomfort and circulation issues.

Understand how ring width affects fit

The width of a ring can have a significant impact on how it fits. Wider rings tend to fit more snugly than narrow rings, so the width of the ring sizer bands used will affect the size. Generally, you would go up by a quarter of a size for rings between 5 and 6mm wide, and by half a size for rings between 7 and 8mm wide. Ideally, the ring you are trying for size should be the same width as the one you plan to order.

Comfort-fit rings, which have a domed interior, tend to fit looser than standard flat-fit rings of the same size. For comfort-fit rings, it is recommended to go down by half a size from your standard size, unless the ring width is 10mm or greater, in which case you can stick to your standard size or go down by half a size.

The width of the ring can also affect the size of the finger it is worn on. If you are measuring your size from a 2mm-wide ring but ordering a ring that is wider than 4mm, the ring will need to be made a little larger.

Know the signs of a ring that fits perfectly

Knowing whether your wedding ring fits perfectly is important, as a ring that fits too tightly can be uncomfortable, while a ring that is too loose might slip off your finger. Here are some signs to help you determine if your wedding ring fits perfectly:

It Slides Over Your Knuckle with a Little Friction

A ring that fits perfectly should slide over your knuckle with a little friction. It should not be too difficult to get the ring over your knuckle, but you should feel a slight resistance. This ensures that the ring will not accidentally slip off your finger.

It Fits Snugly on Your Finger, But Not Too Tight

Once the ring is on your finger, it should fit snugly without feeling uncomfortably tight. You should be able to feel the band touching every part of your skin. It should not be so tight that it squeezes your finger or affects your circulation. A well-fitting ring will leave a slight indentation on your finger, but it should not be a deep indent or cause any pain or discomfort.

It Requires a Little Extra Force to Remove

When removing the ring, you should need to apply a little extra force to get it over your knuckle. This indicates that the ring is secure and will not easily fall off. You should feel resistance, and it should not slide off with a gentle touch.

It Allows a Full Range of Motion

Try out some everyday movements with the ring on. Simulate the act of typing on a keyboard or clenching and flexing your hand. The ring should feel comfortable and not restrict your movement. It should also not feel like it might slip off with certain motions.

It Accounts for Changes in Finger Size

Our fingers can change size throughout the day and over time. They may be larger in the morning or after certain activities, such as exercising or drinking alcohol. They may be smaller in colder temperatures or after losing weight. Choose a ring size that feels comfortable in most scenarios and consider getting it adjusted by a professional if your finger size changes significantly.

Test your ring at different times of the day

Our fingers are not one-size-fits-all, and they change size throughout the day and year. They can swell in the summer and shrink in the winter, so a well-fitted ring should generally fit all year round.

Fingers tend to be largest at night, so this is a good time to test your ring. Try it on first thing in the morning, and then again in the afternoon and evening. You could also try wearing it outdoors in hot weather to see if it feels too tight.

If you find that your ring is too loose at certain times of the day, you may need to get it resized. A good test is to shake your hand and see if it slides around or falls off. If it does, it's too loose. A well-fitted ring should be snug at the bottom of your finger without feeling too tight. It should take a few seconds to remove and should not come off too easily.

If your ring feels too tight at certain times of the day, this could be due to factors such as diet, exercise, and temperature. You may need to get it resized, or you could try wearing it for a few days to see if it loosens over time. It's worth noting that a ring that feels slightly claustrophobic at first may just take some time to get used to.

Frequently asked questions