Bespoke Jewellery · Engagement Rings · Helpful Tips · How To · Jewellery Tips ·

How to Measure Your Partner’s Ring Size Without Them Knowing

Is the big day coming up? You’ve found the perfect ring idea, you’re ready to surprise your partner — but now comes the tricky part: making sure it actually fits. Getting the right size can feel like a secret mission. Luckily, there are a few sneaky ways to figure it out without spoiling the surprise.

This is one of the questions I’m asked most often when creating bespoke engagement rings. Although rings can be resized within a range, this is often limited and can depend on the position of the stones within the band itself. So it's important to get the size as close as possible, which is why I’ve put together this guide on how to measure your partner’s ring size on the sly.

 

A QUICK NOTE ON MEASUREMENTS

There are a lot of inventive ways to capture a measurement; pressing a ring into soap or wax, tracing its inner outline on paper, even making an impression in a candle. Whichever method you try, the most helpful information is the inside diameter of the ring and, if possible, the circumference. With those numbers, I can create a ring that’s as close to perfect as possible.

Also - whilst it may be obvious to some - make sure you're measuring the right finger - the fourth finger on the left hand! Once you’ve got your measurements, you can use my ring sizing chart to quickly convert them into an accurate ring size.

1. “BORROW" THEIR JEWELLERY

I’m not usually one to recommend stealing… but in this case, borrowing a ring is the most reliable way to find their size. You can either measure it yourself at home (slip it onto a ring sizer if you have one, or trace the inner circle onto paper), or bring it discreetly to my studio in Hatton Garden and I’ll measure it for you.

A couple of tips:

  • Choose a ring they wear often so you can ensure it is a comfortable fit on their finger.

  • Make sure it’s worn on the correct finger (no use sizing up their pinky when you need the left-hand ring finger!). Also your dominant hand on average measures larger than your non-dominant.

2. THERE ARE APPS YOU CAN USE

If you are able to get hold of one of their rings (from the right correct finger) and aren't able to locate a ring sizer, there are apps available which can determine that important inner diameter. Once downloaded, you can place the ring on your phone screen and pinch till it fits! Again not the most accurate method, but every little helps.

3. GO SHOPPING TOGETHER

Another clever way is to turn it into a day out. Suggest browsing jewellery for a birthday, an anniversary, or just for fun. Encourage them to try on a few rings while you pay close attention to the fit.

You can even book a consultation with me under the guise of “just browsing”, your partner will enjoy the experience, and you’ll walk away with the info you need. Just be careful not to linger too long in the engagement ring section, or the game might be up. Bonus: they may even walk away with an extra ring as a treat in the meantime.

4. ENLIST FAMILY FRIENDS

If subtlety isn’t your strong suit, rope in some accomplices. Friends and family can make the process more natural and less suspicious. For example:

  • A recently engaged friend could casually ask your partner to try on their ring “just to see how it looks.”

  • A friend who’s also planning a proposal could invite your partner along for advice and get them to try on rings for comparison.

  • A family heirloom might resurface, sparking a fun “try-on” session which may help to determine their ring size.

The key here is making sure your helpers can act naturally so your partner doesn’t suspect a thing.

5. USE A PHOTO

This one might surprise you, but even a clear photo of your partner’s hand can help me estimate their size. Bring along a picture (ideally with something in it for scale, like them holding a glass or a book), and I can try to make a judgement. It’s not the most precise method, but it works surprisingly well as a backup.

6. WHILST THEIR SLEEPING...

If your partner is a deep sleeper, this trick might be your best bet. Take a piece of string, wrap it gently around their ring finger, and mark where it overlaps. Bring me the string, and I can measure it for you. Just tread carefully, you don’t want the big reveal happening in the middle of the night because you accidentally woke them up.

YOU'RE ONE STEP CLOSER…

Once you’ve cracked the code of their ring size, the rest is easy. Get in touch with me to set up a consultation, and together we’ll create a bespoke engagement ring that’s as perfect as the proposal itself.

 

Back to My Blog