Designing Your Ring:
Ring Sizes and Why Does it Matter?
The Importance of Accurate Ring Sizing
A quick online search about ring sizing often returns a variety of conflicting information. Choosing the correct ring size is the first essential step in creating a ring that fits and feels as magnificent as it looks.
Whether you’re designing a wedding bands, a one-of-a-kind engagement ring, or upgrading to matching engagement ring wrap, this chapter explains how Krikawa helps you find the perfect fit for your ring using professional tools and flexible solutions—including our temporary engagement ring option.
What Exactly is ‘Ring Size’?
A ring’s size refers to the band's inner circumference or diameter. In the United States, ring sizes are measured numerically, often in quarter-size increments. The correct ring size allows the ring to slide over your knuckle and rest securely in place with no slipping or squeezing.
It’s important to know that sizing is not universal. Different jewelry stores may use slightly different measuring tools or standards. Not every ring mandrel is calibrated in the same way. A custom jeweler like Krikawa uses a precise and consistent ring size methodology to ensure that your custom ring fits true to the size you’ve accurately determined.
Why do I need to understand how to measure ring size?
Measuring ring size may appear simple at first blush, but lifestyle, natural body changes, and medical conditions can all affect how a ring fits. Your body changes over time and even throughout the day, while your ring size does not. What that means is you should spend a little time considering these factors before calculating your ring size:
Temperature: Fingers swell in warm temperatures due to increased blood flow or water retention. Fingers shrink in cold temperatures when blood vessels constrict. The difference can be as much as half a ring size between hot and cold weather.
Time of Day: Fingers are often slightly swollen in the morning due to overnight fluid retention. The best time to measure your ring size is late morning or early afternoon, or ideally, throughout the day.
Finger Shape: Tapered fingers that are wider at the knuckle make sizing tricky to find a ring that fits correctly over the knuckle while also resting comfortably on he finger. A ring that fits must slide over the knuckle without falling off.
Other Factors: Your activity levels, especially activities involving your hands, as well as medical conditions, can also affect your finger size. If you suffer from a chronic illness that causes swelling, consider measuring your ring size at different times of the day to account for the fluctuations and swelling.
By factoring in these variables, you can choose a ring size that remains comfortable for years.
Methods to Determine Your Ring Size
1. Printable Ring Sizer Chart
Many websites, including Krikawa, have printable ring size charts that are free and easy to download and print. Make sure your printer is set to 100% scale and follow any on-page instructions. With most printable charts, you are able to measure your ring finger or compare an existing ring.
2. Measuring with a Piece of String or Paper
Wrap a strip of paper or a string around the base of your finger. Mark where it overlaps and measure the length. Then, match that length to a ring sizing chart to determine your ring size.
3. Using an Existing Ring
Starting with a ring you usually wear on the finger you want to measure and measure the inner diameter. Then compare that to a ring size chart, looking for an accurate match.
4. Professional Sizing Kit from Krikawa
You can visit a local jewelry store, or, once you place a downpayment, Krikawa includes a professional ring sizing kit designed to measure your finger with accuracy—ensuring your custom ring fits just right.
Krikawa includes a ring sizing kit at no charge after you’ve placed an order with us. Whether you are located within the U.S. or live abroad, your kit includes detailed instructions so you can confirm your ring size in your own home, taking into account your daily routine and activity levels. Return packaging is included for your convenience.
Since all of our rings are made-to-order with you in mind, our calibrated ring sizing kit is the best way to insure a flawless fit.
Average Ring Sizes
Most women wear between size 5 and 7; whereas, size 10 is common for men. Because fit depends on more than just a number, we recommend avoiding guesswork when it comes to sizing. Shoe size or clothing size is not a reliable indicator of finger size for a ring that fits.
Since every hand is unique, we highly recommend avoiding trying to guess. If you’re planning a surprise proposal, try to borrow a ring that fits your partner or ask a close friend or family member to help you find the ring size to avoid accidental sizing issues.
Design Choices that Affect Ring Fit
The width of the band has a major impact on how a ring feels when it is on your finger. Wider bands can feel heavier and tighter, so if you’re choosing a wider band, consider sizing up to a slightly larger ring size.
Want to learn more about band width and how it affects comfort adn style? Explore our Ring Width Advice Guide.
Temporary Rings and Sizing Flexibility
Are you planning to propose and not sure of the ring size or final design? Krikawa offers a simple prong-style temporary engagement ring that showcases your selected center stone beautifully. After you propose with the placeholder ring, you and your partner can collaborate on the final design with our expert artisans.
Ring Resizing Services
Even with careful planning, ring resizing may be necessary. Krikawa offers ring resizing for many of our designs, though certain styles, gemstones, or materials may limit what’s possible. Most rings can be resized up or down by approximately one full size.
If a ring features an eternity pattern or has an intricate design, resizing may disrupt the aesthetics or structure.
Extreme size changes beyond one full size may require a more creative approach. If resizing is needed at any time after the ring has been delivered, contact us for personalized advice.
Our Most Frequently Asked Ring Sizing Questions
Are home ring size measurements accurate?
Some methods are more accurate than others. You can get a close estimate of your ring size using a printable sizing chart or by wrapping a string around your finger and measuring it. For a more accurate measurement, have your finger sized in a jewelry store. However, if you’re choosing a Krikawa ring, then use our complimentary ring sizing kit--which we mail to your home--for the best and most accurate ring size measurement.
Is it true there’s a best time to measure your finger?
Yes, it’s true. Your fingers tend to swell slightly while you are sleeping at night, due to fluid retention, and may feel especially swollen just after waking. The best time to measure your finger is late morning or early afternoon.
What if I am between ring sizes?
If you’re between sizes and do not have any chronic swelling, we recommend selecting a ring on the quarter size.
Can I resize my rings even after purchase?
Yes, in most cases. Resizing is charged unless you have purchased our Extended Service Plan. Some designs, such as eternity bands, cannot undergo ring resizing. Our team can answer all of your resizing questions regarding specific rings.
Will a wider band affect my ring size?
Yes, a wider band creates more surface contact with your finger. You may need to select a slightly larger size than you typically wear with a narrower band. Additionally, the weight of the metal—particularly in gold and platinum—can influence how the ring feels during wear.
Heavier rings may rotate or slightly if they’re not snug enough. Because your ring has to be comfortable for you, if you’re considering a wide, heavy band, make sure you try sizing options at home during different times of day and in varying activity levels to see what feels most secure and comfortable for you.
While you may choose to select a larger size than you usually wear to fit comfortably, the right choice ultimately depends on your finger shape, lifestyle, and personal preference.
What are Krikawa’s ‘Temporary Rings?
Krikawa’s temporary engagement ring is a simple basket prong mounting in 14k White Gold that can accommodate any stone size, shape, or cut. If you would like to propose as soon as possible or to involve your significant other in the design process, then the temporary engagement ring can serve as an elegant place holder until the final design is created
Explore our Temporary Rings Guide to learn more.
How much does the Krikawa complimentary sizing kit cost?
If you have a deposit with us and live in the U.S. the ring sizer kit is 100% complimentary and includes return packaging. All you need to do is drop it in a mailbox when you’re done.
For international clients, we can ship our sizing rings to many international locations via FedEx, and the cost to you is for round-trip shipping. For Canada, round-trip FedEx shipping is approximately $210 (with $105 credited back when the sizing rings are returned). For other international destinations, contact us for a quote. We handle customs paperwork and provide return packaging for a smooth experience.
Start With the Right Fit, End with Your Fairytale Ring
Finding the correct ring size, or wondering how to know my ring size, is foundational to creating a comfortable, meaningful custom ring you that feels as good as it looks.
This guide covered every step of the sizing process, from DIY methods to professional methods, and explained how factors like band width, finger shape, health conditions, and lifestyle influence comfort. We also touched on Krikawa’s unique solutions, such as temporary rings, ring resizing, and our complimentary sizing kit, to help you feel empowered in selecting a ring size for yourself or your partner with clarity and ease.
If you’re unsure how to get a ring size, or wondering how do I know my ring size, we’re here to help. With
With Krikawa by your side, your ring won’t just look like the one your dreamed of—it will fit like it, too.
Next Guide: Ring Metal Colors
Next up, we’ll explore the fascinating properties, symbolism, and skin-tone compatibility of ring metals, and learn how to choose the perfect materials for your design.
Want to see the process in action? Check out our detailed Engagement Ring Quiz & Wedding Ring Quiz!
Are you already inspired and ready to begin your design journey? Why not contact us today and schedule your consultation at Krikawa, where your fairytale ring you’ve envisioned is waiting for you to let us bring it to life.
