Clever Ways to Find Out Your Partner’s Ring Size for a Surprise Proposal

Now that you’ve found your soulmate and feel ready to pop that magical question, it’s time to find the perfect engagement ring. As you prepare to amaze the love of your life with a romantic proposal, you're certainly not alone in wondering how to find your partner's ring size while maintaining the surprise. With all the details involved in your journey to find the perfect engagement ring, determining your partner’s ring size is probably the trickiest aspect. That’s why we have compiled this practical guide with tips to help you find their ring size while your other half remains none-the-wiser.  

Ask One of Your Partner’s Friends or a Family Member to Help You 

Enlisting the help of friends or family can be a relatively simple solution to this dilemma. It's quite likely that they've discussed engagement rings and ring sizes at some point. In some cases, they might have even tried on your partner’s rings, which could give them an idea of their ring size. Even though friends and family can be an excellent resource, asking for their help may not be the most foolproof method. Unless a friend or family member is confident about your partner's ring size, your estimation might only be reasonably accurate. The crucial factor here is that you must have complete trust in your friends and family to keep your proposal a secret. The worst-case scenario would be for someone to inadvertently reveal your surprise plan. If you are well-acquainted with your partner’s friends and family and have confidence in their ability to keep a secret, seeking their guidance could be a viable option to explore.  

Borrow One of Your Partner’s Rings for Reference 

Go into your partner’s jewelry box or wherever they store their jewelry, and borrow a ring, preferably one they wear on their ring finger, to determine their ring size. While taking something without their knowledge isn't typically advised, it's an exception that can be made only for a special cause like this. The key is to be subtle when borrowing the ring. Pay attention to where they typically keep their rings, whether it's in a jewelry box or on the nightstand when they shower or get ready. Choose a moment when you have enough time to avoid the risk of them returning while you're still holding the ring. Identifying which finger and hand they typically wear the ring on is important for several reasons. They may have slightly different sizes on their dominant hand than they do on their non-dominant hand. Sharing this information with a jeweler can help them estimate the ring size based on their customary finger and hand. 

Once you’ve snagged the ring, you can bring it to a jeweler for sizing, or you can order a ring sizer online and learn how to measure it at home. If you have a limited amount of time, you can trace the center perimeter of the ring on a piece of paper to show a jeweler. This traced circle can assist jewelers in determining the ring's size when you take it to them. Although this can be helpful, it’s important to be aware that the latter technique may not provide you with the most accurate results, so proceed with caution. For the most precise measurements, it's advisable to have the ring professionally sized using specialized tools available at a jewelry store. 

Incorporate the Question Into a Conversation Without Being Obvious   

Trying to find out someone’s ring size discreetly without them catching on is a bit of a challenge. If you believe you can subtly ask for their ring size during a conversation without giving away your actual intentions, this method is a great way to discover their ring size. You can get creative when introducing the topic to your conversation. For example, you could inquire about their ring size, explaining that you plan to buy a ring for your sister, mom, relative, or someone else. Whether you actually purchase the ring is entirely up to you, but you can ask them for their ring size under the pretense of finding the right size for the gift. 

Additionally, if a friend got engaged recently or if you’re attending a wedding together, you could casually mention that you noticed the ring and wonder how the groom managed to determine the correct ring size. As your partner shares their thoughts and theories, they might inadvertently disclose their own ring size. There are a number of ways to go about it; however, just make sure you conduct the conversation in a way that feels natural without raising any suspicion. 

Make a Casual Trip to a Jewelry Store With Your Partner and Buy Them an Inexpensive Ring as a Gift 

Plan a shopping trip and bring your partner along with you. While shopping together, enter an affordable jewelry store and start looking at rings, while explaining that you’re looking for gift ideas for a family member, friend, etc. Draw your partner’s attention to a ring and suggest that they try it on to see if it fits. If it fits them and they really like it, go ahead and purchase it for them as a gift, as long as it fits your budget, considering that a larger purchase will be made in the near future.  

If it doesn’t fit them, you can ask for a fitting on the spot, taking note of the size. This way, you'll discreetly determine their ring size. Using this tactic, they most likely will not catch on to your intentions, keeping your surprise under wraps.  

Here are some essential factors to keep in mind, whether you keep your proposal plans a secret or decide to just ask your partner for their ring size.  

• Before investing in an expensive ring, try to find out what your partner’s aesthetic preferences are first, like which diamond shape, metal type, and setting style they like most. If you’re stumped, ask their friends and family, with whom they may have discussed their preferences already. You can also look for hints on your partner’s social media accounts, especially if they use Pinterest. If you walk around a mall with your partner or pass a jewelry store together, suggest that the two of you browse just for fun. Acting casually about it will prevent your partner from catching on. Take note of the rings that capture their attention during this outing. Even if you don't plan to buy from that specific store, you've gathered valuable insights to make a more informed decision later on.  
  
  

• Since our dominant hand tends to be a bit larger, if you’re measuring or tracing your partner’s ring, make sure it’s a ring that they wear on their left hand to ensure accuracy.  
  

• If you are unable to determine your partner’s exact ring size or measurement, lean towards a slightly larger size to ensure the ring easily slides over their knuckle when you propose. The band size can always be adjusted for a perfect fit later on.    

• Thicker bands offer a snugger fit compared to thinner bands. When borrowing a ring for measurement, ensure it shares a similar width as the ring you intend to purchase.   
  

• For women's rings, the most common size range is typically between 6 and 6.5, while the most common men's ring size is 10.  
  

• Our finger size changes slightly throughout the day due to temperature and various activities. Warmer conditions typically cause fingers to expand slightly, while colder conditions lead to a slight shrinkage.  

Shopping for an engagement ring is no simple task—that's why our customer concierge team is here to answer all your questions and help you find the perfect ring—contact us today! For help with sizing, use our printable ring sizing chart or ask us to send you a free ring sizer to your home address (U.S. only). Chat now to get started.