When a Ring is the Thing
Ever since man has had the notion to wear jewelry, the ring has been one of the most worn adornments of them all. Throughout history we hear of stories related to rings — from paupers to Popes, in movies, books, etc. But, try to buy a ring for a loved one and the problems are immense and confusing.
It should be simple. Most people have all their digits and it is just a round piece of some rare metal carried on a chosen finger.
How many rings were bought as a gift and did not fit the intended receiver? Probably the majority.
Rings are not just for engagements and weddings. There’s a world of various occasions that rings can be given as gifts.
Here is a list (be aware that sizing here is as important as ever):
- A diamond ring can also be given on birthdays especially when reaching certain ages like 21, 40, 65 — special years to remember.
- A ring given on the birth of child will be a cherished reminder of that special day.
- A special day such as an anniversary could be well celebrated with the gift of a diamond ring, especially if renewing vows.
- Why not praise a family member with a graduation gift of a ring engraved with how much they have accomplished?
- Don’t forget Christmas or Hannukkah. Bring in the New Year with a ring (no pun implied)!
- In some countries Mother’s and Father’s Days are celebrated (another ring-giving occasion).
- A Valentine’s Day gift of a special ring will always keep the love fires burning.
- The “just because” gift for her (or him), especially if you took the trouble to get the ring finger size right, will score big brownie points and let them know they are special to you.
If you are intending to buy a ring without the receiver’s knowledge here are some tips. We can probably assume that you (and probably the person you wish to give a ring to), does not know their ring size.
It is not common practice to know one's ring size, so you have a big problem from the start! See elf925.com/Ring-Sizes and bulgari.com for some charts.
Ring sizes come numbered from 3 to 13.5 and relate to millimeter sizes. Example — a size 3 is a circular inner diameter of 14.9 mm no matter how thick the ring may be. For North American women the average size is between 5 and 7 based on the average 5 foot 4 inch (162 centimeter) woman. All rings can be made larger, if necessary.
- If it’s to be a total surprise don’t ask any of his or her friends or family — they will probably spill the beans.
- Try to fit the topic of rings into a discussion or general conversation with the intended giftee or their friends. Most likely the discussion will be about not knowing ring sizes.
- Try to get your hands on an actual ring of theirs. You can bring it to a jeweler and it can be sized there.
- If that’s not possible then with a pencil or pen draw an outline of the ring from the inside and then around the outside. This should be a ring that fits the same finger where you want the ring to sit. Be aware than each person has a dominant hand and this influences the finger size.
- If the gift of a ring is not a surprise, use any of the various ring measuring aids (sizing methods). When measuring your finger and (hers/his) be aware that fingers change in size throughout the day and are smaller when cold, so measure them near the end of the day and when warm.
- Do what carpenters do — measure twice and cut once! In this case measure up to 4 times and if the number is consistent you probably have the right size. Don’t use string or paper it will most likely be an inaccurate measurement
- In all cases be aware that you can’t afford to make mistakes (resizing will cost you money).
- Now that you’ve done all that, be sure the ring is snug enough not to fall off the finger but loose enough to be removed easily.
Here are a variety of rings that are not diamond (and some are really dirt cheap) so that giving a ring as a gift is possible for everyone.
- Lest we forget the bling that rappers wear enthusiastically, bling has it own ring and it’s the Multi-fingered Ring designed to be worn loud and in your face on two, three, or four fingers. Thanks to our hip-hop culture this is trending at the moment. wish.com
- Mood jewelry changes colors with body heat. It's fun jewelry to give. give. In Canada: nogu.ca and nogu.com
- Another weird ring is the Knuckle Ring — too small for most fingers and worn on the fingertip of the second or third knuckle. Teenage girls like to add this ring to conventional rings. wish.com and amazon.ca and amazon.com
- The Mourning Ring in memory of a deceased person has become very popular. A little bit of the ashes or an diamond created from the person’s remains are carried in this ring. bradfordexchange.ca and lifegem.com
- In the Muslim culture, the Agate or Carnelian Ring — known as Aqiq (Aqeeq) — is usually worn by Shiites and refers to Muhammad. etsy.com
- The Friendship Ring is usually inexpensive and given based on a special relationship, either romantic or platonic, but based on a true friendship bond. amazon.ca and amazon.com
- If you know their birthstone month, there are a large variety of rings available. Check out our story on The Meaning of Birthstones. jewlr.ca
- The Class Ring (which almost everyone who graduates from an educational facility gets to purchase) is another item that ring makers love. etsy.com and amazon.ca and amazon.com
- The Poesy Ring is a ring with a lot of engraving, usually poetic. wartski.com
- If you are Irish, you may know of the Claddagh (no idea how to pronounce it) Ring of friendship and seduction. This has been a traditional Irish wedding ring for centuries and mothers have passed these down to their daughters. amazon.ca and amazon.com
- Many rings are costume jewelry, and are mockingly called Cocktail Rings. They are usually less expensive and rather dramatic. They usually have a large center stone surrounded by smaller ones. amazon.ca and amazon.com
- The Signet Ring is not worn much these days but can be an interesting gift. They are usually engraved with the wearer’s initials. Some can carry a family crest. They were often used to stamp a wax seal on a letter. amazon.ca and amazon.com
- The Five Metals Ring which people of the Jewish faith know from the Talmud as a lucky talisman and a Kabbalistic accessory, is said to bless the wearer with great success. The ring must be made with 5 metals (gold, silver, copper, tin,
and lead) and is made only once (or twice) a month when the moon is obscured by Jupitur. As the Talmud says “Carry it on you, and you will see miracles”.
- The Gay Pride Ring is now finally embraced by society. This could be set with seven stones or seven colors to represent the LGBT rainbow flag. It is usually worn on the right hand ring finger. amazon.ca and amazon.com
- Those who call themselves Goths wear Finger Armor Rings that extend from the base of the finger just below the nail or in the middle of the second knuckle with a bending joint. etsy.com and amazon.ca and amazon.com
- The Guard Ring lives up to it's name. It’s a ring much thinner and simpler, made to keep the larger and more beautiful ring from slipping loose and getting lost. etsy.com and amazon.ca and amazon.com
- Many professional and amateur sport teams award rings to their players. Once again size matters. amazon.ca and amazon.com
All the rings pictured above are examples of these mentioned types and all vary in style. Lots to choose from!
Copy these prompts. Paste them into your favorite AI application. Get more information.
On Ring Sizing & Measurement
"What are the most accurate methods for measuring someone’s ring size without them knowing?"
"How do ring sizes vary between countries (e.g., US vs UK vs EU sizes)?"
"Do fingers change size seasonally or with age? How does that affect ring fit?"
"What tools do jewelers use to measure ring size accurately?"
On Cultural & Historical Rings
"What is the history and meaning behind the Claddagh ring?"
"How are mourning rings traditionally made, and what are modern alternatives?"
"What is the significance of the Five Metals Ring in Kabbalah or Jewish tradition?"
"How has the symbolism of rings evolved across different cultures and religions?"
On Types of Rings & Their Meanings
"What are some examples of poesy ring inscriptions from history?"
"How are birthstone rings chosen, and what do different birthstones symbolize?"
"What are the most popular styles of engagement rings in different decades?"
“"How did cocktail rings become fashionable, and who made them popular?"
On Gifting & Occasions
"What are creative ways to gift a ring as a surprise?"
“"How do you choose the right ring for non-romantic occasions like graduations or anniversaries?"
"What should you consider when buying a ring as a ‘just because’ gift?"
On Trends & Modern Styles:
"How has hip-hop culture influenced ring design and wearing trends?"
"What are current trends in men’s rings?"
"How are LGBTQ+ pride rings designed and worn today?"
"What are some popular materials for rings besides gold and diamonds?"
On Practical Considerations
"How much does it typically cost to resize a ring?"
"What are the pros and cons of buying rings online vs. in-store?"
"How do you care for and maintain different types of rings (e.g., silver, gold, costume jewelry)?"
"What should you do if a ring doesn’t fit after purchasing it?"
Some suggested AI sites are: ChatGPT, Claude.ai, Perplexity.ai, Deepseek and others.
By JM Pietron
Photo Credits: See Acknowledgements