Understanding the Traditional Ring Sizing Process

Ring sizing is a meticulous process that requires skill and precision to ensure your ring fits perfectly and remains in excellent condition. Here's a step-by-step guide to how traditional ring sizing is done:

Step 1: Measuring the Ring Size

The first step is determining the correct ring size. A jeweler will use a set of ring sizers or a mandrel to measure your finger. Ring sizes in the US are typically measured in full, half and quarter sizes, with each size increment being approximately 0.032 inches (0.8128 mm) in diameter.

Step 2: Cutting the Ring

To resize a ring, the jeweler will make a small cut in the band. This allows them to either remove a small piece of metal to size down or add a piece to size up. The amount of metal added or removed corresponds to the difference in size needed.

Step 3: Resizing the Ring

For sizing down, the jeweler will remove a small section of the band and then bring the two ends together. For sizing up, they will insert a piece of metal of the same type and thickness into the cut. This requires precise measurement to ensure the added piece fits perfectly.

Step 4: Soldering or Welding

Once the ring has been adjusted to the correct size, the jeweler will use a torch with solder or a laser welder to join the ends together. This process involves heating the metal to a point where it can be seamlessly fused. Soldering with a torch involves applying a small amount of solder to the joint and heating it until it melts and bonds the metal pieces. A laser welder, on the other hand, uses a concentrated beam of light to achieve the same result with high precision and minimal heat damage to surrounding areas.

Step 5: Finishing

After the ring is resized and soldered or welded, the finishing process begins. This includes:

Filing and Sanding The jeweler will file and sand the joint to ensure it is smooth and level with the rest of the band.

Polishing The ring is then polished to restore its shine and remove any scratches or marks from the resizing process.

Cleaning Finally, the ring is cleaned using ultrasonic cleaners or steam to remove any residue or polishing compounds.

Special Considerations for White Gold Rhodium Plating White gold rings are typically rhodium plated to give them a bright, white finish. After resizing, the rhodium plating may need to be reapplied to ensure a consistent appearance and to protect the ring from scratches and tarnishing.

How to Determine Your Ring Size

1. Professional Sizing: Visit Croft & Stern for a professional fitting. Our experts use precise tools to measure your finger, ensuring an accurate size. This is the preferred and most accurate approach.

2. At-Home Methods: If you prefer to measure at home, use a flexible measuring tape or a ring sizer. Wrap it around the base of your finger, making sure it’s snug but not too tight. This method will not be the most accurate, but you will be in the general size range.

3. Order a Sizing Kit: Consider purchasing a sizing kit from a platform like Amazon.

4. Stop by for a Free Flexi-Sizer: We will happily provide you with a complimentary sizer to take home!

5. Bring a Ring in That Fits: Planning a surprise? Enlist friends, family or find a ring in their collection that fits. Please take a mental note of the right or left ring finger, or what finger the ring is worn. The right and left hands will be different.

Considerations for the Perfect Fit

1. Time of Day: Your finger size can change throughout the day. Measure your finger at the end of the day when it’s at its largest.

2. Temperature: Cold weather can make your fingers smaller, while heat can cause them to swell. Aim for a size that feels comfortable in varying temperatures.

3. Knuckle Size: If your knuckle is larger than the base of your finger, measure both and choose a size that fits over the knuckle while still being snug at the base.

Common Misconceptions About Ring Sizing

Ring Size is the Same as Shoe Size This is almost never the case! Do not use your shoe size as a basis for determining your ring size.

Right and Left Hands Will Have the Same Size Typically, the fingers on your dominant hand will be larger. It's essential to measure the specific finger on the hand where you plan to wear the ring.

Weight Changes Don’t Matter Weight fluctuations can significantly alter the fit of your rings. It's best to size your ring once you've reached a stable weight to ensure the most accurate fit.

The Fit is at the Base of the Finger Most of the time, the fit we are looking at is on the knuckle. Ensure the ring can comfortably slide over the knuckle while still fitting snugly at the base of the finger.

Every Ring Can Be Sized Most rings can be sized up or down by 1-2 sizes, but the material, gems, and mixed metals can affect how much a ring can be resized. Always consult with a jeweler to understand the limitations and possibilities for your specific ring.

Ring Sizing Can Be Determined from a Photo or a Tape Measure from the Top of the Finger Accurately determining ring size requires proper measurement techniques. While photos or using a tape measure from the top of the finger might provide an estimate, they are often unreliable. It's always best to use a professional ring sizer for the most accurate results.

Ring Sizing is Standard ring sizing is not standard across the globe; different countries employ various sizing mechanisms and systems. At Croft & Stern, we use the US sizing system to ensure consistency and accuracy for our customers.

Rings Can Always Be Stretched Only certain rings can be stretched, typically plain round bands that have not been cut and soldered, and do not have any gems or inlays. While there is a higher probability of success when stretching within one size, there is no guarantee that the band will not split during the process. Always consult with a jeweler to assess the risks and possibilities for your specific ring.

Rings Should Always Fit Perfectly, 100% of the Time While the goal is to have a ring that fits perfectly, achieving this 100% of the time is not always feasible. Finger sizes can change throughout the day due to temperature fluctuations, physical activity, and water retention. A ring that fits perfectly in the morning might feel tighter in the evening. Additionally, seasonal changes can affect finger size, with fingers often being smaller in cold weather and larger in hot weather. Therefore, a slightly adjustable fit is often more practical, ensuring comfort and wearability throughout the day and across different conditions.

When it comes to achieving the perfect fit for your ring, various ring sizing assistants can make a significant difference.

Speed Bumps: small raised areas inside the ring, help to keep the ring snug on the finger, preventing it from spinning or slipping over the knuckle.

Euro Shanks: characterized by their flat bottom edge, provide additional stability and comfort, reducing the tendency for the ring to rotate.

Superfit/Adjutable/Arthritic Shanks: are innovative solutions that feature a hinged mechanism, allowing the ring to open and close for easy wear, ideal for those with larger knuckles or arthritis.

Ring Embraces: A hinged, adjustable brace that can be added to existing rings. This is a more invasive, but effective solution for resizing, ensuring a secure fit for those with a large difference in base of finger to knuckle size.

Do you need your ring sized? Learn more about the process here.