Finding the right fit

When working with our clients to design a bespoke engagement ring, finding the right size can always be a bit tricky. We do have projects where the partner wants to take a larger part in designing her own ethical engagement ring, or at least have some general input. But then there are the secret proposals, where the ring size needs to be found without any suspicion. Here are a few different ways you can go about it.

Bespoke engagement ring made using recycled gold from client

Ethically sourced green tourmaline set in Fairtrade gold engagement ring

Be subtle

If you are absolutely set on a surprise proposal but you still want to find out their ring size directly from the source, ask your significant other in a very subtle, smooth way. If you’re proposing to your girlfriend, you can pretend, for example, that you are going to buy a ring for mom/sister/aunt/niece or even yourself. Make sure that this pretend recipient is someone whose hands are similar in size to your girlfriend. Casually ask what her ring size is for reference.

Ask her friends

1. Choose a friend or two that already has and engagement ring.

Have one of the friends bring up rings and then suggest they all swap and try each other’s on. When your ringless partner tries their friends’ on, they’ll be able to judge how big or small their ring was on them. They might even drop some hints as to what they want in this conversation, so remind the friends to keep their ears open for more than just engagement ring size details.

2. Have one of your partners friends ask them to go ring shopping together

Ask her friend to discreetly take go ring shopping together, either for a present or for the friends. Get them to try on some rings together, and maybe even have their fingers measured.

3. Have your partners friend flat out ask for her ring size.

Friends occasionally have this insight. And, if the friend doesn’t know right away, she can be the one to ask or say, “At some point, you and I both know, Jim is going to need to know your ring size. I’m not saying it’s any time soon or not soon, but let’s figure it out in case he ever does come to me.”

1ct Canada Mark Diamond in Fairtrade gold band

Borrow one of their rings

Another method is to find one of their old rings. Make sure that you grab a ring that your partner wears on a similarly sized finger, the ring finger of their right hand being the optimal choice. Even if you find a ring worn on a different finger we can usually come up with a close approximation of what size their ring finger will be. Either measure the inside diameter or place it on a piece of paper and draw a circle on the inside and outside of the ring. Do this several times to make sure that your ring traces look consistent.

Compare Fingers

This method is a little more difficult, but if you are desperate, go ahead and try it out! When you are holding their hand, see if one of their fingers is similar in size to a finger of yours. For example, their ring finger might be as big as your littlefinger. This method isn’t amazingly accurate, but the more information we have on their ring size the closer we can get.

Ethically sourced green jadeite in Fairtrade gold engagement ring, detailed with sentimental engraving

Ask your partner

There are some people in this world who like to do things the hard way, and then there are those who are very straightforward. If you and your partner have been discussing marriage for quite some time, ask them outright what their ring size is! Don’t worry though— you can still have the element of surprise. After all, they don’t know when you’re going to ask, or how! If your partner doesn’t know their ring size, they can find it using a printable ring sizing guide or see a local goldsmith to have it measured

Salt and Pepper diamond in a geometric Art Deco inspired band

Don’t stress—It can be resized

All of these tips said, don’t stress just know you can get it resized. Svendsen Jewellery offers free initial resizing for your partner. The key is to getting it close.

If you need more advice, or are looking to purchase a bespoke engagement ring, get in touch and we’ll make sure to help you in the right direction.

Canada Mark Diamond in recycled platinum, next to a recycled gold wedding band.