How Should an Engagement Ring Fit?

Finding the right fit for your engagement ring is an important part of getting married and living happily ever after. When the love of your life gets down on one knee to propose, they will present you with an engagement ring you will wear forever that represents your love and commitment to one another. 

Most people choose to wear their engagement ring every day, which means you want your engagement ring to fit just right. An engagement ring is traditionally worn on the ring finger of your left hand. Once you get married, you may add a wedding band that is worn below the engagement ring or an engagement ring and wedding band that is designed to fit together. 

When it comes to this exciting new stage in your life, you might be wondering, how should an engagement ring fit? At Roman Malakov, we can help you and your partner find an engagement ring that fits you perfectly!

How to Find Your Ring Size

If you are purchasing an engagement ring for a loved one, you’re probably asking yourself, how should a ring fit? 

Maybe you’ve heard romantic stories of a friend wrapping a string around their partner’s finger when they were sleeping to secretly find out their ring size. This DIY method for engagement ring sizing is thoughtful and sweet but may not be as accurate as you would hope. While a piece of twine or string wrapped around their finger can certainly point you in the right direction for the ring size, it helps to get a confirmation for a more accurate engagement ring size.

When you visit a jeweler with experience and expertise in engagement and wedding rings, they will use their trained eye to help find the ring size that works best for you and your partner. The jeweler will have a variety of tools available to determine your ring size, such as a ring gauge set with a variety of ring bands in standard sizes. 

Another common tool used to confirm ring size is the mandrel, which is shaped like a cone. Once you select an engagement or wedding ring you believe fits the best, your jeweler can place it on the mandrel to verify the sizing. If your loved one is wondering how to get your ring size secretly, they can bring in a ring you wear on your ring finger to determine the size using this tool.

Tips for Measuring Your Ring Size

When picking out an engagement ring for your partner, it helps to know their ring size in advance.

In addition to the previously mentioned mandrel tool, ring size charts can help measure ring sizes at home by measuring the circumference of the ring finger in millimeters and then using a ring size conversion chart to find out the ring size equivalent. 

It helps to measure the ring size at least three times throughout the day to find the average measurement and corresponding ring size. If you measure your ring finger when your hands are cold, your fingers will actually be slightly smaller and can skew the results. Instead, try to measure the ring size toward the end of the day and when your hands are comfortably warm. 

It is always best to confirm the ring size with your jeweler to ensure the best fit for such a meaningful purchase.

Engagement Ring Size FAQs

Now that you have a better idea of how to measure ring sizes, check out the answers to some FAQs on engagement ring sizing for support when choosing a ring that fits you!

How Do You Choose the Correct Engagement Ring Size?

You’ll want to choose the correct engagement ring size because everyone wants to wear their engagement ring right away and show it off to family and friends! So, how should it fit? An engagement ring should fit comfortably on your finger, with the diamond or center stone staying centered on your finger. 

To help find your correct size, use the measurement tips we mentioned above.

What’s the Average Engagement Ring Size?

The average ring size for women is between 5 and 7, while the average ring size for men is between 9 and 11.

How Snug Should an Engagement Ring Fit?

When you slide your engagement ring on, you want it to fit comfortably at the base of your ring finger. The center stone should be able to stay centered on your finger with the ability to gently twist the ring around your finger without discomfort. In the long run, you want to find a ring that sits comfortably on your finger and doesn’t feel too loose or too tight. 

Is It Better for a Ring to be Tight or Loose?

If your ring fits too loosely, you may worry about losing it. But if it fits too tightly, you might wear it less often because of the discomfort. 

In both situations, you aren’t able to enjoy wearing your engagement ring as much as you hoped. Therefore, when it comes to getting a ring resized, it is typically easier to resize a ring that is too big and needs to be made smaller. Resizing a ring that is too small can be more of a challenge, and some rings cannot be resized at all.

What Affects Your Ring Fit?

Your ring size may fluctuate over time, depending on the seasons. For example, it is common for your ring to fit more snugly in the summer months when it is warm and for it to feel looser in the winter months when it’s cold. The foods you eat can also affect how your ring fits, like how a salty meal can lead to swelling. The shape of your fingers can also affect the fit of your engagement ring.

How Does Your Finger Type Affect Engagement Ring Fit?

Your finger type can play a role in how well your engagement ring fits. An engagement ring should fit loosely enough to be spun or twisted around your finger without causing pain or friction. 

If you have long, slender fingers, then you may find that an engagement ring with a wide band sits more comfortably on your finger. But if you have large knuckles, you will need a ring that can fit over the knuckle but not slide around your finger afterward. 

Engagement rings with accent stones on either side of the center stone can help your ring feel more balanced and secure on your ring finger. What’s more, if your fingers gradually narrow, then you might be concerned about your ring slipping off, so you’ll want a ring that fits a bit more snugly. 

When Should You Size an Engagement Ring Up or Down?

Once your loved one surprises you with a romantic proposal and beautiful engagement ring, you might need to figure out how to resize your ring. You may end up wearing your engagement ring for a few weeks before you start to ask again, how should an engagement ring fit? 

It can take some time to get used to the feeling of a ring on your finger, especially if you haven’t worn jewelry on that finger before. If your ring feels a bit too tight or leaves a mark on your finger, then you might be wondering, how tight should an engagement ring be? On the other hand, if your ring is constantly twisting, slipping, or sliding along your ring finger, then you may need to make your ring smaller. 

There are many ways to resize a ring, but there are also alternative options to ring resizing that won’t compromise the ring.

Find the Perfect Engagement Ring Size from Experts at Roman Malakov

There are so many beautiful traditions and wedding ring etiquette that can make the moment special. That is why our jewelers at Roman Malakov will work with you to choose the correct engagement ring size whether you come into the store for sizing before the proposal or your future fiancée coordinates with us to make your surprise special.

At Roman Malakov, our staff members will help you answer the common question, how should a ring fit?  We look forward to helping you on your journey to finding the perfect engagement ring and making sure it fits just right! We have an incredible selection of engagement rings in all shapes, sizes, and styles, so you can find the perfect rings to symbolize your love and commitment to one another. Visit our store in NYC today!