A Practical Guide to Size Selection for LGBTQ Engagement & Wedding Rings

As specialist wedding jewellers with over 12 years of experience, we’ve identified seven key factors that affect ring sizing.

Understanding these will help you find the perfect fit for your engagement and wedding rings, even when it's done secretly!

Getting the right ring size is crucial - it should be comfortable, secure, and perfect for everyday wear.

Ring Finger
You can choose which finger to wear your rings on. Traditionally, engagement and wedding rings are worn on the left hand, on the finger next to the little finger, known as the fourth or ring finger. To explore further where to wear your rings click here.

Width of the Ring
The wider the ring, the more surface area it covers on your finger. This increases the grip you will feel and helps to keep your your ring securely in place. However, you may need a larger ring size.

  • Always measure using ring sizers that match the width of your chosen ring.
  • Example: For a 5mm wedding band, use a 5mm sizer, not the more common 3mm type.
  • Wider rings feel tighter and may need a slightly larger size for comfort.

Don't rush measuring your sizes, check twice, and ask us for expert advice.

Precious Metal You’ve Chosen
Heavier rings have greater inertia, they respond more noticeably to movement of the hand. This can make them feel more substantial and luxurious, but it also means they may shift slightly more on slimmer or tapered fingers if the fit is not precise.

  • Light metals: 9ct gold | Palladium 950
  • Heavy metals: 18ct gold | Platinum 950

A lighter ring, by contrast, exerts less downward force and may feel more agile or less noticeable in daily wear.

non-binary LGBTQ engagement wedding rings

Fitness & Dietary Changes
Changes in your weight can affect finger size. Fingers can also expand or contract due to temperature, hydration levels and general lifestyle changes. For this reason, it’s important to consider whether you anticipate any significant changes before your proposal or wedding day. Let us know and we can plan sizing to ensure your rings will fit perfectly on your special day.

Shape of Your Finger
The shape of your finger plays an important role in determining the correct ring size. While the circumference of your finger is important, factors such as knuckle size, tapering, and the overall profile of the finger will affect how a ring fits and feels throughout the day. Understanding these subtle differences helps ensure your ring slides on comfortably, remains securely in place, and feels perfectly balanced for long-term wear. We always assess your finger shape and your comfort preferences to help you select the perfect size.

non-binary LGBTQ engagement wedding rings

Temperature and Time of Day
Finger size varies throughout the day and with body temperature. Fingers swell in warmth and shrink in cold. Your 'normal' steady size is best measured between 10am and 8pm when at a comfortable, resting body temperature. We recommend that you avoid measuring your ring sizes immediately after exercise or exposure to high ambient temperatures. The best practice is to take measurements at various times of the day, definitely include an evening measurement when your finger will be at its largest.

How to Secretly Measure your Partner's Engagement Ring Size
Working out your partner’s ring size without giving the game away can seem a little daunting, but it’s something we help couples with all the time. If you’re planning a surprise proposal but have no idea what ring size your partner wears, you’re certainly not alone. Many people find themselves in exactly the same situation, especially if their partner doesn’t currently wear a ring. When you’re hoping to create a truly romantic moment, it’s only natural to want everything to be perfect – including the ring fitting if at all possible. The question is how to measure secretly your partner's ring size? With a little planning and a few simple tricks, it’s often possible to make a very good estimate without spoiling the surprise. There are several discreet ways to get a good estimate, click here for our advice on how to secretly measure your partner's ring size. And "Congratulations!"

Secretly measuring your partner's ring size for an engagement ring

How to Measure Your Ring Size
The most accurate way to measure your fingers is with professional ring sizers. These are available in jewellery shops or to buy online. For the greatest accuracy, use loose, individual sizers. That's in preference to a bundle of sizers held on a loop, which is rather unwieldy. We also provide a free-of-charge multisizer service so you can get a reasonable estimate of your size from home. Our in-person consultations provide the ideal opportunity to confirm your measurements with professional sizers and our considerable experience at your disposal.

In Summary
Getting the right ring size makes all the difference. Here’s a summary of steps to help you measure accurately for a comfortable and secure ring fit.

  • Decide on your ring finger (traditionally the fourth).
  • Use sizers that match the width of your your chosen ring.
  • Take account of the ring's weight, which affects how securely it stays in place.
  • Consider your knuckle size, and finger profile.
  • Have in mind any weight and lifestyle changes you may be planning.
  • Finger size varies with temperature so measure at different times, especially later in the day.
  • For maximum accuracy, use professional ring sizers or seek expert assistance.
  • Planning a surprise? Estimate your partner’s size discreetly - click here.



Written by Paul - Founder of WOOLTON & HEWITT and LGBTQ+ wedding jewellery specialist
Reviewed by the WOOLTON & HEWITT workshop and design teams



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