Measuring Ring Size: In Two Minutes to the Right Size
Opal knowledge · Rings
The most common reason a ring goes back
Measuring your ring size takes two minutes and still decides whether a ring gets worn or sent back. With an opal ring a second question comes in that many overlook: the setting decides whether the stone survives daily life. Below are three ways to measure, the German size table and the settings that suit a soft stone like opal.
The essentials in two sentences: The German ring size is the inside circumference in millimetres. So size 54 means 54 mm circumference. Measure in the evening, when fingers are at their thickest, and if in doubt go half a size up. For an opal the bezel setting is the choice best suited to daily wear, because a rim of metal protects the stone all round.
How do you measure your ring size correctly?
With a ring that fits
The most accurate method. Lay an existing ring on a ruler and measure the inside diameter in millimetres. Multiply it by 3.14 to get the ring size. Example: 17.2 mm times 3.14 is about 54.
With a strip of paper
Cut a strip about 1 cm wide, lay it snugly around the finger, mark the point where it overlaps and measure the length in millimetres. This value is the ring size. Important: the strip has to pass over the knuckle.
At the jeweller
Measured with a set of ring gauges, it takes a minute and costs nothing. The safest option, especially before an expensive purchase.
The most important note
Measure in the evening and at normal room temperature. Fingers are narrower in the morning and swell over the course of the day, and further in warmth. Measure in the morning and you order too small.
Which ring size belongs to which circumference?
In Germany the ring size corresponds to the inside circumference in millimetres. The diameter follows from it arithmetically.
| Ring size (circumference) | Inside diameter | Roughly comparable |
|---|---|---|
| 48 | 15.3 mm | very narrow |
| 50 | 15.9 mm | narrow |
| 52 | 16.6 mm | narrow to medium |
| 54 | 17.2 mm | most common women's size |
| 56 | 17.8 mm | medium |
| 58 | 18.5 mm | medium to broad |
| 60 | 19.1 mm | most common men's size |
| 62 | 19.7 mm | broad |
| 64 | 20.4 mm | broad |
| 66 | 21.0 mm | very broad |
Which measuring mistakes happen most often?
Before you order
Tap what applies to you.
Which setting does an opal need?
This is where it matters particularly for opal. At a Mohs hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 it is softer than sapphire or diamond, and the setting decides how much of daily life reaches the stone.
Bezel setting
Recommendation for daily wear
A continuous rim of metal encloses the stone and stands slightly proud. Knocks meet the metal first. The stone sits lower and is protected all round.
Advantage: maximum protection, no edges to catch.
Disadvantage: slightly less light from the side.
Claw setting
Shows more, protects less
Four to six slim claws hold the stone, it lies exposed and catches light from all sides. The play of colour looks livelier as a result.
Advantage: more light, a more delicate look.
Disadvantage: edges lie exposed, and claws can loosen over the years.
Channel setting
For small stones in a row
The stones sit in a continuous groove between two metal rails, without individual claws. Suitable for narrow rows of opal, not for a large solitaire.
Tension setting
Not suitable for opal
The stone is held by the tension of the metal alone. That needs a very hard stone and is not a good idea with opal.
With us opals are mostly set in bezels, because they are meant to be worn every day. Have a look: all opal rings, rings in gold or rings in silver.
Can an opal ring be resized?
In part, and that is an important difference from rings with hard stones.
A plain band without stones at the sides can be widened or narrowed by one to two sizes. The goldsmith cuts the band, adds or removes material and solders it back together.
Rings with stones all the way round, with engraving in the band or with a very broad shank. And: soldering creates heat. An opal has to be unsetfor that, otherwise it takes damage.
How do you measure in secret if it is a gift?
Borrow a ring
The safest way. Take a ring worn on the right finger, measure the inside diameter, put it back.
An impression in soap
Press the borrowed ring into a bar of soap and measure the impression. Works if you only have the ring in your hand briefly.
Size unknown? Necklace, or send the ring size later
Honestly the best advice for gifts: necklaces and earrings always fit. More on this in giving an opal as a gift.
The mistake you are most likely to make
Do not measure in the morning and not straight after exercise. Your fingers are narrowest in the morning and thickest after exertion, and half a size can lie between the two. Measure in the evening at normal room temperature, and if your knuckle is noticeably thicker than the finger, go by the knuckle. A ring that will not pass the knuckle is no use to you, however perfectly it sits below it.
Common questions about ring size
How do you measure your ring size?
Most accurately with a ring that already fits you: measure the inside diameter in millimetres and multiply it by 3.14. Alternatively lay a strip of paper around the finger and measure the length in millimetres; that value is the ring size.
What does the German ring size mean?
It corresponds to the inside circumference of the ring in millimetres. So size 54 means 54 mm circumference, which gives about 17.2 mm inside diameter.
Which setting is best for an opal?
The bezel setting, in which a rim of metal encloses the stone all round and absorbs knocks. Claw settings show more of the stone but protect it less.
Can you have an opal ring resized?
Usually yes, by one to two sizes, provided the band is plain and without stones. Important: the opal has to be unset before soldering, because it does not tolerate strong heat.
Does the ring width matter?
Yes. A broad ring sits tighter than a narrow one of the same size.
How do you measure ring size for a thumb ring?
The same way, just on the thumb. Reckon on about four to six sizes more than on the ring finger.
If you are unsure or have questions, you are welcome to contact us at any time, even if you did not buy the opal from us. Contact form, email cs@libertyangels.de or call +49 171 1603048.
Verified authenticity
by Liberty Angels
Only natural, genuine opals. Each certificate is linked online to your order, so it is tamper-proof.
Written by Anton Kehler
Gründer FAERELLI & Liberty Angels
