An engagement ring should be snug enough to stay at the base of the finger, and loose enough to come over the knuckle without a struggle. In practice, a well fitted ring meets a little resistance at the knuckle, then sits comfortably without leaving a deep mark or feeling difficult to remove at the end of the day.
The knuckle and the base of the finger
Many people have a knuckle that is larger than the base of the finger. The ring has to pass that wider point, then stay put where the finger is slimmer. If we size only for the knuckle, the ring can spin or slide once it is on. If we size only for the base, it may not come off again when the hand is warm. The right size is a balance between those two points, not a single number taken in isolation.
A little movement through the day is normal. Constant spinning, or a ring that slips over the knuckle when you wash your hands, is a sign that the fit needs another look. Our guide to how to stop an engagement ring spinning covers that in more detail.
Fingers change through the day
Hands swell and shrink. Heat, exercise, a salty meal, flying, and the time of day can all change how a ring feels. A size that is comfortable in a cool room first thing can feel tight on a warm evening. We would rather hear how a sizer or a borrowed ring feels across a normal day than rely on one quick measurement. If you are measuring at home before a surprise, our guide to finding a ring size without spoiling the surprise sets out careful ways to do that.
Wider bands feel tighter than narrow ones in the same size, because they cover more of the finger. A comfort fit, with a gently rounded inside, can also feel different from a flat inner profile. We take the width and the profile of your design into account when we talk about size, rather than using a standard band as the only guide.
How we confirm the size
We work by video consultation and message, without a showroom visit. You can send a measurement, use a sizer we talk you through, or have an existing ring measured. We confirm the size with you in writing as part of the design approval. Nothing is made until that approval is given and the 70 percent deposit is paid. Making time is then 5 to 6 weeks, and the ring is sent by insured, tracked FedEx after it is UK hallmarked.
If the design can be resized, we include one free resize within 1 month of delivery. That is there because a new ring is often worn in a different season, or with a band that was not on the finger when the size was chosen. Some designs cannot be resized, or can be moved only a little, and we will tell you that before you approve the CAD.
If you would like help judging a fit, get in touch for a video consultation, or browse the diamonds we can source.
Frequently asked questions
How tight should an engagement ring be?
A well fitted ring should come over the knuckle with a little resistance, then sit securely at the base of the finger without pinching. If it slides over with no resistance it may spin or slip off. If it will not pass the knuckle without pain, it is too tight.
Why does a ring feel tighter at some times of day?
Fingers change with heat, exercise, salt in a meal, and the time of day. A ring that feels comfortable in a cool morning can feel tighter on a warm evening. We prefer to talk about fit across a normal day, not from a single moment.
What should I do if the ring spins?
A little movement is normal, especially on a tapered finger where the knuckle is much larger than the base. If the ring spins constantly or slips towards the knuckle, the size or the shank may need a closer look. See our guide on how to stop an engagement ring spinning.
Can you adjust the size after the ring is made?
If the design can be resized, we include one free resize within 1 month of delivery. Some designs, such as an eternity band or a heavily pavé shank, cannot always be resized, and we will say so before you approve the design in writing.