Antique Ring Sizing Guide

Finding your size

The most reliable method is free: any jeweler will measure your finger in a few minutes. If that is not practical, contact us once your order is placed and we will ship you a ring sizing tool to measure yourself at home.

Printable paper sizers and string methods are approximate at best. We do not recommend making a purchase decision on one alone.

Measure at the right moment

Fingers change through the day. They swell in heat, after exercise, after salt, and late in the evening. They shrink in cold. Measure at the end of the day at normal room temperature, and measure the hand you will actually wear the ring on — for most people the dominant hand is slightly larger.

Buying as a gift

Borrow a ring the recipient already wears on the correct finger and get that measured locally, or tell us and we will help you choose a piece that can be safely sized after delivery.

Resizing an antique piece

Please let us know which piece and what size you need it to be, and we will let you know if there are any difficulties to note.

What usually cannot be resized

• Eternity bands — stones run the full circumference, so there is nothing to cut and rejoin.
• Enameled or carved shanks — resizing modifies the design that makes the ring what it is.
• Designer jewelry with signatures on the bottom of the shank — if you are thinking of sizing a signed piece, we will let you know if the signature will be impacted, and if this becomes a final sale.

Every listing states the current size. If you want to know whether a specific piece can be sized, ask before you buy and we will tell you honestly — including when the answer is no. When it is, a bespoke ring made to your size can be the better route.

Timing and cost

Resizing is complimentary with purchase. However, in case of a return, a $150 fee is deducted from your total refund amount. Typical turnaround is 5 business days once the piece is with our bench.

Bracelets, necklaces and earrings

Bracelet and necklace lengths are listed on each piece. Chains can often be shortened. Earring fittings can sometimes be converted — for example screw-back to post — but conversion is irreversible on a vintage piece, so we treat it as a considered decision, not a default.

Ask us first

If you are between sizes, unsure, or buying blind, email sasha@zhivajewelry.com before ordering. It is much easier to get this right up front than to alter a vintage or antique fine jewel twice.