Measuring ring size secretly: 5 methods that work

The proposal is meant to be a surprise, but without the right ring size you're left the next day with a ring that either slips off or won't fit over the knuckle at all. Fortunately there are several ways to find out the size without your partner noticing a thing. Here are five methods we've repeatedly used in the atelier to get couples to the right size, each with its own strengths and limits.

Method 1: borrow an existing ring

The most reliable method. Briefly borrow a ring already worn on the ring finger, ideally one that's often taken off anyway, for example while showering or exercising. Bring it to our atelier or measure it yourself with a ring gauge: note the inner diameter or inner circumference in millimetres, then put the ring straight back. Important: measure a ring actually worn on the ring finger, not the index finger or thumb, sizes differ noticeably per finger.

Method 2: trace the ring on paper

If you can't or don't want to take the ring out of the house, a copy is enough. Lay the ring flat on a sheet of paper and trace both the inner and outer edge with a fine pen. Bring the paper to us, we'll measure the inner diameter from the drawing and convert it to the Swiss ring size. This method is slightly less precise than direct measuring, but discreet enough to do casually, for example over breakfast together.

Method 3: ask family or close friends

Often someone in your inner circle already knows the size, or at least knows someone with a similar finger shape you could use for reference. Siblings, best friends, or whoever bought or gifted the last ring, are good first stops. This method stays unnoticed by your partner, but relies on a third person's honesty and discretion, which doesn't always hold up.

Method 4: a joint jewellery outing as a cover story

Suggest a visit to a jewellery shop that seemingly has nothing to do with the proposal, for example claiming to look for a gift for a third person with a similar finger size. If your partner spontaneously plays along with a "just try it on for fun", you can see the size directly on the finger or even have the salesperson note it down. This method takes a bit of acting, but works surprisingly often, especially if trying on rings is something you both enjoy anyway.

Method 5: use your own finger as a reference

If none of the other methods are possible, a comparison helps. Notice which of your own fingers a ring of your partner's would roughly fit, if you swap rings for fun sometime, or compare finger thickness side by side, for example while holding hands. This is the least precise of the five methods, but better than pure guessing, and combined with our experience in the atelier, where we can give a first estimate based on height, build and finger shape, it's usually accurate enough for a shortlist.

Combining two methods increases certainty

None of the five methods is completely foolproof on its own, so it's worth combining two if you can, for example borrowing a ring in addition to comparing it with our experience in the atelier. The more clues you bring us, whether a number, a drawing, or simply a description, the more precisely we can suggest a size upfront that you can shortlist with. And if you're unsure which method suits your situation best, just reach out to us beforehand, we've seen plenty of creative solutions and are happy to advise you individually, entirely discreetly and without anyone finding out.

What if you're still not sure

Don't worry if, in the end, no method felt completely certain. Most materials allow a ring to be resized up or down by one or two sizes afterwards, as long as the setting allows it, and we'll talk that through openly with you before you choose the ring. How to roughly determine your own ring size and how the numbers convert between systems is explained in detail in our Swiss ring size chart and in our article on finding your ring size, including further discreet tricks.

And then: the ring itself

With a rough size in your pocket, you can keep browsing with us at ease. At émin, engagement rings start at CHF 1,900, with certified stones and honest advice, at our atelier in Zurich district 4 or by video. Our page on engagement rings in Zurich shows you how an appointment with us works, and our engagement ring budget overview gives you realistic guide prices for planning. And if the size doesn't turn out quite right after the proposal, we're happy to resize the ring together with you afterwards, without any stress.