Congratulations! You've found the person you want to spend the rest of your life with but now you need to find the perfect engagement ring to propose with. We know buying a ring for someone else can be stressful, (not to mention trying to do it as a surprise with no idea of your partner's ring size!) so we're here to help. We've put together our top tips for how to work out someone's ring size in secret! Do bear in mind that these tips are a guide - none will give you a perfectly accurate size, quite like visiting a store and getting their ring finger sized (sorry guys!). Unless you have their actual ring size, or a ring they wear on their wedding ring finger already, all of these tips come with a little uncertainty, but they'll get you close! However, if you're planning on a romantic surprise here are 6 ways to work out someone's ring size without them knowing...

1. Pinch a Ring

Borrow one of their rings and take it to a jeweller. Make sure you borrow a ring that your other half wears on a similarly sized finger and hand. This is important because our dominant hand tends to be larger than the less dominant hand. If it's a ring your partner is precious about, carefully assess the situation to ensure they don't panic if they notice that the ring is missing!

2. Pick up a Pencil

If you're afraid they will notice a ring missing for a few days, trace one of their rings on a piece of paper and take it to a jeweller. On a piece of paper draw a circle on both the inside and outside of the ring.

Top Tip: Most people take rings off to shower, wash dishes or while they sleep, so if you get an opportunity, pounce! You can also press the ring into a bar of soap to make an impression!

3. Try It On For Size

Try on one of your partner's rings on secretly and see if they fit any of your fingers - it doesn't matter if it doesn't go all the way on. Make a mark on your finger where the ring sits, take a snap on your phone for memory (or go straight to the jewellers) and then get your own finger measured!

4. Enlist Some Help

Try to suss out if your soon-to-be-spouse has tried on any of their friends' or family's engagement rings. That way you can ask the friend or family member for advice on how it fit. You can then ask the friend or family member for their ring size as a guide. Alternatively, you can recruit one of their friends or family member to trick them into trying one of their rings for size. They could even pretend they are thinking of passing on a ring to them that they could pretend they no longer wear or is too small.

5. Create a Ruse

This will take a bit of skill to make sure your other half doesn't have you rumbled! You could tell them you are buying a ring for someone else and that you need their help. Have them join you on your shopping trip and try on rings. Or, ask them their own ring size so you can get an idea. Make sure to use all your best acting skills to execute it in a way that is natural and doesn't lead your partner down the path of suspicion!

6. Just Ask

Still not sure? Jus ask! If you and your partner have been discussing marriage for quite some time, why not bite the bullet and ask them directly what their ring size is? You can still have the element of surprise. After all, they don't need to know what style the ring will be, when you’re going to ask, or how! If they don't know their ring size offhand, you can find free printable ring guides and inexpensive ring sizers to buy online, or pop to a nearby jewellers to be sized.

A few last tips for buying an engagement ring when you're not sure of your partner's ring size...

• If you're torn between two ring sizes, opt for the bigger one. It's easier to size down an engagement ring than size up. And even if it's not the perfect fit, your other half will appreciate being able to try it on properly (and take the all-important ring selfie!). Buy a ring guard just in case.
• Remember, if you are proposing with a custom-designed or vintage ring, these can often be final sale and you also may not be able to get the ring resized as part of the original price, if it doesn't fit.
• Before you pop the question, have a plan of action for any potential resizing ready to go. It's easy to let a few days (or even weeks) pass before you get around to having it done, but your partner will be so excited to wear (and show off!) their ring, so resizing needs to be a priority.
• Getting your ring resized shouldn't be too expensive, though the price will depend on any band detailing, stones, or engraving. Prices should start from about €40 for sizing up depending on whether you need to add metal like gold, or whether it has a stone setting.

Further Ring Reading: