Wedding Band: When To Size Up

There are many factors to consider when deciding whether to size up for your wedding band. Firstly, it's important to get an accurate measurement of your ring size, as resizing can be costly and difficult, especially for rings with intricate designs. Your ring finger size can change throughout the day and due to environmental factors, so it's recommended to measure your finger size when it is most stable, typically in the mid-afternoon after a meal. The width of the band also affects the fit, with thicker bands feeling tighter than thinner ones. Additionally, the shape of your finger plays a role, as those with tapered fingers may need a snugger fit, while individuals with knotted fingers might require sizing beads. It's also crucial to consider future weight changes, especially if you plan on starting a family, as this can impact your ring size.

The impact of finger shape

The shape of your fingers will play a significant role in determining the size and style of your wedding band. Firstly, it is important to understand that your finger size may fluctuate throughout the day due to swelling. Therefore, the best time to measure your finger for an accurate ring size is when your body feels most normal, typically during the middle of the day at room temperature.

If you have long fingers, you're in luck! Wide bands tend to complement longer fingers and create a bold style. However, if you prefer a more understated look, you can opt for a thinner band, such as a 7mm ring, which still offers enough space for added details like diamonds or inlays.

For those with short fingers, a narrower band in the range of 7mm to 9mm is recommended. This will make your fingers appear longer, as more of the finger is visible compared to a thicker band. On the other hand, if you have wide fingers, thicker bands, such as an 11mm ring, will be very flattering and allow you to showcase your style.

Additionally, consider the size of your knuckles. If you have large knuckles, a wider band may be more comfortable and easier to slide over them. You can also explore options like an expandable ring shank, which has a hinge that opens and closes for a comfortable fit.

If you have a small ring size and want to avoid making your fingers look wider, opt for a 7mm or 8mm ring. Conversely, if you want your fingers to appear wider, a wider or thicker band will create that illusion.

Remember, the width of the ring also affects the sizing. A thinner ring will feel looser, while a wider ring will feel tighter, even if they are the same size. So, it's crucial to try on different widths and sizes to find the perfect fit for your finger shape.

The effect of the environment

The environment plays a significant role in determining your ring size. Temperature is a crucial factor, with fingers expanding in warmer environments and shrinking in colder ones. This means that in the summer, your rings may feel tighter, and in the winter, they may feel looser. It's not just your imagination—these changes in finger size are very real and can impact how your rings fit. If you're in a warm environment, your fingers will expand and make your rings feel tighter. On the other hand, if you're in a cold environment, your fingers will shrink, and your rings may feel loose and risk slipping off.

The time of day can also affect your ring size. Your fingers tend to be a little bigger in the evening than in the morning due to swelling throughout the day. However, this change is usually negligible and shouldn't affect your ring size. If you find that your hands swell often, you can measure your finger size throughout the day to ensure an accurate fit.

Additionally, certain activities and dietary factors can impact your ring size. For example, strenuous activities, eating salty foods, or drinking hot beverages can cause your fingers to swell. It is recommended to avoid these things before measuring your ring size to ensure your body temperature is normal and natural.

When deciding on your wedding band size, it is important to consider the environment you will be in. If you live in a warm climate, it may be wise to size up slightly to accommodate for finger swelling. Conversely, if you reside in a cold region, you may want to consider sizing down to prevent your ring from feeling too loose. However, it is always better to size up if you are unsure, as it is generally easier to resize a ring that is too big than one that is too small.

In summary, the environment can significantly impact your ring size. By taking factors such as temperature, time of day, activities, and diet into account, you can ensure that your wedding band has a comfortable and accurate fit.

The importance of a correct fit

A wedding band is often the first piece of jewellery that people wear daily, so it's important to get the right fit. A ring that is too tight can be uncomfortable, while one that is too loose might be lost. A proper fitting ring should slide over your knuckle with a little friction and fit snugly on your finger, but not too tight. You should feel resistance and need to apply a little extra force to remove the ring backwards over your knuckle.

There are several factors that can affect your ring size. For example, your fingers might swell in hot weather or after eating salty foods, so it's best to get measured in the middle of the day when your body temperature is normal and natural. Your finger shape can also impact your ring size and fit. If you have tapered fingers, you should measure yourself for a snug fit. If you have knotted fingers, you'll need to measure a loose fit and consider adding sizing beads to your ring. Wider bands will also feel tighter, so it's best to take your ring measurement with a ring sizer that's similar in width to your final ring.

If you're unsure of your ring size, it's usually wiser to size up. It's much easier to resize a ring that's too big than one that's too small. However, resizing a ring might not always be an option, especially if it has intricate detailing or is made from a strong material like tungsten or carbon fibre.

If you're planning to have children, it's worth noting that your ring size may change during pregnancy and after having kids. Your shoe size can go up by a size and stay that way! So, if you decide to have children, you may need to resize your ring.

How to measure your ring size

There are several ways to measure your ring size to ensure a perfect fit. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Using a Ring Sizer

Many jewellers offer free plastic ring sizers that you can request to be mailed to you. To use this, simply slide your finger into the sizer until you find a size that feels comfortable. It should be snug enough not to fall off but loose enough to slide over your knuckle. Try half a size up and down to find your precise fit.

Using a Ring Size Chart

Print out a true-to-size ring size chart and place a ring that already fits you well on the circles until you find the one that matches the inside circumference of your ring. If you are in between two circle sizes, choose the larger size.

Using String or Floss

Take a piece of string or dental floss and wrap it around the base of your finger. Mark where the string/floss first overlaps with a pen. Then, stretch the string out along a ruler and take down the length in millimetres. Divide this number by pi (3.14) to get the diameter of your finger. Finally, use a ring size chart to find your ring size.

Using Tape

You can also measure your ring size with a piece of tape. Wrap the tape around your finger and mark where it overlaps. Then, measure the tape with a ruler and divide that number by pi.

Additional Tips

• It is recommended to measure your ring size at the end of the day when your fingers are warm as finger size changes depending on the time of day and weather.
• Fingers on your dominant hand are usually larger, so be sure to measure the correct hand.
• Measure 3 to 4 times for more accuracy.
• If your knuckle is bigger than the base of your finger, measure both places and pick a size in between.
• If you know your knuckle is large, order half a size bigger than what your finger alone indicates.
• If you are between sizes, it is wiser to size up as it is easier to resize a ring that is too big than one that is too small.

Remember, the right ring size will feel snug enough to stay on your finger but loose enough to slide over your knuckle. By following these steps, you can ensure that your ring will fit you perfectly!

What to do if your ring doesn't fit

So, your wedding band doesn't fit? Don't panic! This is a common issue with a range of solutions. Here are some steps to help you figure out what to do next:

Figure out why it doesn't fit

First, try to identify why your ring doesn't fit. Fingers can change size for many reasons, including:

• Weight fluctuation: Weight loss or gain can cause your fingers to change size.
• Temperature: Cold weather can make your fingers shrink, while heat can cause them to swell.
• Salt intake: A high-salt meal can cause your fingers to swell temporarily.
• Time of day: Your fingers are bigger in the evening than in the morning due to swelling throughout the day.
• Pregnancy: Pregnancy can cause your fingers to swell.
• Other health factors: If you experience severe fluctuations in finger size throughout the day, consult a medical professional.

Decide if you want a temporary or permanent fix

If you think your finger size might change in the future, or if you're unsure about resizing, you can try a temporary solution. Temporary solutions include:

• Ring adjusters: Plastic or silicone ring adjusters are a cheap, quick fix. They sit between your ring and your finger, making the ring fit more snugly.
• Ring guard/sizing bar: Small plastic adjusters that clip to the inside of your ring.
• Rubber band: Wrap a small, transparent rubber band around your finger and put the ring on over it to add thickness to your finger.

Consult a jeweller

If you decide to resize your ring, consult a professional jeweller. They can advise you on the best course of action and perform the resizing. They will consider factors such as the type of metal, gemstone placement, and width of the band. Resizing options include:

• Sizing beads: Small metal balls soldered to the inside of the ring, reducing the size by half.
• Spring insert: A strip of metal shaped like a horseshoe that allows the ring to fit over your knuckle and then spring back to fit snugly at the base of your finger.
• Fold-over device: A U-shaped bar soldered to the bottom of the ring, with a hinge and latch, allowing you to open and close the ring.
• Professional resizing: The jeweller will cut and solder the ring to make it larger or smaller.

Remember, each resize weakens the metal, so it's best to avoid resizing multiple times. If you're unsure about your ring size, it's usually wiser to size up, as it's easier to make a ring smaller than larger.

Frequently asked questions