The Ultimate Guide to Determining Your Partner's Ring Size for a Surprise Proposal

Congratulations! You’ve decided to pop the question and embark on an incredible journey with your partner. One of the essential elements of a perfect proposal is the ring, and getting the right size is key. But how do you figure out your partner’s ring size without ruining the surprise? Here are some clever, covert methods to ensure your proposal goes off without a hitch.

If your partner frequently wears rings, you’re in luck. Borrow one of their rings that fits snugly on the finger you intend to place the engagement ring. Here’s how you can do it:

1.  Trace the Ring:  Take the ring and trace its inner circumference onto a piece of paper.

2.  Measure:  Slide the ring down one of your fingers and mark where it stops. This will give you a rough estimate.

3.  Photograph It:  Place the ring over a millimeter ruler and snap an aerial photo. Jewelers can use the inside diameter to determine the size.

4.  Use a Ring Sizer:  Many jewelers provide at-home ring sizers that you can use to measure the borrowed ring accurately.

Remember to return the ring before your partner notices it's missing!

Printable ring sizing charts are a great tool to determine the ring size without needing to visit a jeweler. Simply print one out, place a ring that fits well onto the different sizes on the chart, and match it to the correct size. Make sure your printer settings are accurate to avoid discrepancies.

Hold your partner’s hand and subtly compare their fingers to yours. For example, if their ring finger is about the same size as your pinky, you can use that as a reference. This method isn’t foolproof, but it can give you a good starting point.

If your partner is a deep sleeper, you can gently wrap a piece of string or a strip of paper around their ring finger and mark where it overlaps. Measure the length and compare it to a standard ring size guide. Just be careful not to wake them up!

Sometimes, you can estimate ring size by simply looking at your partner’s hands. Jewelers can often gauge the size by considering factors like height, finger proportions, and how other rings fit. You can even bring a photo of your partner’s hand to the jeweler for a more accurate guess.

If you’re comfortable involving someone else, ask a friend or family member who is close to your partner. They might already know the ring size or can find out without raising suspicion. You can also enlist their help in taking your partner ring shopping under the guise of looking for a gift for someone else or engagement ring for the friend.

If one of your friends is recently engaged, ask them to let your partner try on their ring. This way, you can see if it fits or get a ballpark size. Your partner might even mention their ring size during the conversation.

If the surprise element is becoming stressful, consider proposing with a temporary setting by ordering a size 6 (we offer free resizing). This ensures a perfect fit and gives your partner a chance to choose their preferred style. 

Sometimes, the best way to find the perfect ring size is by consulting a professional. Talk to Michelle or other experts at Berlinger Jewelry for personalized assistance. They have the expertise and tools to measure accurately, ensuring a perfect fit for that special moment.

To ensure you find the perfect fit, Berlinger offers a plastic ring sizing tool. Loop it around the finger, pull until snug, and check the size indicated by the black arrow. The ring should move over the knuckle but feel tight when doing so. Our sizer shows full, half, and quarter sizes and ships within 48 hours.

For the most accurate measurement:

• Size the exact finger for the ring, as hands and fingers are not identical.

• Measure at room temperature.

• Measure multiple times on different days.

Berlinger offers one complimentary resize for all US customers, except for eternity rings and some hand-engraved designs. Custom, modified, and engraved rings may incur fees.

•  Don’t Borrow a Random Ring:  Different fingers have different sizes, so make sure the ring you borrow is from the correct finger.

•  Don’t Borrow a Favorite Ring:  Choose a ring your partner won’t miss to avoid raising suspicion.

•  Don’t Involve Too Many People:  The more people involved, the higher the risk of spoiling the surprise.

•  Don’t Overcomplicate Things:  Stick to simple, discreet methods to avoid unnecessary stress.

 Don’t Forget to Double-Check:  Accuracy is key, so measure more than once to be sure.

The sentiment behind the proposal is what truly matters, so don’t stress too much about getting everything perfect. With a bit of creativity and planning, you can find your partner’s ring size and keep the proposal a surprise. Good luck, and happy proposing!

For more tips and tools, visit or ring size guide, to help you find the perfect ring size. You’ve got this!