Thinking of buying a ring? Well you’ve come to the right place. Allum & Sidaway is an award-winning jeweller, offering exemplary service and a luxury retail experience. We have been established in Salisbury for over 40 years and now have a notable grade II listed period building, offering two luxurious floors showcasing fine jewellery, a brand boutique, bridal lounge, watch gallery and Prosecco bar.
Size does matter, especially when purchasing a ring, so we’d like to invite you to visit us in one of our five beautiful stores. We have a highly trained sales team, who would be happy to show you our exquisite collection of rings, measure your finger precisely and guide you through the process of selecting the correct size and fit for you.
If you are buying a ring for someone else, or planning a surprise proposal, come in and talk to us about how to choose the perfect ring. We are so much more than a jeweller, we are experts in the wedding and jewellery business, rest assured that we can answer any question you may have about the purchase or sizing of your ring.
If visiting one of our stores isn’t an option for you, worry not, we have prepared some helpful ‘how to’ tips to assist you in choosing the correct ring size.
When to measure your finger
Because fingers change in size, depending on the temperature and the time of the day, it is best to avoid measuring your fingers in the morning, or when they are cold. We recommend taking measurements at the end of the day, when your fingers will be at their largest.
How to measure your finger
Having your precise ring size measured by a professional is what we recommend, however, it is possible to estimate your ring size at home by following these simple steps:
1) Cut a strip of paper, no wider than 1.4 cm (0.5 inch).
2) Wrap it around the base of your finger to make a circle.
3) Make sure the circle slides easily over your knuckle.
4) Take a pen and mark the paper where it overlaps to form a circle.
5) Measure the length of the paper, from the start to the pen mark.
6) Take at least 3 different measurements to ensure you are accurate.
7) Compare your measurement to the chart below to find your ring size.
UK Ring Size Guide
In the UK, ring sizes are measured on an alphabetic scale from A to Z, with half sizes in between. The vast majority of women’s fingers, for engagement or wedding rings, fall into the average size of M or N, with the most commonly purchased engagement ring size, for women in the UK, being size L for ‘love’.
Tips for a ensuring a perfect fit
Online templates – There are lots of printable ring size templates available online, although we do not recommend using them. Printing can alter the scale and adjust the size of the pictures, so we suggest using these with caution.
Band size – If you prefer wider styles, take into consideration that the wider the band the tighter it will fit. So, choose a slightly larger size for a ring that has a wide band.
Season – We’ve recommended measuring your fingers in the evening, when they are at their largest, but seasonal temperature changes will also affect the size of your fingers, Summer and Winter especially. Keep this in mind when choosing your ring size, so that your ring isn’t uncomfortable to wear in the Summer months.
Fit – If your measurement falls between two sizes it is advisable to opt for the larger size. For a comfortable fit you will want a ring that is easy to slide on over your knuckle, but slightly resistant to being pulled off. You don’t want a ring that cuts off your circulation, or one that falls off your finger.
Resizing - Most rings can be resized but remember that a ring set with multiple stones or a pattern all the way around it are less likely to be easily adjusted.
Jewellery repairs and alterations
If your ring does need resizing, we have a team of highly skilled technicians at Allum & Sidaway, who can carry out everyday repairs and alterations, including sizing, soldering, replacing stones and repairing worn settings. If you are purchasing one of our exquisite preowned rings, or need alterations to an antique ring, we can assist you in making the right decisions to ensure a perfect fit.
Make it a day to remember!
If you are planning a wedding, why not make your ring buying extra special. Come and have a complimentary glass of bubbly while we measure your finger and help you choose the perfect engagement ring, wedding rings, or gifts for the wedding guests. We promise to give you the time and attention you deserve as you choose your rings in our luxurious surroundings.
Whether you want to purchase, resize, value or repair a ring, Allum & Sidaway have the skills and experience to meet your needs. We look forward to welcoming you into one of our beautiful stores.