Sizing

Bracelet sizing

Sizing your wrist is easy, but it helps to have a partner. Ideally, use a fabric measuring tape and measure the complete circumference of the wrist. If you do not have a fabric measuring tape, cut a ribbon of paper lengthwise and wrap it around your wrist so that there are no gaps. Draw a line at any point where the two ends overlap, flatten your paper, and measure the distance between your lines. If you are unable to obtain a measurement, here are some reasonable sizes based on data obtained from The National Bureau of Standards.

Ring sizing

We highly recommend having the wearer’s size professionally measured by a local jeweler. There are several online, do-it-yourself sizing charts available—do NOT use these. If you have used these to determine your size I cannot guarantee the fit of your ring and you will be assessed a fee for resizing your jewelry.

There are several factors that influence a wearer’s ring size that include, but are not limited to: changes in diet, hormonal cycles, pregnancy, weight loss/gain, and seasonal temperature fluctuations. While these changes cannot be accounted for in the initial sizing of your ring, there are several options that are available to maximize the fit of your ring.

Maximizing your comfort

Jewelry is meant to be worn and I strive as a craftsman to make my work as comfortable as possible. For rings, more than any other form of jewelry, the comfort of the piece is influenced by the basic structure of the wearer’s finger. Please include any of the following modifications to the order of the ring so I may tailor the piece to your needs as closely as possible.

Band width

The width of a band should be in proportion to the wearer’s fingers. An excessively thick band may be uncomfortable when fingers are bent or may rub the webbing in between fingers. The width of the band may NOT be changed after the order has been placed.

Band height

Most rings will be less than 3mm (1/8”) in height. Though 3mm seems small, a ring of this height will feel quite substantial on most wearer’s hands. Please be aware of this if you order a ring of greater than 2mm in height.

Band shape

There are several modifications that can be made to a ring’s shape that will influence its overall comfort: overall shape, inner contour, and outer contour.

Overall shape

Not all rings are round! It has been my experience that many people prefer square-shaped rings to the traditional round shape. The square shape is especially helpful for wearers who have thin fingers or large knuckles. A square ring will also be less lively to roll on the wearer’s finger. That said, the square shape will also dramatically alter your ring’s aesthetic. If you think a square shape is right for you please feel free to request this shape during your initial order.

Outer contour

Not only is the outer face of the ring visible, but it also comes into frequent contact with adjacent fingers. When ordering, please specify if you would like the outer contour of your ring to have eased edges (a nearly invisible angle on the band’s outer edges), contoured edges (a gentle rounding of the outer edges which creates a softer aesthetic as well as a more comfortable wear), or full dome (the continuous rounding of the entire outer contour of the ring).

Inner contour

The inner face of the ring comes into continual contact with the finger on which it is worn. While it is invisible during wear, the inner contour shape influences the comfort of your ring, especially if the band is particularly wide. Like the outer contour, there are three inner contour options (eased, semi-comfort fit, and comfort fit). For rings with band heights of 1-1.5mm, the inner contour may be eased. For rings with heights of 1.5mm or greater, the inside contour may be either semi-comfort (containing some flat area) or fully comfort fit (uniformly rounded. Either option is exceptionally comfortable to wear. Additionally, comfort fit bands slide easily over large knuckles and fit securely on all finger types. Please note that a severe inner contour, while comfortable, may influence engraving.

Resizing rings

Most of the rings purchased at Brian Gibney Jewelry can be resized for minimal cost. Unfortunately, due to aesthetic considerations or limitations of the material used, resizing may prove difficult or impossible for some rings. Damascus steel rings are the most difficult to resize due to the intrinsic strength of the steel and the nature of the forging process—this is why each Damascus steel ring is made to a wearer’s specifications. If it is necessary to resize a Damascus steel ring, please understand that the cost will reflect the labor involved.