Rings

How Do You Find Your Ring Size at Home?

Wrap a thin strip of paper around the base of the finger, mark where it meets and measure the length in millimeters: that is the circumference, and it converts straight to a US size. A size 5 measures about 49.3 mm around, a 6 about 51.9, a 7 about 54.4, an 8 about 57.0, a 9 about 59.5 and a 10 about 62.1. Take the measurement late in the day, when fingers are at their largest, and if the strip has to pass a wide knuckle, size to the knuckle rather than the base. Wide bands sit snugger than thin ones at the same size, so if your strip falls between sizes, go up for wide baguette bands, keep onyx signets snug so the heavy stone stays centered on the finger, and size slimmer halo and wave rings to your measurement. Most fixed rings are cut in whole sizes only, which makes a careful measurement worth the couple of minutes it takes.

How to Build a Ring Stack That Works

A good stack has one star and a small supporting cast. Put a stone ring in the middle, a halo or a baguette, and frame it with plain metal such as a zigzag band, so texture carries the stack while the stone keeps the focus. A wave ring's curve adds movement beside straight bands, which keeps a stack from looking like a row of washers. Keep the metal consistent too: rings in the same plating agree with each other and with a pendant in that finish, while a silver tone ring shines brightest on the other hand, on its own. Rings stacked on a single finger look best when each is slim, so give a wide baguette band a finger to itself.

When Does a Statement Ring Make Sense?

A statement ring earns the name by being the sole big thing on the hand. An onyx signet with a cushion stone on a sculpted band is large enough to be noticed across a dinner table. Wear it on the middle or index finger and leave that hand otherwise bare, so the stone has room to be the point. Black onyx works with a black dress and with denim alike, while green onyx brings a jolt of color to a neutral outfit. Keep the earrings small, studs rather than drops, and the whole look stays sharp instead of busy. A statement ring also makes a confident gift for someone whose style you know well, because a big stone is an opinion worn every day.

Gold plated pendants to echo a ring are in Necklaces, and how solid gold, gold filled and gold plated pieces differ is set out in Jewelry.