How do I find out my partner's ring size?

Do you already have your eye on the perfect diamond? Is the big moment almost upon us? Maybe you've been dreaming of that one proposal for ages. But then doubt strikes: what size is that finger actually? Of course, you want to prevent the ring from getting stuck halfway through the finger during the proposal. Or worse, that he immediately slips off the hand. It's a recognizable problem for anyone planning a surprise. How do you do this without spoiling the tension?

Finding out your partner's ring size requires some creativity and detective work. After all, you don't want your partner to immediately realize what you are planning. Fortunately, there are countless ways to do this discreetly. Whether you opt for a quick trick with an existing ring or enlist the help of a good friend, there is always a solution that works. At Royal Coster Diamonds, we see people struggling with exactly this question every day. Don't worry, you're definitely not the first.

The ring as secret evidence

The easiest way is often the most obvious. Take a look in your partner's jewelry box. Does your partner regularly wear a ring on the ring finger? That's your golden ticket. Wait for your partner to take off the ring for a while, for example while showering or exercising. This is your moment.

Take the ring and place it on a white sheet of paper. Trace the inside of the ring with a sharp pencil. Do this very accurately. You can measure the circle that remains later with a ruler. The inner diameter in millimeters is the ring size. Are you really short on time? Then press the ring firmly into a piece of soap or a block of clay. This way you have a perfect print that you can compare later. Make sure you grab a ring that is worn on the right finger. The ring finger of the left hand is often not exactly the same thickness as that of the right hand.

Enlist an ally

Sometimes it is simply not possible to borrow a ring unnoticed. In that case, it is time for emergency troops. Think of your partner's best friend, mother, or sister. There is a good chance that they have shopped together for jewelry. Maybe they've even tried on each other's rings.

Ask your ally to take a very subtle look. For example, they can pretend they want to buy a new ring themselves and ask if your partner wants to try them on. "What a beautiful ring you are wearing, can I try it on? Oh, it's way too loose on me, what's your size anyway?" That sounds very innocent. Just make sure you choose someone who can keep a secret. It would be a shame if the surprise is revealed prematurely by an enthusiastic slip of the tongue.

To measure is to know on your own hand

Don't have access to the jewelry box and don't want to involve anyone else? Then you can use your own hand as a yardstick. This requires a bit of dexterity. If your partner is asleep or not paying attention, you can try sliding a ring of his or her on your own finger. Look where the ring goes on your finger. Mark this point with a pen or remember very well where the ring got stuck. Is it right at your second knuckle? Or does it fall right over your little finger? Later you can measure your own finger or use a string at the same point. This may not be the most accurate method, but it gives us at Royal Coster Diamonds a very good starting point. Our experts can often make a very good estimate based on such information.

The influence of temperature and time of day

Did you know that fingers change size throughout the day? It is a detail that is often forgotten. When it is hot, blood vessels expand and fingers become thicker. In winter or with cold hands, fingers are a lot narrower. The time of day also plays a role. Often hands are slightly thicker in the evening than in the morning.

If you're trying to figure out your partner's ring size, keep this in mind. Preferably measure at a time when the hands have a normal temperature. A ring that fits perfectly in the freezing cold can pinch in the summer. When choosing a size, it is often wise to sit just a little wider if you are in doubt. Making a ring smaller is often technically easier than making a ring bigger, especially with models with many small diamonds in the band.

Pay attention to the shape of the hand and fingers

Take a good look at your partner's hands. Are the knuckles wide compared to the base of the finger? That is important information. After all, the ring must be able to slide over the knuckle. If someone has wide knuckles, the ring size should be adjusted accordingly, even if the ring is a little looser around the base of the finger.

In addition, the width of the ring itself plays a role. A very narrow, fine ring slides around the finger more easily than a wide, robust band. The wider the ring you have in mind, the tighter it feels. We often advise you to take half a size larger than the standard size for a wide band. Do you have a photo of your partner's hand? Be sure to take it with you to our showroom. Our professionals have a trained eye and can often say a lot about the required size on the basis of a photo.

Expert advice at Royal Coster Diamonds

In the end, you want certainty. Nothing is as beautiful as a ring that immediately fits perfectly during that one special moment. If you can't quite figure it out yourself, you are welcome to visit our historic diamond polishing factory of Royal Coster Diamonds in the heart of Amsterdam. We combine centuries-old craftsmanship with modern techniques to help you.

We have special measuring instruments and years of experience. If the ring does not fit perfectly after the proposal, our goldsmiths are ready for you. In our own workshop, we can expertly adjust most rings. This way you can be sure that your partner can enjoy this special piece of jewelry for a lifetime. After all, it's not just about the diamond, but also about the wearing comfort and love that the ring symbolizes. Come along and let us help you make this secret a brilliant success.