Planning a proposal is an exciting and romantic journey. From choosing the perfect location to picking the ideal moment, every detail matters. But one of the trickiest parts? Getting the ring size right—without ruining the surprise. A perfectly fitting engagement ring is not just about comfort; it’s about ensuring that magical moment is as flawless as your love story. Fortunately, there are several clever and discreet ways to determine your fiancé-to-be’s ring size while keeping your proposal a delightful surprise.
If your girlfriend has a favourite ring they wear often, you’re in luck! Casually “borrow” it for a quick trip to the jeweller and have it measured. If you’re worried about being caught, try tracing it onto paper or, if you’re feeling particularly sneaky, press it into a bar of soap or some clay. Just make sure you don’t accidentally leave soap residue behind or you might have some explaining to do. Alternatively place the ring on your own finger and be sure to note where the ring begins to feel tight. Your jeweller can help you assess what size that is through trying various sizes on until you feel a similar
Your girlfriend’s close friends or family members might already know their ring size. If not, they can subtly dig for information. A best friend could steer the conversation toward jewellery during a casual chat, or a sibling might recall trying on rings together. They might even be able to casually borrow one of her rings so that you can get it sized. The trick is choosing someone who won’t blurt out, “Hey, what’s your ring size? No reason, just curious.”
This is where creativity comes into play. Casually hold their hand, make a joke about how tiny (or long) their fingers are, and see if you can gauge the size. You could even wrap a piece of string around their finger and claim you’re testing a “finger circumference” theory. If they’re prone to taking a nap on your couch, you might even manage a stealthy measurement—just be prepared to explain yourself if they wake up mid-measurement.
Another sneaky trick is comparing their hand to yours. If your hands are roughly the same size, you can try on rings at a jewellery store and make an educated guess. If their fingers are smaller, adjust accordingly. This method isn’t foolproof, but it’s a great excuse to hold their hand a little more often or do the romantic palm-to-palm moment.
When in doubt, size up. A slightly bigger diamond ring is easier to resize than one that’s too small. Plus, it’s much more romantic to slide a ring onto their finger effortlessly than to awkwardly struggle while they wonder if you’ve grossly underestimated their hands. Many jewellers offer complimentary resizing, so this is a safe bet.
Professional jewellers, like those at Prins & Prins, have years of experience helping customers find the right fit without giving away the surprise. They can offer guidance based on hand shape and proportions, suggest temporary sizing solutions, or even recommend a resizable design—just in case your espionage tactics don’t yield perfect results. Maybe consider casually walking past a jeweller at the mall and then just “popping” in to admire bracelets, earrings, or pendants and ask the jeweller beforehand to either guess her ring size or encourage her to try on a few rings.
Finding the perfect ring size may seem daunting, but with a bit of creativity and stealth, you’ll pull it off without a hitch. Whether you borrow a ring, enlist the help of friends, or consult a jeweller, your effort will make the proposal even more special. And if the ring isn’t a perfect fit, don’t panic—most rings can be resized. In the end, the moment will be about love, commitment, and the unforgettable look on their face when you pop the question.
Rest assured, the experienced Prins & Prins staff are here to help! Ready to find the perfect engagement ring? Visit Prins & Prins, Cape Town’s premier jewellery store, and let us help you choose a ring as timeless as your love.