Ordering a ring without trying on different widths and thicknesses first can sometimes be tricky. This post is here to help you figure out the dimensions that are right for you. First, it’s helpful to understand the terms that jewelers use in referring to the different aspects of a ring. The images below shows different ring widths, and a diagram illustrating the different dimensions.
So how wide and thick should your ring be? Well, only you can answer that question, but here are a few factors to better guide you.
Wider bands are less comfortable than narrow bands and can be harder to take on and off. Wider bands also fit tighter, so you will often have to size up for a wider band. If you have bigger knuckles than your fingers, a narrower band (4mm and under) is going to fit better because you won’t have to size up as much. But something to note with a bigger knuckle is that you’ll want the band to be as tight as possible going over the knuckle, but that it will probably still feel a little loose once it’s on.
Wider bands are less comfortable than narrow bands and can be harder to take on and off. Wider bands also fit tighter, so you will often have to size up for a wider band. If you have bigger knuckles than your fingers, a narrower band (4mm and under) is going to fit better because you won’t have to size up as much. But something to note with a bigger knuckle is that you’ll want the band to be as tight as possible going over the knuckle, but that it will probably still feel a little loose once it’s on.
There is no right or wrong width for your wedding band even if you are pairing it with a band or engagement ring. You do want to consider the total width of all the rings stacked together and how wide you’d like the total to be. Most commonly, people will match the width of their wedding band to that of the engagement ring, but mixing widths can create a unique look. Stylistically I think it looks best to either go with something that is about the same in width or so that the wider band is at least twice the width as the narrower band.
Thickness plays a significant role in the durability of a ring, and every .25mm added to thickness can increase the durability. We recommend a minimum thickness of 1.5mm for people who do a lot with their hands, or if you want a comfort-fit band. Rings thinner than 1.5mm are more likely to bend or change shape over time. This is not the end of the world since your fingers aren’t actually round. So a ring that becomes slightly oval in shape over time can actually feel a little more comfortable, and most rings can easily be hit back into round by a jeweler in the future.
Thinner bands are often preferred by people who are very sensitive to the feeling of a ring between their fingers, as a thinner band will be less noticeable. Though thinner, slim fitting bands can not have a comfort-fit. However, some people find the thickness required for a comfort-fit to be less comfortable than a slim fitting band. Thinner bands can also feel a little sharper on the edges depending on the shape.
If you are pairing your ring with another ring, it’s a good idea to go for a similar thickness so that one band doesn’t overshadow the other. For example, if your engagement ring is 1.5mm thick, shoot for something at least 1.25mm thick. If your engagement ring is much thicker at the top, then the bottom, you could go for a thickness that matches the middle thickness.
We also have a downloadable .pdf chart that you can print and cut out to try on different widths on you finger -> Ring Width Guide
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