The Jewelry Size Guide describes the various ring sizes and necklace lengths. These size guides should be useful for you and will help you to get the best fit for rings and necklaces.
A ring should fit comfortably on the finger of the wearer as well as be snug enough to prevent it from accidentally falling off. The best and most accurate way to measure a ring size is by visiting a local jeweler. Jewelers use a set of graduated rings and other specialized tools to determine ring size. Ring size can also be measured easily at home by any of the following ways:
The diameter of a ring can be determined by measuring the distance across the middle inside. You can use the ring size circles below (based on ring’s diameter) for measuring your exact ring size. Please follow the steps listed below to get an accurate ring size:Select a ring that fits comfortably on the finger for which you want to know the size.Take a printout of the visual ring chart below as per the print instructions below.Place your ring over the circles to match up with the nearest circle size to find the inside size of the ring.If the ring falls in between two sizes, then it is advisable to go for the larger size.
The circumference of a ring is measured by the length around the inner circle. You can use the finger size strip below for measuring your exact ring size. Please follow the steps to get the accurate ring size:Take a printout of the below as per the given print instructions.Carefully cut this printout from the image outline to get a size strip. Also cut a slit inside the strip at the left end.Wrap this size strip around the finger you wish to measure with the scale facing out and then slide the narrow end of the strip through the slit.Pull the narrow end until the fit is snug. Try to move that fit through the largest part of the finger; this may be the knuckle.The number that lines up at the slit represents the ring size for that finger.
To get accurate ring size results, please follow these print instructions:You must make sure that you do not have ‘Shrink oversized pages to fit paper size’ or ‘Expand small pages to paper size’ selected in the Print Dialog Box.You must also make sure that you have taken printouts without changing the image size either intentionally or unintentionally.You can verify the sizes of the image printouts by measuring them with a ruler.
You should avoid measuring cold fingers as this is when fingers are at their smallest size.You should measure your finger in warm temperatures at the end of the day.If your ring size falls in between two ring sizes then it is advisable to go for the larger size.
You should try to find out from a reliable source; friend, parent, etc. what the intended recipient’s ring/finger size is. You can also borrow your intended recipient’s best fitted ring and find out the ring size by using above mentioned diameter method.
Engagement and wedding rings are traditionally worn on the ring finger on the left hand. The ring finger is located between the little finger and the middle finger.Ring sizes are expressed differently in different countries. All sizes listed in the above images and in tips are standard American Sizes.The average adult woman’s ring size ranges between sizes 5 to 7 whereas the average adult man’s ring size ranges between sizes 9 to 11.
The following chart will be useful in conversion of measured ring size in inches or in millimeters to numbered size applicable in USA and Canada. This chart also shows ring sizes applicable in UK, Ireland, Australia, Japan and Switzerland.
| Ring Sizes | Measured Sized | ||||||
| USA & Canada | UK, Ireland & Australia | Japan | Switzerland | Inside Diameter | Inside Circumference | ||
| Inches | Millimeters | Inches | Millimeters | ||||
| 0 | 0.458 | 11.63 | 1.44 | 36.5 | |||
| 1/4 | 0.466 | 11.84 | 1.46 | 37.2 | |||
| 1/2 | A | 0.474 | 12.04 | 1.49 | 37.8 | ||
| 3/4 | A 1/2 | 0.482 | 12.24 | 1.51 | 38.5 | ||
| 1 | B | 1 | 0.49 | 12.45 | 1.54 | 39.1 | |
| 1 1/4 | B 1/2 | 0.498 | 12.65 | 1.56 | 39.7 | ||
| 1 1/2 | C | 0.506 | 12.85 | 1.59 | 40.4 | ||
| 1 3/4 | C 1/2 | 0.514 | 13.06 | 1.61 | 41.0 | ||
| 2 | D | 2 | 1.5 | 0.522 | 13.26 | 1.64 | 41.7 |
| 2 1/4 | D 1/2 | 0.53 | 13.46 | 1.67 | 42.3 | ||
| 2 1/2 | E | 3 | 2.75 | 0.538 | 13.67 | 1.69 | 42.9 |
| 2 3/4 | E 1/2 | 0.546 | 13.87 | 1.72 | 43.6 | ||
| 3 | F | 4 | 4 | 0.554 | 14.07 | 1.74 | 44.2 |
| 3 1/4 | F 1/2 | 5 | 5.25 | 0.562 | 14.27 | 1.77 | 44.8 |
| 3 1/2 | G | 0.57 | 14.48 | 1.79 | 45.5 | ||
| 3 3/4 | G 1/2 | 6 | 6.5 | 0.578 | 14.68 | 1.82 | 46.1 |
| 4 | H | 7 | 0.586 | 14.88 | 1.84 | 46.8 | |
| 4 1/4 | H 1/2 | 7.75 | 0.594 | 15.09 | 1.87 | 47.4 | |
| 4 1/2 | I | 8 | 0.602 | 15.29 | 1.89 | 48.0 | |
| 4 3/4 | J | 9 | 0.61 | 15.49 | 1.92 | 48.7 | |
| 5 | J 1/2 | 9 | 0.618 | 15.70 | 1.94 | 49.3 | |
| 5 1/4 | K | 10 | 0.626 | 15.90 | 1.97 | 50.0 | |
| 5 1/2 | K 1/2 | 10 | 0.634 | 16.10 | 1.99 | 50.6 | |
| 5 3/4 | L | 11.75 | 0.642 | 16.31 | 2.02 | 51.2 | |
| 6 | L 1/2 | 11 | 12.75 | 0.65 | 16.51 | 2.04 | 51.9 |
| 6 1/4 | M | 12 | 0.658 | 16.71 | 2.07 | 52.5 | |
| 6 1/2 | M 1/2 | 13 | 14 | 0.666 | 16.92 | 2.09 | 53.1 |
| 6 3/4 | N | 0.674 | 17.12 | 2.12 | 53.8 | ||
| 7 | N 1/2 | 14 | 15.25 | 0.682 | 17.32 | 2.14 | 54.4 |
| 7 1/4 | O | 0.69 | 17.53 | 2.17 | 55.1 | ||
| 7 1/2 | O 1/2 | 15 | 16.5 | 0.698 | 17.73 | 2.19 | 55.7 |
| 7 3/4 | P | 0.706 | 17.93 | 2.22 | 56.3 | ||
| 8 | P 1/2 | 16 | 17.75 | 0.714 | 18.14 | 2.24 | 57.0 |
| 8 1/4 | Q | 0.722 | 18.34 | 2.27 | 57.6 | ||
| 8 1/2 | Q 1/2 | 17 | 0.73 | 18.54 | 2.29 | 58.3 | |
| 8 3/4 | R | 19 | 0.738 | 18.75 | 2.32 | 58.9 | |
| 9 | R 1/2 | 18 | 0.746 | 18.95 | 2.34 | 59.5 | |
| 9 1/4 | S | 20.25 | 0.754 | 19.15 | 2.37 | 60.2 | |
| 9 1/2 | S 1/2 | 19 | 0.762 | 19.35 | 2.39 | 60.8 | |
| 9 3/4 | T | 21.5 | 0.77 | 19.56 | 2.42 | 61.4 | |
| 10 | T 1/2 | 20 | 0.778 | 19.76 | 2.44 | 62.1 | |
| 10 1/4 | U | 21 | 0.786 | 19.96 | 2.47 | 62.7 | |
| 10 1/2 | U 1/2 | 22 | 22.75 | 0.794 | 20.17 | 2.49 | 63.4 |
| 10 3/4 | V | 0.802 | 20.37 | 2.52 | 64.0 | ||
| 11 | V 1/2 | 23 | 0.81 | 20.57 | 2.54 | 64.6 | |
| 11 1/4 | W | 25 | 0.818 | 20.78 | 2.57 | 65.3 | |
| 11 1/2 | W 1/2 | 24 | 0.826 | 20.98 | 2.59 | 65.9 | |
| 11 3/4 | X | 0.834 | 21.18 | 2.62 | 66.6 | ||
| 12 | X 1/2 | 25 | 27.5 | 0.842 | 21.39 | 2.65 | 67.2 |
| 12 1/4 | Y | 0.85 | 21.59 | 2.67 | 67.8 | ||
| 12 1/2 | Z | 26 | 28.75 | 0.858 | 21.79 | 2.70 | 68.5 |
| 12 3/4 | Z 1/2 | 0.866 | 22.00 | 2.72 | 69.1 | ||
| 13 | 27 | 0.874 | 22.20 | 2.75 | 69.7 | ||
| 13 1/4 | Z1 | 0.882 | 22.40 | 2.77 | 70.4 | ||
| 13 1/2 | 0.89 | 22.61 | 2.80 | 71.0 | |||
| 13 3/4 | Z2 | 0.898 | 22.81 | 2.82 | 71.7 | ||
| 14 | Z3 | 0.906 | 23.01 | 2.85 | 72.3 | ||
| 14 1/4 | 0.914 | 23.22 | 2.87 | 72.9 | |||
| 14 1/2 | Z4 | 0.922 | 23.42 | 2.90 | 73.6 | ||
| 14 3/4 | 0.93 | 23.62 | 2.92 | 74.2 | |||
| 15 | 0.938 | 23.83 | 2.95 | 74.8 | |||
| 15 1/4 | 0.946 | 24.03 | 2.97 | 75.5 | |||
| 15 1/2 | 0.954 | 24.23 | 3.00 | 76.1 | |||
| 15 3/4 | 0.962 | 24.43 | 3.02 | 76.8 | |||
| 16 | 0.97 | 24.64 | 3.05 | 77.4 | |||
In the United States and Canada, ring sizes are specified using a numerical scale, with quarter and half sizes.In the United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia, ring sizes are specified using an alphabetical scale, with half sizes.In Japan, ring sizes are specified using a numerical scale, with only whole sizes.In Switzerland, ring sizes are specified using a numerical scale, with quarter and half sizes.In Europe (excluding Ireland and the UK), ring sizes are specified using a numerical scale, with half sizes.
Most gold or silver rings can be resized by a skilled jeweler by way of soldering or stretching and compressing. However, some rings cannot be resized due to gemstone setting, plating, shape or surface design. Usually small resizing does not create problems, but more extreme resizing can noticeably impact the look and structure of your ring. Increasing the size of a ring typically requires gentle hammering and this will cause the shank of the ring to thin slightly. For decreasing or increasing the ring size, your jeweler may also remove or insert extra metal through soldering. Some jewelers do not resize platinum because of its density and strength.
Necklaces and chains are available in different lengths and styles. You should choose the length and style of the necklace or chain based on neck size, personality and clothing.
Neck size can be measured easily by using a sewing (soft) measuring tape. Wrap this tape around the base of your neck to determine neck size. If you don’t have a soft measuring tape, then you can also use a yardstick, ruler or stiff metal measuring tape. In this case, you need to wrap a ribbon around the base of your neck, mark the spot where it meets, and then lay it against the yardstick or metal measuring tape to determine neck size.
Necklaces traditionally come in six lengths. Depending on the length, the necklace will hang to a different part of the wearer’s body.
Length: 12 to 13 Inches Collar necklaces are worn closely around the neck and can consist of multiple strands. This type of necklace looks nice with V-necks, boat necks and off–the–shoulder clothing.
Length: 14 to 16 Inches A Choker has a very classic as well as a versatile look and falls around the base of the neck. Chokers look beautiful on all types of clothing or neckline.
Length: 17 to 19 Inches The Princess is the most popular necklace length and falls just below the throat. It lies between choker and matinee length. A pendant can also be added for a bold and eye-catching look. Princess necklaces look beautiful on all types of attire.
Length: 20 to 24 Inches Matinee style also offers one of the most popular necklace lengths and it comes in between princess and opera length. Matinee necklaces look stunning on casual or business attire.
Length: 30 to 36 Inches Opera necklaces come in lengths which range from 30 to 36 inches long. You can wear this as a single or double strand. It is perfect for high or crew necklines and is very complimentary, especially to evening wear.
Length: 40 to 45+ Inches A Rope necklace comes in the longest length and it has a different and dramatic look. A rope necklace looks elegant on most any type of clothing. This necklace can be transformed into multi-strand necklace and when worn with strands of graduated lengths, it is known as a bib necklace.
Following table shows the most common necklace / chain lengths depending on the wearer.
| Wearer with Average Neck Size | Length (in inches) |
| Babies | 13 |
| Youth | 16 |
| Adult Women | 18 |
| Adult Men | 24 |
The necklace length comparison chart below illustrates where necklaces / chains of different lengths will hang on a person with an average neck size.
Jewelry is a personal ornament, such as a ring, bracelet, necklace or any other item made from jewels, precious metals or any other material. Jewelry has fascinated, thrilled and impressed the world for thousands of years and played an important role in the growth of human civilization. Jewelry was in use long before clothing developed into fashion. Jewelry items are cherished symbols of prestige and beauty.Buying a perfect piece of jewelry for yourself or for your loved ones is not an easy task and it requires knowledge on many levels. You can get detailed information on each aspect of jewelry in the education section on this site. This will help enable you to get great quality jewelry for your money.
The jewelry buying tips below will aid you in finding the jewelry you desire.Set your budget for your jewelry purchases and then explore your options. You should be able to find a wide range of jewelry in your price range.Whenever you buy jewelry for your loved ones, keep their personality and preferences in mind.Always buy jewelry from a well reputed and known jeweler. If you are not familiar with a good jeweler, ask your family members or friends for their recommendations and/or look at reviews on line.Be aware of jewelry store lighting. It can be deceiving due to the high-intensity streams of light. You may wish to ask to see your stone in natural light.When buying jewelry, you should be sure you understand the jeweler’s policy on refunds, exchanges, warranties, and repair or replacement.When you decide to buy diamond or gemstone jewelry, you should always evaluate stones on the ‘4Cs’ criteria (color, clarity, cut and carat weight).When you buy diamond or gemstone jewelry, you should always ask for the stone certificate as well as your payment receipt. A stone certificate may cost you little more money, but it will provide you much-needed peace of mind knowing that you are getting your money’s worth.You should ensure that the stones in your jewelry are properly polished and have great symmetry.When you buy gemstones, you should check them under different light conditions. If gemstones contain color change characteristics, then these should display a strong change in color between alternative exposure to daylight and incandescent light sources.When you buy gemstone jewelry, you must ascertain whether the stone is natural or treated. If it is treated or enhanced, then ask what method of treatment was used. Treated or enhanced gemstones can be less expensive than natural or non-treated gemstones.You must ensure that the appropriate markings are visible on precious metal jewelry.When buying gold jewelry, 10, 14 or 18 karat gold jewelry is most common/desirable. 24 karat gold jewelry is soft, less durable and more expensive. You should avoid buying less than 10 karat gold jewelry, as it appears dull.When you buy a jewelry piece, ensure that there are no visible blemishes or imperfections on the metal. You should also check to make certain that fasteners, clasps and catches work properly and are secure.When buying jewelry, look for craftsmanship and design. Your decision should also be based on symmetry, overall appearance and finish.Don’t get confused between the two terms, ‘carat’ and ‘karat’. ‘Carat’ denotes stone weight whereas ‘karat’ is used to describe gold’s fineness or purity.While buying jewelry, you should not be in a hurry or under pressure. You should buy it at your convenience and at your own pace.These jewelry buying tips should help you to buy jewelry with more confidence.
