Imagine this: it's golden hour on a quiet beach, the sky painted in soft pinks and fiery oranges. Waves roll gently against the shore as your partner turns to admire the view, unaware of the life-changing question you're about to ask. With a heart full of love and hands slightly trembling with anticipation, you drop to one knee and pull out a small, velvet box. Their eyes widen in surprise, joy spilling over. You open the box to reveal a dazzling, handcrafted ring from Vinny and Charles – a timeless piece that captures everything you feel in one breathtaking sparkle. But then… it doesn't quite fit.
Perhaps it slides too easily onto their finger and nearly slips off, or maybe it doesn't go on at all – halting the magic of the moment, if only for a second. It's a small hiccup, easily fixed later, but in a moment so carefully dreamed about, planned, and cherished, every detail matters. And one of the most overlooked – yet deeply important – details of any proposal is getting the ring size right.
Proposing is one of life's most personal and meaningful milestones. It's a story you will tell for years – to family, to friends, to future children. It's replayed in your memories with the clarity of a favourite film. Every element, from the location to the words you choose, becomes part of your shared love story. So when it comes to the ring – that enduring symbol of your commitment – the fit should be just as perfect as the sentiment behind it.
Engagement ring sizing might seem like a minor technicality compared to choosing the right diamond or designing a custom band. But in reality, it's a detail that can make or break the moment. A ring that fits just right adds that final touch of thoughtfulness – and is a subtle yet powerful way of showing that you truly know the person that you're asking to spend their life with you. It says, 'I know you; I love you and I've thought of everything.'
Beyond the proposal, ring sizing has long-term significance too. A ring that fits just right is comfortable to wear every day and keeps your partner's gemstone safe and secure. No one wants to risk losing a cherished ring while washing their hands or worry about cutting off circulation during a warm summer day. Getting it right from the start saves the hassle of resizing and preserves the ring in its original form – especially important for intricate or custom designs.
Our tips will guide you through how to get the ring size right, whether you're planning a surprise or shopping side by side. Because love is a journey, and every journey deserves the perfect beginning – starting with a ring that fits just right. Our favourite tips here at Vinny and Charles include the following:
Borrow One of Their Rings – (Carefully!)
One of the easiest and most effective methods is to borrow a ring your partner already owns, ideally one they wear on their ring finger. Take note though: not all rings are created equally. Many people wear rings on different fingers or hands, and sizing can vary from finger to finger. If your partner wears a ring on their right-hand ring finger, that's a close (but not perfect) match. It will usually be about half a size larger than the left, as the dominant hand tends to be slightly bigger. Once you have discreetly borrowed the ring, you can either bring it to a jeweller or use a ring sizing tool to measure it.
At Vinny and Charles, we offer a complimentary ring sizer that you can request – it's discreet, accurate, and easy to use at home. Just be sure to return the ring quickly and exactly where you found it to avoid suspicion!
Enlist Friends and Family
If borrowing a ring feels too risky, it's time to call in reinforcements. Close friends or family members – especially those who love a bit of romance – can be a goldmine of information. A sister, best friend or mum may already know the size, or they might be able to casually find out without raising alarm. The key here is subtlety. A friend might take your partner ring shopping 'just for fun' or strike up a conversation about jewellery that leads to an offhand mention of their size. It helps if the person you enlist is good at keeping secrets and loves a good love story – they'll often be just as excited as you are to help make the proposal perfect.
Trace a Ring on Paper
If you can't take a ring out of the house as maybe it's something they will never take off, another smart hack is to trace it. Grab a piece of paper and a pencil, and when they aren't looking, place the ring flat on the paper and trace around the inside and outside of the band. You can even press it into a bar of soap or use soft wax or clay to create an impression. It might sound old-school, but a jeweller can use these impressions to estimate the ring size with surprising accuracy.
Compare Fingers
If you're really in a bind, try this: while holding your partner's hand, innocently compare their ring finger to one of your own fingers. Once they're not looking, take note of which finger theirs felt similar to – for example, maybe their ring finger matches your pinky finger. You can then have your own finger measured to get a rough size estimate. This method is a bit more imprecise, but it's better than going in blind. You can also opt to go slightly larger if you're not sure – it's easier to size a ring down than up, especially if the ring features delicate detailing or gemstones.
Get The Perfect Ring for Your Proposal Now
Whether you have found out your partner's ring size or don't know where to start, we can help you with the start to your perfect proposal. Head to our website, which shows our amazing selection of engagement rings in lots of different sizes.
Start the next stage of your love life right with Vinny and Charles.
