Narrow ring vs. wide ring finger sizes
All finger sizes are not alike! Your finger size can change depending upon the width of the ring that you need.
For men’s rings, rings with a width of more than 6mm can require a larger finger size than for narrower widths.
For ladies rings, rings wider than 4mm may require a larger finger size than for narrower widths.
Ladies 5mm sapphire ring
Men’s wide 8mm grooved titanium ring
Very wide 11mm puzzle ring
Do it yourself finger size tests available on the internet are mostly inaccurate and unreliable when it comes to measuring sizes for wide ring widths. The do-it-yourself paper or string tests do not take into account the width of the band, nor the movement of the band over the knuckle.
Using the finger size from another ring that you already have that’s a different ring width or worn on a different finger or different hand is also unreliable. Finger sizes can also change over the years (as we loose and gain weight with age).
For these reasons you should have your finger size measured by a local jeweller when you are looking to buy a new ring.
Local jewellers by default will use narrow ring bands when measuring your finger size.
As a very general guide – wide widths may require nothing extra or an additional 1/4 size for US finger sizes, or 1/4 to 1/2 size for Australian/UK sizes. However, you should not simply add an extra 1/4 or 1/2 size to your measurement, you should have the size measured accurately by a local jeweller.
If you will be wearing a wider ring (wider than 6mm for men or wider than 4mm for ladies) you should make sure that the local jeweller uses their wide ring measuring bands if they have them available. You should also mention the specific width of the ring that you will be wearing, so that they can advise whether a larger size is needed.
For extra wide rings, rings of more than 7mm for men and more than 5mm for ladies, you must also:
1. Try on a sample ring in the width you are choosing, to make sure that the width is comfortable on your finger.
2. Mention the exact width of your ring to the local jeweller who measures the finger size for you, to ensure that they make allowances for the extra width.