If you’re planning on buying an engagement ring and surprising your partner with a proposal, there’s one small detail you’re going to need: the ring size!
But how do you go about getting this crucial detail without giving away your plans and ruining the surprise? There are several ways to secretly secure it, but first, a few reasons as to why getting the ring size right is so important.
Why Getting the Right Ring Size Matters
It’s important to get the ring size right for a variety of reasons but the primary reason is that you want it to slide on easily when you pop the question. There’s no worse feeling in the world than having that moment get deflated like a popped balloon because the ring was either too big or too small.
So how do you go about getting the ring size in secret? There are a few reliable methods to consider:
1. Ask Friends and Family
One of the easiest ways to get the ring size is to discreetly contact close friends and family and simply ask them for it. Someone in that group may already know your partner’s ring size or may be easily able to get it for you through some casual conversations. Be sure you ask someone that you know will be able to keep the secret until the big moment comes, though.
2. Use a Ring They Already Own
Another way to secretly get the ring size is to borrow an existing ring your partner already wears on that specific finger (the left ring finger). The size will more than likely not be stamped on the inside of the ring, so you’ll need to secretly transport this ring to the jeweler you’re working with so they can give you their best guess.
3. Have Your Partner Try on Another Friend’s Ring
This tactic might tip your partner off, but done subtly, it can be an incredibly effective way to secretly get the ring size. Ask a friend to allow your future fiancée to “try on” their engagement ring. You’ll need to make up some story as to why they want them to try their ring on, but once your intended tries the ring on in front of you, you’ll be able to see if the ring is too loose or too tight and make the right size assessment based on your friend’s ring size. Sneaky yes, but smart too.
4. Use an Online Ring Sizer
Many jewelry websites offer online ring sizers that you can print out and use to assess finger sizes, too. A word of caution, though: Online ring sizes must be printed exactly to scale to be correct. If you still want to try it, other shoppers have had good success using the printable ring sizer located here.
5. Measure It in Their Sleep
This method of getting the ring size is not for the faint of heart, nor is it particularly recommended if your partner is a light sleeper. However, if you still want to try this method, simply take a length of string and wrap it gently around their ring finger just below the knuckle while sleeping (this ensures they will be able to fit it over the knuckle on the way down to its resting spot). Mark the point on the string where the ends overlap with a pen. Lay the string flat and measure the distance in millimeters. Divide by Pi (3.14) and you will now have the diameter of your loved one’s ring finger! You can either compare this information to an online sizer or take the information into your favorite jeweler to have them help you assess the best size. If you’re caught in the act while measuring, be sure to have a good explanation ready so you still have a chance at your surprise proposal!
6. Buy a Non-Bridal Ring
A less than subtle way to get the ring size is to buy another ring that’s not an engagement ring and give it as a gift. Asking for the ring size now puts you in a good position for when it comes time to shop for the real engagement ring.
What to Do If You Can’t Get a Ring Size Secretly...
One last tip if you absolutely can’t get the ring size secretly: consider getting a temporary setting or placeholder ring. Chances are you’ll need to resize the ring after you propose and that’s okay! Some jewelers may offer a free resizing policy within a certain window of time after purchase. But if you find yourself at a complete loss as to how to get their ring size before the proposal, do yourself a favor and keep the setting as simple as possible. The reason you may want to get a temporary setting is because 1) they’re typically less expensive and 2) you don’t run the risk of needing to do a costly “remake” on the ring. Plus, that gives them the opportunity to create their dream setting later and takes a lot of pressure off you now!
When you find the perfect engagement ring to propose with, protect it by obtaining personal jewelry insurance through Jewelers Mutual. It’s an affordable choice that covers loss, damage, and disappearances. You can check your rate by clicking the button below.
