Ring and bangle size: work it out before you fly to Fiji

A ring that's half a size too small is less of a worry when you live around the corner from the shop and can pop back in to ask whether it can be adjusted. It's a different story when you're on a two-week trip home and flying back to Sydney, Auckland, Los Angeles or Vancouver on Sunday. Sorting out sizes before you leave is one of the most useful things you can do.

This guide covers how to measure, why sizes are written differently in different countries, and how to handle a surprise ring.

The best method: use something that already fits

The most reliable way to size a ring or bangle is to start with one that already fits well.

Get a ring sized by a jeweller at home

Take a ring that fits the right finger to a jeweller near you and ask them to measure it on a ring stick (mandrel). Or have your finger measured with a set of sizing rings. Write down the size and which system it's in.

Or bring the ring with you

If you can, pack a ring that fits the finger you're buying for. A jeweller can compare it directly against new rings. That avoids any confusion over size systems altogether.

Measuring at home

If you can't get to a jeweller, these methods give you a useful starting point. They're less precise, so treat the result as a guide.

Measure an existing ring

1. Take a ring that fits the right finger.
2. Measure straight across the inside, edge to edge, in millimetres.
3. Note the inner diameter, and take a photo of the ring next to the ruler.

The paper strip method

1. Cut a thin strip of paper, about 5 mm wide.
2. Wrap it around the base of the finger, snug but not tight.
3. Mark where it overlaps, then lay it flat and measure the length in millimetres. That's the circumference.
4. Check the strip can slide over the knuckle. If the knuckle is larger than the base of the finger, the ring needs to pass over it.

Avoid string; it stretches and gives a less reliable reading. Measure at the end of the day when your hands are warm, and repeat a couple of times.

AU/NZ letters vs US/Canada numbers

Ring sizes are written in different systems depending on where you live:

Where you live	How ring sizes are written
Australia, New Zealand (also UK)	Letters, with half sizes, e.g. "N" or "N½"
USA, Canada	Numbers, with half sizes, e.g. "7" or "7½"

The same finger will have a letter size in Melbourne and a number size in Toronto. Because the two systems don't line up neatly, and conversion charts online vary, we'd rather not give you a chart here. Instead:

• tell us your size and which system it comes from
• give the millimetre measurement too, if you have it
• best of all, bring a ring that fits

That way nothing gets lost in translation.

Bangle sizing by inner diameter

Bangles are a different job. A solid bangle has to go over the widest part of your hand, not just fit the wrist.

How to measure

1. Find a bangle that slips on comfortably, without being so loose that it falls off.
2. Lay it flat and measure straight across the inside at the widest point, in millimetres.
3. That inner diameter is your bangle size. Our printable ring and bangle size guide converts it to the 2.4 / 2.6 / 2.8 sizes and has true-size circles to check against.

Measuring the hand

If you don't have a bangle that fits:

1. Bring your thumb and little finger together, as you would when sliding a bangle on.
2. Wrap a paper strip around the widest part of your hand (usually across the knuckles).
3. Measure that length in millimetres.

Send us this measurement, but a bangle that already fits is still the better guide.

Buying bangles for someone else

Bangles are often bought in sets for weddings and other occasions. If you're buying for a mother, sister or bride-to-be overseas, ask them to measure one of their own bangles before you leave. It's a quick favour that saves a lot of guesswork. Our Fiji Indian wedding jewellery guide has more on planning wedding pieces.

Sizing a surprise engagement ring

Planning to propose on the trip home? Getting the size right without giving the game away takes a little planning.

• Borrow a ring they wear on the ring finger, take it to a jeweller to measure, and put it back before it's missed.
• Trace or measure a ring they wear: trace the inside circle on paper, or measure the inner diameter.
• Ask a trusted friend or sibling who can find out quietly, or who knows their size already.
• Check which hand. A ring from the right hand may not be the same size on the left.

Then bring the ring or the measurement with you. Our diamond engagement ring guide covers choosing the stone, and natural vs lab-grown diamonds explains how to read the certificate.

Call ahead with your sizes

Shreeji Jewellers sells in store only, so the best way to save time is to get in touch before you fly. When you call or email, tell us:

• what you're looking for (an engagement ring, a wedding band, a pair of bangles)
• the size, the size system, and any millimetre measurements
• when you'll be in Nadi

We can let you know what we have in stock in that size. If it's important to you, ask us directly about any other sizing questions before you travel.

Bringing your sizes to Shreeji Jewellers

Bring the ring or bangle that fits, along with a note of the size, the size system and any millimetre measurements, so we can compare it against pieces in the case. If a piece you love is slightly off, ask us whether it can be adjusted before you buy. For the bigger picture on planning your trip, see our guide to buying gold in Fiji.