How to Measure Your Ring Size

A perfectly fitted ring makes all the difference between jewelry you wear daily and jewelry that stays in its case. Too tight, it compresses the finger and becomes uncomfortable after a few hours. Too loose, it turns, slips, risks being lost. At AEREA, a design studio specializing in creating contemporary jewelry, we regularly guide our clients to identify their ring size with precision. This guide explains how to know your ring size correctly to order a ring online with confidence.

Why Ring Size is Crucial

Comfort and Daily Wear

A comfortable ring makes itself forgotten. You should never feel constant pressure, discomfort when closing your hand, or irritating friction. It's this absence of sensation that allows daily wear without thinking.

Conversely, a poorly fitted ring creates constant unpleasant presence. You turn it mechanically, remove it regularly to relieve the finger, avoid wearing it certain days. This discomfort ends up transforming a precious jewelry piece into a neglected object.

Security and Loss Risk

A too-loose ring presents a real loss risk. Hands swell and deflate slightly according to temperature, physical activity, water retention. A ring that slips easily on the finger in cold weather risks falling without you noticing.

AEREA jewelry is designed to span decades. Losing a piece due to poor fitting would be tragic – which is why measuring ring size correctly is essential.

Hand Aesthetics

A well-fitted ring showcases the hand. It follows the finger's natural proportions, creates harmonious visual continuity. A too-loose ring seems disproportionate, too small deforms the finger by compression.

Methods to Measure Your Ring Size

Method 1: Measure an Existing Ring

This is the most precise method if you already own a ring that fits you perfectly on the concerned finger.

Necessary equipment: A ruler graduated in millimeters, the ring to measure.

Procedure:

1. Place the ring flat on a surface
2. Measure the ring's interior diameter in millimeters (the distance from one interior edge to the other passing through the center)
3. Refer to our size correspondence table

Important: Measure several different rings if possible. Sizes can vary slightly between fingers, and even between left and right hands.

Pitfall to avoid: Don't measure the ring's exterior diameter. Only the interior diameter counts for determining size.

Method 2: Finger Circumference with Measuring Tape

If you don't have a reference ring, measuring finger circumference directly is the most accessible method.

Necessary equipment: A flexible measuring tape (or a paper strip and ruler).

Procedure with measuring tape:

1. Wrap the tape around the base of the concerned finger (where you'll wear the ring)
2. The tape should be fitted but not tight – it should be able to slide slightly
3. Note the measurement in millimeters where the tape meets
4. This measurement is your finger's circumference
5. Divide this circumference by π (3.14) to obtain diameter
6. Refer to the size correspondence table

Procedure with paper:

1. Cut a paper strip about 1cm wide and 10cm long
2. Wrap it around the finger's base
3. Mark where the paper crosses with a pen
4. Unroll and measure the distance from start to mark with a ruler
5. Follow the same calculation procedure as with tape

Crucial advice: The paper shouldn't be too tight. You should be able to turn it slightly around the finger. A ring must be able to pass the finger's knuckle while remaining stable once in place.

Method 3: Professional Ring Sizer

The most precise method consists of using a ring sizer – that set of sample rings that all jewelers possess.

Where to get measured:

• At a local jeweler (service generally free)
• In a shopping center jewelry store
• Certain department stores with jewelry section

Advantages: Absolute precision, possibility to try several sizes to find optimal comfort.

Important: If considering this option, get measured at different times of day. Fingers swell slightly at day's end and in warm weather.

Ring Size Table

International Correspondence

Women's Ring Size: Common Averages

Index and middle finger: Generally between 52 and 58 (FR sizes) Ring finger: Generally between 50 and 56 Pinky: Generally between 46 and 50

These averages vary considerably according to morphology. Never rely solely on averages – always measure your specific finger.

Men's Ring Size: Common Averages

Index and middle finger: Generally between 60 and 68 Ring finger: Generally between 58 and 66 Pinky: Generally between 52 and 58

Men tend to prefer rings slightly more ample than women, leaving a bit more movement space.

Factors Influencing Size

Variations According to Time of Day

Your fingers aren't exactly the same size throughout the day. They swell slightly at day's end, after physical exercise, or in warm weather. They're thinner upon morning waking or in cold weather.

Advice: Measure your finger at different moments and take an average. If hesitating between two sizes, favor the larger – you can always adjust a slightly too-loose ring, but a too-tight ring can only be enlarged within very restricted limits.

External Temperature

Heat dilates blood vessels, slightly swelling fingers. Cold contracts them. If you live in a variable climate, account for these fluctuations.

A ring that seems perfect in summer can become too loose in winter, and vice versa. Aim for a fit that works in both extremes.

Ring Width

The wider a ring, the more ample it must be. A fine 2mm ring can be worn quite fitted. A wide 8mm ring generally requires a half-size or even full size above to be comfortable.

This is explained by contact surface: a wide ring covers more finger surface and must be able to move slightly to not compress.

Knuckle Shape

Some people have knuckles more prominent than the finger's base. In this case, the ring must be wide enough to pass the knuckle, even if this means it moves slightly once in place.

Solution: Adjustable rings or rings with spring system are ideal for this morphology.

Advice for Ordering a Ring Online

If You Know Your Exact Size

Order with confidence. Simply verify the site uses the size system you know (FR, UK, US). At AEREA, we clearly indicate international correspondences for each ring.

If You Hesitate Between Two Sizes

Advice: take the size above if you're between two sizes. It's easier to live with a slightly too-loose ring than with a ring that compresses. Moreover, jewelers can generally reduce a ring by a half-size to a full size, but enlargement is more limited and sometimes impossible depending on design.

If You Don't Know Your Size at All

Before ordering, take time to get measured by a professional or to measure carefully with methods described above. Ordering "at random" almost guarantees disappointment.

Some houses like AEREA offer post-purchase adjustment services. Verify this policy before ordering.

To Offer a Ring

If you wish to offer a ring without knowing the person's size, several options are available:

Option 1: Discreetly borrow a ring they already wear on the right finger and have it measured by a jeweler.

Option 2: Offer a gift voucher allowing the person to choose their size themselves after receiving the present.

Option 3: Choose an adjustable ring that adapts to multiple sizes.

Option 4: Order an average size (54 for women, 62 for men) and plan subsequent adjustment.

Fitted Ring vs Comfortable Ring

What is a Fitted Ring?

A fitted ring slides on the finger with slight resistance but passes the knuckle without forcing. Once in place, it doesn't turn freely but can be repositioned with slight pressure. You can remove it easily but it doesn't slip off by itself.

This is the ideal fit for fine rings and engagement rings you don't wish to see turn.

What is a Comfortable Ring?

A comfortable ring passes the knuckle easily and can turn slightly on the finger's base. It doesn't slip off to fall, but offers more movement freedom.

This fit suits wide rings, occasionally worn rings, or if you prefer less skin contact.

Which Option to Choose?

This depends on your personal preferences and ring type.

Fitted ring if:

• You wear the ring daily and want it to stay in place
• It's a ring with a directional element (stone, motif) you want to keep oriented
• You tend to play with your jewelry (a turning ring can be annoying)

Comfortable ring if:

• It's a wide ring (more than 5mm)
• You live in a very variable climate (hot in summer, cold in winter)
• You prefer easily removing your ring multiple times per day
• Your fingers swell easily

Ring Size Guide According to Finger

Left Ring Finger

This is traditionally the finger for wedding band and engagement ring. For these symbolic rings worn daily, favor perfect fitting – neither too tight nor too loose.

Measure this finger specifically multiple times at different moments. It's a significant emotional and financial investment that merits this attention.

Index Finger

The index is often slightly wider than the ring finger. It's a mobile finger that participates in numerous daily gestures. A ring on the index can be slightly more ample to not hinder movements.

Middle Finger

The middle finger is generally the hand's widest finger. Statement rings – imposing and sculptural – are often worn on this finger. Ensure you have enough space so the ring doesn't compress, especially if it's wide.

Pinky Finger

The finest finger. Pinky rings are often fine and delicate. Attention to size precision: the slightest error is more visible on this small finger.

Thumb

Wearing a ring on the thumb is a contemporary trend. The thumb generally requires sizes between 56 and 62 (FR) depending on morphology. The ring must be able to pass the knuckle easily because the thumb moves constantly.

Maintenance and Post-Purchase Adjustment

When to Have a Ring Adjusted

If your ring becomes uncomfortable after a few weeks of wear, consult a jeweler. Body weight variations, water retention due to certain medical conditions, or simply imperfect initial fitting may require modification.

At AEREA, we offer adjustment service within 30 days following purchase. This guarantee allows you to order with confidence, knowing readjustment is possible if necessary.

Adjustment Limits

Not all rings can be resized. Rings in stainless steel, tungsten, or certain complex designs with stones all around cannot be modified. Verify this information before buying.

For adjustable rings, enlargement or reduction are generally possible by one to two sizes maximum without compromising structural integrity.

The AEREA Philosophy

At AEREA, we design rings destined to be worn daily for decades. This longevity demands perfect fitting from the start.

Our contemporary rings in recycled silver and gold plating benefit from careful finishes that slide comfortably on the finger. We offer a wide range of sizes to adapt to all morphologies, and our customer service personally guides you to identify your exact size if necessary.

Measuring your ring size correctly isn't a formality – it's the essential condition for this jewelry to become an integral part of your daily life. Jewelry that stays in its case due to discomfort is jewelry that doesn't fulfill its function of embellishing and accompanying your life.

Take the necessary time for this measurement. Consult our size guide, use our measuring tools, contact us in case of doubt. This initial attention guarantees years of comfortable wear and daily aesthetic pleasure.