You’re ready to propose, you’ve picked the place, the words, maybe even the photographer. But there’s one last mystery to solve: how do you find out their ring size without ruining the surprise?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common challenges people face when planning a surprise proposal. After all, you want the moment to be magical, and that includes presenting a ring that fits perfectly. The good news is: there are several creative, subtle ways to figure out your partner’s ring size without giving anything away.
Let’s dive into how to do it like a pro.
1. Borrow a Ring They Already Own
If your partner wears rings, this method is one of the easiest and most accurate. Look for a ring they wear on the ring finger of their right hand or better yet, the left hand, if they ever wear one there.
When they’re not paying attention, quietly borrow the ring and bring it to a jeweler to be sized. Jewelers can measure the diameter and give you the exact ring size.
If taking it out of the house isn’t an option, try one of these workarounds:
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Trace the inside and outside of the ring on a piece of paper
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Press it gently into a bar of soap or clay to make a mold
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Slide it onto one of your fingers and mark how far it goes down
Just make sure to return the ring before they notice!
2. Ask a Friend or Family Member to Help
This is where a trusted friend, sibling, or parent comes in handy. They can bring up ring sizes casually in conversation, take them shopping “just for fun,” or even organize a girls’ night with ring try-ons.
Because it doesn’t come from you, it won’t raise red flags. Many proposals have been pulled off with the help of a friend who knew exactly what size to pass along without the bride-to-be suspecting a thing.
Bonus tip: If your partner has ever talked about rings with friends, they may have already shared their size!
3. Use a Ring Sizer While They Sleep
Okay, this one requires stealth and a deep sleeper. You can order a plastic ring sizing tool or printable sizing strip online and, late at night or early in the morning, gently slip it onto their ring finger while they’re asleep.
If they start to stir, play it cool. It might not work for everyone, but if you think you can pull it off, it can be surprisingly effective.
4. Compare Their Finger to Yours
A simple, clever trick: compare the size of their ring finger to one of your fingers while holding hands or cuddling. For example, if her ring finger seems to match the size of your pinky, head to a jeweler and ask them to measure your pinky.
They can then convert it into a women’s ring size and adjust slightly based on average differences. It’s not 100% exact, but it gets you close.
5. Go “Window Shopping” Without Making It Obvious
This tactic works well if you two have casually talked about marriage before. Pretend you’re just being silly or curious, and say something like,
“If we ever got engaged, what kind of rings would you like?”
Make it lighthearted and low-pressure. If you’re already out shopping or walking past a jewelry store, pause to try things on “for fun.”
You can watch which rings they gravitate toward and some stores will record ring size for future reference, even if you don’t make a purchase that day.
6. Check Any Online Orders They’ve Placed
If your partner has bought rings online before, check if they have an old jewelry box, order receipt, or email confirmation lying around. Some online stores even list the size next to the item number or in the subject line of shipping emails.
It’s a bit of digital sleuthing but it can yield accurate results without a hint of suspicion.
7. Use an Adjustable Ring for the Proposal
Still unsure? There’s a solution: propose with a temporary or adjustable ring, then bring your partner in afterward for a custom fitting.
Some couples choose a symbolic ring for the proposal then come in together to design or select the final one. Not only does it take the pressure off guessing, but it also lets them have a hand in choosing a design they’ll wear forever.
FWCJ offers resizing services, so if your dream ring is slightly off, we can fine-tune the fit afterward without a problem.
Final Advice: Don’t Let Sizing Stress Steal the Moment
Your proposal is about love, commitment, and creating a moment to remember not whether the ring fits perfectly the first time. By using one (or a combination) of these methods, you can keep the surprise intact and feel confident your ring will fit beautifully.
If you want help with sizing, customization, or choosing the perfect engagement ring, the expert jewelers at FWCJ are ready to guide you.
Schedule an appointment or stop by our store to get started.
FAQs: How to Find Their Ring Size Without Asking
How can I figure out someone’s ring size without asking?
You can borrow one of their rings, ask a trusted friend, trace a ring on paper, compare fingers, or even measure while they sleep. If in doubt, lean toward slightly larger — resizing down is easier than stretching up.