Buying rings on the internet can be a bit of a hassle when you are not
sure of your ring size. Use the following as a guide to help work out your
ring size. Remember that all human beings are different and what is average
for most may not be right for you.
The best way to go if you buy rings regularly is to buy a ring gauge
or sizer. There are some very cheap ring gauges on eBay. Search for "multisizer
ring gauge" and you might be lucky and get one for around $3-$5. I sell
these when I have them in stock as do others. Simple and effective, worth
every penny. There are more sophisticated ones around for more. Up to you.
You could of course, go to a jeweller and ask. They all have
ring gauges that will tell you quite accurately what ring size you are.
Measure all your fingers you intend to wear rings on and make a note. Failing
that, if you have a reasonable ruler (preferably callipers) you can measure
the diameter of your existing ring then convert using one of the many "ring
size" conversion charts available on the net.. You do have to be very accurate
as the slightest mistake will make a big difference in your result. Not
really recommended, but at a pinch....
I have found that you can use a bit if string or wire to get
the circumference of your finger. If you can get a length of solder (use
in electronics soldering), it works even better because it's soft, yet
keeps it's shape. The length will be a measure of the internal diameter
of the ring. Make sure you take into account your knuckle when you do this
AND the fact that your finger is not round. Again, not really recommended,
but at a pinch....
There are MANY printable ring sizers available on the net.
If you Google 'printable ring sizer' you will find many. The Ebay
guide on ring sizes also has one. These aren't too bad.
POINTS OF INTEREST. Just because you might be a small person, it does
NOT mean you have small fingers or vice versa.
The most common size for a woman is M to Q (6 to 8). For a man
it is R to V (9 to11)
Your ring size is NOT constant. Time of day or year, health, eating,
hydration, temperature and many other factors can affect your fingers.
If you are buying a wide band as opposed to a thin one, experience
says you should add about a 1/4 to 1/2 size.
If you are right handed then the corresponding finger on your left
hand is about a 1/2 size smaller and vice versa.
ON RESIZING RINGS. To make some rings larger by a small amount is relatively
easy for a jeweller. The band at the back can be hammered or stretched
a little to increase the size. BUT be aware some rings cannot be enlarged
this way or in any way. If you have inlaid stones, enamel or the shape
is awkward, you risk damage. Resizing is best done on plain rings or bands.
The other way a jeweller changes the size of the ring is to cut the
band and either remove or add a piece. To do this he has to heat the ring
which can cause all sorts of hassles. Some stones have to be removed and
put back. Some are almost impossible to remove and many stones cannot handle
heat. If you have a pattern or stones all around the ring, you will lose
some detail and symmetry.
Your best rule of thumb is to buy a ring that fits, or be prepared
to wear the ring on a different finger. Most people have 8 different sizes
on their hands. An alternative, if a ring is a few sizes large, is to buy
a gold 'size reducer', available at most jewellers. It clips inside the
band and makes it smaller. Not an ideal solution but useful. Personally,
unless you have a lot of band to work with with a simple setting, I'd leave
resizing alone.
CHAINS & NECKLACES. Fortunately chains and necklace are a lot easier than rings. All it takes is a tape measure for you to get an idea of the length you require. Just bear in mind that if you are buying larger beads etc, you will have to add at least an inch or 25mm to its length length to compensate for the larger diameter of the necklace. It is normal to measure from the hollow at the base of the neck. If your neck is 15 inches or 37.5cm then a 18 inch or 45cm chain will hand 1 1/2 inches or 3.75cm below the base of the throat. Some of the common lengths are listed below.
Collar length: Around 13 inches or 32.5cm. Too tight for most
people.
Choker length: around: Around 14 to 16 inches or 35cm to
40cm. as the name implies , very high on the neck.
Princess length: Around 17 to 19 inches or 42.5cm to 47.5cm. A common
size for the base of the neck. Great for pendants etc or open neck clothing.
Matinee length: Around 20 to 24 inches or 50cm to 60cm. This
falls below the throat. Good for high neckline clothing when
dressing to impress.
Opera length: Around 26 to 34 inches or 65cm to 85cm. Long
enough to go straight over you head. A clasp is still a good idea in case
you want to double it around you neck. Very versatile.
Rope length: Generally greater than 40 inches or 1 meter. Not common
but very versatile when wrapped around a few times.
BRACELETS. Bracelets are a little bit more difficult than necklaces or chains. You can use a tape or a ribbon to measure your wrist size, but you don't want it tight, so you'll have to add a little to be comfortable. If you have large beads or links you have to add even more to the length to compensate. OF COURSE the best way is to measure is to use an existing bracelet you are comfortable with.
As an average use the following:
SMALL is about 14cm or 5 3/4 inches when you measure your wrist. You
need a bracelet about 17cm or 6 3/4 inches. That's adding an 2.5cm
or an inch for looseness.
AVERAGE is about 15cm to 17cm or 6 to 6 3/4 inches when you measure
your wrist. You need a bracelet about 17.5cm to 19.5cm or
7 to 7 3/4 inches. Again adding about 2.5cm or an inch.
LARGE is about 17.5cm or 7 inches or more when yo measure your wrist.
You will need a bracelet 20 cm or 8 inches or more when you add 2.5cm
or an inch.
When adding to the length of the bracelet for looseness we added 2.5cm
or 1 inch above. If you add ....
7mm to 12mm or 1/4 to 1/2 inch you should have a tight-ish bracelet
that won't move very much.
18mm to 25mm or 3/4 to 1 inch you should have a dangley type. A comfortable
normal size.
31mm or 1 1/4 inches you will have a loose bracelet or for one with
large beads.
LASTLY, I point out that I am not a jeweller and that the above guide is just that, a guide. If you want professional advice and someone take responsibility for recommendations, go to a jeweller. I am only a pawnbroker with 24 years experience. SEE MY OTHER GUIDES FOR OTHER INFORMATION ON JEWELLERY. This is all from an Australian perpective. Edward.

