Ring width guide
What is ring width?
When buying a ring there are several measurements to consider beyond its size, not least its width; which quite literally refers to the width of the ring band itself (not to be confused with thickness - more on that below…)
The width of a band is typically measured in millimeters (mm), and the measurement is taken across the top or bottom of the ring from one edge to the other.
Ring width can have an impact on the overall appearance and comfort of the ring. Wider bands like 8mm width rings will generally be more noticeable and make a bolder statement, whereas narrower bands like 2mm rings will be more subtle and understated.
Do all rings have the same width?
No, as shown above, ring widths vary significantly depending on the style of the ring and its intended use.
For example, wedding bands tend to be thinner in width than fashion or statement rings. This is because wedding rings are traditionally worn every day, often with an engagement ring on the same finger, so a narrower-width band can be more comfortable for daily wear.
Men's rings tend to have wider widths than women's rings, as they are often designed to make a bolder statement and to be worn less frequently than women's rings. Men also typically have larger hands and long fingers, which allows wider rings to fit more comfortbly.
Different ring styles and materials can also affect width. For example, vintage rings may differ from modern rings, while solid wood rings tend to be relatively wide to maximise their strength.
So what width ring should I get?
The width of a ring band is a matter of personal preference, and what feels and looks best on your finger. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a ring width:
- Comfort: The width of the ring band can affect the comfort of the ring when worn, particularly if you plan to wear it every day. Generally, narrower bands are more comfortable for daily wear, whereas wider bands may be more suitable for special occasions or infrequent wear.
- Finger size: The width of the ring band should be proportionate to the size of your finger. Wider bands may be more suitable for larger fingers, whereas narrower bands may be more appropriate for smaller fingers.
- Style: The width of the ring band can affect the overall style of the ring, with wider bands making a bolder statement, and narrower bands being more subtle and understated.
- Coordination: consider how the ring will coordinate with other jewelry that you might wear, such as an engagement ring.
- Engravings: if you are planning on getting the ring engraved, a wider band will provide more space for engravings and designs.
If you're unsure what width to choose, it's a good idea to try on a few different widths and see which one feels and looks best on your finger. You should also check out our guide; what ring width should I get?
Ring width comparison on hands
The following images show different ring widths on both women’s and men’s hands. As you can see, a difference of just a couple of mm can make a big difference in appearance.
3mm width ring on woman's hand
4mm width ring on woman's hand
6mm width ring on woman's hand
6mm width ring on man's hand
8mm width ring on man's hand
10mm width ring on man's hand
What is the most common width for a ring?
Generally speaking the most common width for a ring band is between 2mm and 4mm - but different ring makers may tell you differently depending on the style of rings they sell most of.
Rings with widths in this range tend to be considered a standard width and are versatile enough to suit most people. They are comfortable to wear, they're not too wide and they're not too narrow, plus they also balance well with different ring designs. They are also suitable for most ring styles including wedding bands, fashion rings, and engagement rings.
However, it is important to note that this is just a generalization, and some people may prefer a wider or narrower width depending on their personal preference and finger size.
Ring width vs thickness: What’s the difference?
Ring width and ring thickness are two different measurements that describe different aspects of a ring's design. Both width and thickness are typically measured in mm.
- Ring width is the width of a ring’s band, from one edge to the other.
- Ring thickness is measured from the inner part of the ring towards the outer part.
Should an engagement ring and wedding band be the same width?
The width of an engagement ring and wedding ring is entirely a matter of preference and there are no hard and fast rules. Some people prefer for their engagement and wedding rings to be the same width, as it creates a cohesive and symmetrical look. Others prefer for the engagement ring to be wider than the wedding ring, as it can make the engagement ring stand out more. There are also some who prefer to have a thinner engagement ring, that way the wedding ring can be worn more comfortably alongside it.
How does the width of a ring affect sizing?
Generally speaking, the wider the ring, the tighter the fit will feel. Even though the ring itself may have the same diameter, the fact that it takes up more space on the finger will naturally make the ring feel snugger.
When it comes to buying a wide ring, you may want to consider sizing up.
If you still have questions about the best ring width for you, please feel free to get in touch!