You have found your dream ring online, but you have no idea of your ring size. Here are three reliable methods to help you find your perfect fit before purchasing a beautiful antique or estate piece.
Why Ring Size Matters
A ring that's too tight can be uncomfortable and difficult to remove, while one that's too loose risks slipping off and being lost. Antique and estate rings are often one-of-a-kind pieces that can't simply be exchanged for another size, so getting your measurement right from the start is especially important.
Method 1: The String or Paper Strip Method
This is the most popular at-home method and requires only a few household items.
What you'll need: A thin strip of paper or piece of string, a pen or marker, and a ruler.
- Cut a thin strip of paper (about 1cm wide) or use a piece of string approximately 10cm long.
- Wrap it snugly around the base of the finger you intend to wear the ring on. Make sure it's comfortable — not too tight, not too loose.
- Mark the point where the paper or string overlaps with a pen.
- Lay it flat against a ruler and measure the length in millimetres. This is your finger's circumference.
- Use the ring size chart below, to convert your circumference measurement to your ring size.
Tip: Measure your finger at the end of the day when fingers tend to be slightly larger due to warmth and activity. Avoid measuring when your hands are cold, as fingers can be up to half a size smaller.
Method 2: Use an Existing Ring
If you already own a ring that fits the intended finger perfectly, this is the quickest method.
- Place the ring on a flat, white piece of paper and trace the inside of the band with a pencil.
- Measure the diameter of the circle (straight across the centre) in millimetres.
- Use a ring size conversion chart to find your size based on the inner diameter.
Tip: Make sure you're measuring the inside diameter, not the outside of the band.
Method 3: Download a Ring Sizer
Many jewellers offer printable ring sizer tools online. Simply print the page at 100% scale (do not scale to fit), cut out the sizer, and follow the instructions. These are particularly handy as they often include both circumference and diameter measurements alongside the corresponding ring sizes.
Australian Ring Size Chart
Ring sizes in Australia follow the UK alphabetical system. Here's a quick reference guide:
| Inside Diameter (mm) | Inside Circumference (mm) | Australian / UK Size |
|---|---|---|
| 14.9 | 46.8 | H |
| 15.3 | 48.0 | I |
| 15.7 | 49.3 | J |
| 16.1 | 50.6 | K |
| 16.5 | 51.9 | L |
| 16.9 | 53.1 | M |
| 17.3 | 54.4 | N |
| 17.7 | 55.7 | O |
| 18.1 | 56.9 | P |
| 18.5 | 58.2 | Q |
| 18.9 | 59.5 | R |
| 19.4 | 60.8 | S |
Tips for Antique & Estate Rings
Antique rings often have narrower or wider bands than modern rings, which can affect fit. As a general rule:
- Wide bands (over 6mm) tend to fit more snugly — consider going up half a size.
- Narrow bands (under 4mm) may feel looser — your standard size should work well.
- Some antique rings can be resized by a skilled jeweller, but others — particularly those with intricate engraving, etching, or gemstones set around the band — may have limitations. Always ask before purchasing.
Still Not Sure? We're Here to Help
At The Estate, we understand that buying an antique or estate ring online requires a little extra confidence. If you're unsure of your size or have questions about whether a particular piece can be resized, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're always happy to help.