How to Find Out Your Significant Other’s Ring Size

August 26th, 2019 / Alese Oldenburg

Do you know the ring size of your significant other? It’s a pretty important detail to know when deciding to take that next step in a relationship, but many don’t know how to find out this information.

Imagine this: You get down on one knee, nail the speech you had planned, pop the question, (they say yes) and then you go to slide the ring on her finger and it doesn’t fit. Knowing what size ring you should buy for an engagement ring is extremely important if you want the proposal of your and her dreams to go as planned.

Finding the perfect ring size may seem like next to nothing compared to actually picking out the ring, but if you don’t want to bother with bringing it back to a jeweler for ring resizing down the road, then it’s something you should know before beginning your search.

Before you begin your journey of shopping for engagement rings, follow these insights to learn how to find out someone’s ring size.

3 Ways to Find Out Someone’s Ring Size Secretly

If you’re trying to keep the proposal a secret, then the following methods will help you determine ring size. Learn how to get a girlfriend or boyfriend’s ring size secretly below.

1. Use an Existing Ring

A great way to find the correct size, while still keeping the proposal a secret, is to use one of their current right-hand or fashion rings. Usually, a right-hand ring size will work on the left ring finger. If you can score their ring without them finding out, you can then use it to figure out the size of their ring finger by bringing it to a jewelry store. If the ring is meant to be worn on a different finger, you might not get the exact size, but a jeweler should be able to approximate it. If you aren’t able to take it to a jeweler, you can find a ring size guide online that will allow you to find a match in the comfort of your own home.

If you do decide to take it to a jeweler, they may use a ring mandrel to measure it, which is a tapered metal rod. This tool can measure just about any size for men and women and is one of the most accurate methods to measure ring size. If you decide to use an at-home method, keep in mind that you might have to get it resized down the road. For most purchases, a ring resizing shouldn’t be a problem, but some rings, like an eternity band, are unable to be resized. This is because there are stones set around the entire shank. If a jeweler were to try and resize it, some settings and stones would be affected and the process could end up ruining the entire ring. Before purchasing your ring, check with the jeweler or company to verify it can be resized after purchase if needed. This is critical to find out before you decide which sizing method is right for your situation.

2. ​​Enlist the Help of a Friend

While recipients may be suspicious a beautiful gift is forthcoming when their significant other asks about ring size, they may be less guarded about friends or family members asking. If pursuing this route, be sure to emphasize a casual approach to the question. For example, your helper may want to complain about their own ring being too tight or loose, and off-handedly ask the intended recipient what their ring size is to compare.

3. Use a “Stand-In” Ring

Knowing how to figure out someone’s accurate ring size can be difficult if they don’t wear any rings and if their friends can’t help. While a bit more obvious than other methods, giving a gift or novelty ring before presenting a beautiful piece of fine jewelry like an engagement ring can help at least narrow down the size. Measure the size of the stand-in ring before presenting it and judge your recipient’s reaction to the fit.

• If they can’t slip it on at all, go up two sizes. 
• If they can slide it on but struggle to slide it off, go up one larger size. 
• If they immediately express a concern they’ll lose it through gesturing with their hands, go down one size.

4. Casually Bring It Up

The best way to figure out someone’s accurate ring size and guarantee it is accurate is to ask them. However, this obviously might raise suspicion so you’ll need to get creative with how you bring it up in conversation. Your partner might be on to you if you flat out ask “What’s your ring size?” 

However, if you bring it up while talking about a gift for a mother, sister, or grandmother, it may be less obvious. You could ask them what their size is for reference or even bring them with you to “shop for a gift” having them try on rings for you.

Sizing Beyond the Band

Band size is important in finding the perfect ring, of course, but it’s only one of the many dimensions to consider in a potential wedding or engagement ring. In addition to ensuring a comfortable fit around the finger as a whole, here are some other measurements to keep in mind:

• Band Width: Range of motion and flexibility in the hand are important for jobs and everyday tasks. If a ring is too wide, it can impair the ability to comfortably close the fingers into the palm and make wearing it a hassle. Additionally, if a wearer’s fingers are large or tend to swell from medications, exertion, medical conditions, and so on, a band that is too slender can impair circulation. Take cues from the types of rings your recipient currently wears – if they favor a certain style, it indicates it’s comfortable enough for everyday wear.
• Ring Height: Even if the band fit and width are perfect, if the stone in the ring is too high or the setting isn’t smooth, the ring height can still cause issues. Individuals have different needs from their rings – for example, if a woman has long hair, a flush-top stone/setting design may help prevent strands of hair from snagging in the setting edges. Although large stones and over-the-top settings are fun to show off in the short term, remember that your recipient will be living with the ring design every day.

Which Method Should You Use?

Now that you know the different methods you can use to find the right size, take our short quiz to find out which method is the best for you. Once you land on a suggested method, you can begin finding the correct ring size.

Find the Perfect Fit for Forever

Congratulations! You are now prepared to begin this exciting journey. While finding the right ring size may seem tricky, it’s more than possible to accomplish through these key tips. Then once you determine the size, you’ll have time to dedicate to the proposal process. 

Finding the perfect engagement ring can be a daunting task. Sifting through hundreds of styles at different price points is especially stressful, although it doesn’t have to be. If you decide to purchase a ring from Diamond Nexus, you can be sure that you’re getting amazing quality at an affordable price. Every piece is set with Nexus Diamond™ alternatives which are lab-created diamond simulants that most closely simulate the look, weight, and wear of a perfect diamond, at a fraction of the cost. Plus, every Nexus Diamond™ alternative is covered under a Lifetime Stone Guarantee which ensures it will never chip, crack or discolor. If something ever does happen, we’ll replace your stone for free. With that kind of reassurance, you can feel confident in your purchase for a lifetime.