How to measure a ring - Place the ring flat on a tabletop and place a tape measure across the widest point.  Then compare with the chart below.  SEE IMPORTANT NOTES BELOW

Ring Measurement Methods - There are two ways to determine the size of a ring:

The Center Line Method:  Traditional jewelers measure wide banded rings by estimating where the center line of the band falls on a mandrel.  The size is not determined by the True Diameter of the ring, but rather by where the jeweler estimates the middle of the ring falls.  This method automatically accounts for the fact that wider rings sit higher up on the finger and so feel tighter when worn.  While not a problem for in-person customers, this is mis-leading to online shoppers who have nothing to go on, except a measurement ("I know my size is a ...).

The True Diameter Method:  This is the method we use.  A ring's size is determined by it's True Diameter.  This is the most consistent method to use while shopping online.  When shopping for wider banded rings, simply adjust the size you purchase, according to the band-width of the ring.

What difference does it make how my ring is sized?: You get different results - If the ring is 3mm wide or less, the difference is negligible.  But the wider the band, the more dramatic the difference in size determination.  Say you take a cigar band ring and compare it to a diamond engagement ring.  Both rings are a True Diameters of 18mm.  A traditional jeweler would say that the cigar band ring is a size 6 1/2 and the engagement ring is a size 7, yet to us, as well as our manufacturers, these rings are the same size 7.

Consider the job of a mandrel manufacturer - How would they know where to put the lines, and what ring size to label the mandrel at that line?  The manufacturer would use the True Diameter method because it yields consistent results.

Wide Banded Rings: The wider the band, the larger the size you'll need for a comfortable fit. A wide banded ring is any ring with a 4mm + band-width.

The Mandrel: A mandrel is the tool shaped like a stick, used to measure a ring.  Slide the ring on, see where it falls and that's your size.  Easy right?  Nope.  Mandrels are made from plastic, stainless steel, and various other materials.  Plastic mandrels are notorious for measuring up to 1/4 size different than their stainless steel counterparts.  Mandrels from other countries, especially Japan, are also known for variance when compared to American mandrels.  To make matters worse, jewelers use mandrels differently to measure.  Some use the Center Line technique, while others use the True Diameter technique.  When shopping online, the True Diameter technique will provide you with the most accurate results when combined with allowance for band-width.

Ring Size: How we do it - We understand that shopping online for a ring, especially a hand-made ring, presents some interesting challenges.  So, we ask the manufacturer to measure each ring prior to shipping to us.  Then, we measure each ring before entering it into inventory, and then again before shipping to you. We use the same brand and style number mandrel as the manufacturer, to measure. This is one way we'd like to assure you, you're going to receive the ring/size you request.

How our products are made - Our products are made by hand using the centuries old, lost-wax process.  The lost-wax process starts with a carved wax replica of your ring.  The wax is pressed with clay and fired.  During the firing process, the wax melts and leaves a cavity in the clay shaped like the ring.  Your choice of sterling silver, Gold or Platinum is poured in.  The piece is broken from the mold, and polished.

Ring size Standards - Unfortunately, there is no world-wide standard for ring sizes.  But using our guide above and taking into account the width of the band, will provide you with the best place to begin when choosing a ring size. 

Change in finger size - The human finger may change in size by as much as 3/4 of a whole ring size throughout the course of the day.  Human fingers are larger in the early morning, than in the late afternoon.  Also, changes in environment, diet, arthritis, salt intake, medications and pregnancy can effect your ring size.

Environment: When it's cold, our fingers constrict and rings feel loose.  When it's hot/muggy, our fingers expand.  This is the body's way of regulating temperature.  If you are in a humid environment, or plan to wear your rings without ever taking them off, you'll want to consider this as well.

Since you are not able to try the ring on prior to purchase, please be prepared to make an exchange. Provided measurements are intended as a guide, to get you close. SapphireLane assumes no liability if your ring does not fit.