Unfortunately, there is little uniformity in the jewelry industry concerning size, with mandrels from different manufacturers usually giving different readings for the same ring. Believe it or not, sometimes there isn't even uniformity among different mandrels from the same manufacturer. Therefore a size 10 (for example) as measured on my mandrel may well be different from what you know as a size 10.
And to make matters more complicated, wide rings (like quite a few of mine) feel tighter than narrow rings of the same size, and it is entirely possible that any measuring of the size of your finger was done with narrow sizers.
We Offer 3 Ways To Deal With This Issue.
- Sizing Set
- Size Exchange
- Test Bands
1. Sizing Set
I have created sizing sets that match the mandrels I use when making rings and bangles, so using one will ensure that you get a good fit.
For Rings
The bands of most sizing sets have a constant width of just over 7 mm, so they match the width of SOLID, our best seller.
One set, in the US, has bands that are about 5 mm in width, and it would be better to use this set if the ring you have ordered is narrow.
The bands of all sets go up in increments of half a size, from 4 up to 15. For example, you will find 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10 etc. Just because quarter sizes are not included (because the set would have been too bulky) doesn't mean that they are not available. So if a size 8 feels a bit too tight, and an 8.5 feels a bit too loose, you can ask for an 8.75
Anyone who orders a gold (or part-gold) ring is strongly urged to use a set, since we do not offer size exchanges for them.
For Bangles
There are 2 different sets available, one for round bangles, and the other for oval-shaped ones.
Each band fits into its own sleeve in the set, and that sleeve is labeled with the size (the internal circumference in mm, for example 180). The size is also laser-engraved into the band, making it easier to ensure that each band goes back into its correct sleeve. The bands go up in increments of 5 mm, but as with rings, you can always order an intermediate size. For example, if a 180 feels a bit tight while a 185 feels a bit loose, you can order a 182, or 183 or whatever.
Using a set is highly recommended, since size exchanges for bangles are not free.
Availability
There are some ring sets already in circulation in the US, Canada, Australia, and Europe, while at present bangle sets are only available in the US, Europe and Australia. This means you would most probably not need to wait long for one to arrive.
Once you have used a set, the idea is that you would then hold onto it until I ask you to forward it to the next person who requests it, whenever that might be.
Cost
The only expense incurred when you request a set would be the cost of forwarding it to the next person who requires it.
Conditions That You Need To Read
(1) This service is only available to those who have already placed an order.
(2) Because of the occasional trouble we have getting a response from the holder of a set, you would be required to give us your mobile phone number. This is so we can send you a text message when the time comes. In its entirety, that message would read "This is PuzzleRingMaker. Please check your emails/Etsy messages." After that, we would delete your number from our system. If you object to giving us your mobile number, you would need to provide us with an email address that you check daily.
2. Size Exchange
We offer size exchanges for silver items.
This is after-sale service that we offer, so all is not lost if, for whatever reason, you are unwilling or unable to take the time to confirm your size using a sizing set. Please read our Shop Policies for more details.
We don't do size exchanges for gold items.
3. Test Bands
We also offer a test band service for rings (not for bangles). Here's our blog posting entitled "Sizing Set vs Test Band", which compares those options.
Test bands are ideal for people who want to order rings that are either very narrow or very wide.
Please note that any test bands you order would be made by me, and would therefore be coming to you from Thailand.