If trying to guess ring size, better to err on the side of smaller or larger?

[TFantino]

Been lurking here for the last little while, so I thought I would poke my head out of the water with a question for the guys and gals.

I''m about to take that big step with a girl I''ve known for many years. Now the major problem is I don''t know her ring size... she doesn''t wear rings that I can use as a gauge, and when I once asked her many moons ago she wouldn''t reveal her ring size.

I will attempt a best guess based on a friend''s hand... but in any case, is it better to buy a ring that when put on her finger (initially) is too large or too small. My guess is to go bigger as one really doesn''t want to fight and try to get a ring on if it is too small.

Also is it common practice for dealers to allow you to exchange for a proper-sized setting (rather than stretching/cutting to manually changing the size)... that is if the setting is a standard "off the shelf" setting (ie. a Tiffany-style mount)?

Any insight is greatly appreciated.

 

[Pandora II]

Depending on the setting you are buying, be careful as some are very hard to size up or down.

Why don''t you buy a cheap temporary setting to propose with and then shop for the setting together afterwards - or just propose with the stone on it''s own?

 

[ladyciel]

Erring larger is probably best, as you guessed. As for exchanging VS resizing, you probably have to talk to your jeweler for a good answer on that. It''s the type of policy that probably depends on the store. Since most tiffany style settings are ordered from a big supplier''s catalog, it''s most likely a matter of whether or not the store is willing/able to find a use for the returned ring. As for resizing concerns, I don''t think you need to worry too much as long as the ring isn''t too far from the right size to begin with. My jeweler told me that regardless of whether the ring needs to be bigger or smaller, they always cut the chank. It''s just a matter of whether they add or take away metal. She said stretching was a wide misconception, but I don''t know - maybe some places use that method?

 

[neatfreak]

First, make SURE that the setting can be sized. For example, most eternity bands can''t be sized.

Once you know that your choice can be sized, it''s better to err a bit larger. Think about it, if you propose, and it''s too small, you won''t even be able to slide it on her finger. If it''s big, at least you can still slide it on her finger when you propose.

But I would try to get her real size. Get a friend to take her to the mall and casually suggest that SHE wants to go check out rings. Guaranteed your GF will try on some too (no girl can resist!) and voila, you will have her real ring size.

 

[TFantino]

Thanks for everybody''s input.

I know I go against the opinion of many here, but I am probably going to buy at the "Blue Box" store. Almost 10 years ago we were in NYC at T&C (just as two wide-eyed twenty-somethings)... so there is a sentimental link that I want to work with.

Is anybody familiar with their policy in regards to the above... I am planning on the 6-prong Tiffany setting (round stone), so does anybody happen to know if they have temporary settings that mimic the real thing?