Engagement rings: how to choose one and find out her size
Elegant engagement rings in medical steel with gold plating and cubic zirconia. Find out how to pick the right ring — and explore the ROTAS69 collection.
Choosing an engagement ring comes down to two tricky questions: how to find out her size without spoiling the surprise, and how much to spend. This guide answers both — plus what to do if the size turns out to be wrong.
How to find out her ring size in secret
It's the most common reason proposals get put off. A few methods that genuinely work:
- Borrow a ring she wears on the ring finger of her right hand — it's usually close to her left-hand size, or one size smaller.
- Measure a ring she already owns by its inner diameter — how to convert that into a size is shown in our size guide, which also has a tool for sizing a ring against your phone screen.
- Ask her sister or a close friend. The most reliable way: they usually know her size and can keep a secret.
- If nothing else works, go for size 16–17 (the most common women's size) and plan to exchange it if needed. The ring stays a surprise, and the size can be changed.
How much to spend
The old “three months' salary” rule is an advertising invention from the last century. In practice, the logic is simpler: the ring should fit into your life, not wreck your budget before the wedding.
Many couples choose a beautiful cubic zirconia ring for the proposal and invest in a diamond or solid gold later, when the budget allows. What cubic zirconia is and how it differs from diamond is explained in our article on cubic zirconia.
Which ring to choose
The simplest guide is what she already wears every day.
If she wears delicate jewellery
A slim band with a single stone. It won't look out of place on her hand and will go with everything she already wears.
If she wears bold jewellery
A larger stone or a ring with a row of stones. Here it can afford to be more eye-catching.
If she works with her hands
A low, smooth profile without a high setting — a raised stone catches on gloves, hair and clothes. You can browse every option in our engagement ring collection.
If the size isn't right
It happens a lot, and it isn't a problem. An unworn ring can be returned or exchanged within 14 days — so you can choose a safe size for the proposal and sort out the fit afterwards, together and without any rush.
Our jewellery care page explains how to look after the ring so it stays looking like new.
Frequently asked questions
How can I find out her ring size without her realising?
The safest way is to borrow a ring she wears and measure its inner diameter; the conversion is in our size guide. The other option is to ask her sister or closest friend.
What is the most common women's ring size?
16–17. If you have nothing else to go on, it's the most sensible guess, and the size can be exchanged later.
Is a cubic zirconia ring suitable for a proposal?
Yes. Cubic zirconia sparkles much like a diamond and costs a fraction of the price — many couples start with one and come back to a more expensive ring later.
Can I exchange the ring if the size is wrong?
Yes, an unworn ring can be returned or exchanged within 14 days.
