Buying a ring online comes with one nagging question: what if it doesn't fit? The good news is you don't need a jeweller or a fancy gadget to get it right. With a strip of paper and a ruler, you can find your ring size at home in a couple of minutes.
Here's exactly how to do it, plus a few honest tips that most sizing guides skip.
Why getting the size right matters
A ring that's too tight is uncomfortable and hard to remove. One that's too loose will spin, slide and eventually go missing down a drain. Because every ring we make is hand-finished in small runs, a good fit from the start saves you the back-and-forth of an exchange — and means you can wear it straight away.
Method 1: The paper strip method
This is the most reliable at-home option.
- Cut a thin strip of paper or string, about 10 cm long.
- Wrap it around the base of the finger you want to fit. Snug, not tight.
- Mark where the strip overlaps with a pen.
- Lay it flat against a ruler and measure the length in millimetres. That number is your finger's circumference.
- Match it to a ring size chart (most charts list circumference in mm against AU/US sizes).
Quick reference for common sizes:
- 49.3 mm ≈ AU/UK size J ½ (US 5)
- 51.9 mm ≈ AU/UK size L ½ (US 6)
- 54.4 mm ≈ AU/UK size N ½ (US 7)
- 57.0 mm ≈ AU/UK size P ½ (US 8)
(Use these as a guide — always check the full chart on the product page before ordering.)
Method 2: Measure a ring you already own
If you have a ring that fits the same finger well:
- Lay it on a ruler and measure the inside diameter straight across, edge to edge, in millimetres.
- Match that diameter to a size chart.
This works best with a plain band. Wide or chunky rings sit differently, so measure one with a similar width to the style you're after.
The tips most guides leave out
A few things genuinely change your size, and they're worth knowing before you order:
- Time of day matters. Fingers swell slightly through the day and in heat. Measure in the late afternoon or evening for a more realistic fit — especially here in the tropical north, where warm weather puffs your hands a little.
- Cold hands run small. If your hands are cold, your reading will be a half-size too small. Warm up first.
- Wider bands fit tighter. A bold, wide band needs a touch more room than a fine one. If you're between sizes on a chunky design, size up.
- Knuckles count. If your knuckle is much wider than the base of your finger, measure both and choose something in between, so the ring slides over the knuckle but still sits snug.
What if I'm between two sizes?
Round up. A slightly loose ring is far easier to live with than one you can't get past your knuckle. If you're ordering a stacking style you plan to wear with others, a hair of extra room also makes layering more comfortable.
Frequently asked questions
Can I measure my ring size with a printable chart? Yes, but only if you print at 100% scale (no "fit to page"). A mismeasured printout is worse than a paper strip, so check the scale against a ruler first.
Do ring sizes differ between Australia and the US? Yes. Australia and the UK use letters (J, L, N…), while the US uses numbers. Always confirm which system a size chart is using before you order.
My finger size changes day to day — is that normal? Completely. Temperature, salt, heat and time of day all shift it slightly. Measure a couple of times across different days and go with the most common reading.
Ready to find the one?
Once you know your size, the rest is the fun part. Every River Nomad piece is designed in Cairns and hand-finished, made to be worn every day — through saltwater, sand and everything in between.
Still unsure between two sizes? Get in touch and we'll help you choose before you order.
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