SIZING GUIDE
ALTANA FINE JEWELRY
Finding your Ring Size
Getting the right ring size is an important part of creating a piece you’ll love wearing. It sounds simple, but your fingers can change throughout the day, and the design of the ring itself can affect how it feels.
If you’re not sure of your size, don’t worry. We’re happy to help.
The Best Way to Find Your Size
The most accurate way to determine your ring size is to have it measured by a jeweler using professional sizing tools. We can measure your finger and talk with you about how you like your rings to fit. We also like to discuss lifestyle & activity level, as this is crucial to how your rings feel on your finger.
When possible, we recommend measuring your finger at a comfortable room temperature and avoiding measurements immediately after exercising or when your hands are unusually hot or cold. In general, your finger is closest to your "true size" around midday.
Your fingers naturally fluctuate in size every day, some people's more than others. Time of day, temperature, hydration, activity, and even how much salt you’ve had can all make a difference. This means there's no such thing as a "perfect" fit. Your ring should feel secure without being uncomfortably tight, and it should require a little effort to get over your knuckle.
If you are not able to come into the shop in person, we highly recommend seeking out professional sizing at another nearby jewelry store.
If You're Sizing a Surprise
Trying to figure out someone else's ring size without giving away the surprise? It can be tricky, but there are a few ways to get close.
If they already wear a ring on the same finger, borrow it briefly and bring it to us. The finger matters. A ring worn on a right-hand middle finger, for example, may not tell us much about the size needed for a left-hand ring finger.
You can also discreetly ask a close friend or family member. Just keep in mind that an educated guess is still a guess. When possible, having us measure an existing ring is much more reliable.
If you can't sneak the ring out of the house, another trick is to lay the ring flat on a piece of paper and trace the *inner* diameter as carefully as possible. You can also try pushing the ring into a soft surface, like a bar of soap. This won't be exact, but it will help us get close.
If all else fails, try to get some photos of their hands, especially in relation to your own hands. After all these years, Altana is scarily good at guessing ring size based on photos!
The Details Matter
When trying to decide on the right size for a ring, there are a few things to consider.
How wide is the band? A more delicate band has less surface area and will fit the finger more loosely than a ring of the same size with a very wide band.
How many rings will you wear on the same finger? Just like the question about the width of the ring above, the more rings you wear on one finger, the more surface area is covered. You might need a slight increase in size to account for wearing multiple rings on the same finger.
What is the proportion of your knuckles to the base of your finger? If your knuckle is significantly wider than the base of your finger, finding the right balance can be a little tricky. The ring needs to pass comfortably over your knuckle without being so loose that it spins once it's on.
What is the shape of the ring & the interior of the band? The shape of the inside of a ring can affect how it feels on your finger. Two rings in the same size can feel surprisingly different depending on their construction.
Is the ring able to be resized easily? We typically recommend our clients leave at least one space open in an eternity ring so that they can be resized as needed. Even if we nail the sizing at the time of purchase, it's normal for bodies to change over the years, and we want to be able to help you adjust the fit.
Sizing a custom ring
For custom work, getting the size right from the beginning is especially important. Some designs can be resized easily, while others have limitations depending on the construction, stones, engraving, or overall design.
That's why we prefer to determine your size with you rather than relying solely on an online measurement or a ring-size chart.
If you're working with us on a custom ring and aren't sure of your size, please don't guess. We'll help you figure it out before we begin.
Ring sizing isn't something you need to manage on your own. If you're visiting us for an appointment, we'll help you determine the best size for your particular ring and how you want it to fit.
When in doubt, ask us before ordering. We'd much rather help you get it right the first time.