Shopping for that perfect ring to go with your perfect proposal can be exciting, especially if you know what she likes. Now if you only knew her ring size.  You don’t want all that planning to get fudged because you bought something that looks like a college football ring on her tiny little finger.  If you want to surprise her with a well-fitted ring, here are a few clever ways to figure it out. 

Family and friends

Ask your girl’s mother or one of her friends if they know her finger size.  If they don’t ask them to bring it up over their next lunch date.  Or, ask one of her engaged friends to let your girlfriend try on her ring.  She won’t think anything of it. 

Use Other Rings

Some girls may not know their ring size – they just try a bunch on and buy whatever fits.  If that’s the case, you’re in luck!  Borrow one of your girlfriend’s rings and take it to the jeweler.  Faster yet, use one of those online sizing charts – you can either print one out or hold the ring up to the screen.  Try to get a ring she wears on her right ring finger, it’ll give you the most accurate estimate.  Keep in mind, her writing hand might be slightly larger than her other hand. 

Trace it

When she takes her rings off at night, snag it for a sec and trace the inside of it onto a piece of paper.  Jewelers can work with that too! 

Is she a deep sleeper?

This requires a steady hand.  See if you can wrap a piece of string or floss around her finger.  It should give you a decent estimate. If you’re not James Bond, maybe offer her an extra glass of wine at dinner, that might help the process along!

Buy a nice (cheap) ring

As a present.  Something like that might get you guys talking about her ring size, and hopefully keep her unaware.  Again, if she has no info to offer, you can at least get a sense of whether you need to go bigger or smaller.

Remember, if the ring isn’t a perfect fit you can always get it sized at the jeweler.  Make sure to ask about the service before you make the purchase.  It’s pretty standard, and should be a nominal fee.  Happy ring hunting!