Buying jewelry online is pure pleasure, until a ring turns out to be too loose or too tight. Although measuring your finger at home seems simple, there are a few traps that can throw the result off.
At MARAI we focus on jewelry that fits perfectly. Get to know the 5 mistakes worth avoiding, and learn how to use our size chart correctly.
1. Measuring your fingers at the wrong time of day
Did you know your hands change volume during the day? In the morning your fingers are slimmer, and in the evening — or after a day of activity — slightly swollen.
Mistake: measuring just once, e.g. right after waking up.
Solution: measure the finger twice — in the morning and in the evening. The ideal size is the one that's comfortable in both moments.
2. Ignoring temperature and the season
On hot days or after intense training our blood vessels expand, increasing the circumference of the finger. In winter, by contrast, fingers "slim down".
Mistake: measuring the finger right after coming back from frost or after a hot bath.
Solution: measure at room temperature, when your body is rested.
3. Measuring the base of the finger instead of the knuckle
The most common reason a ring won't slide onto a finger. The ring has to clear the widest point — the knuckle (the joint).
Mistake: wrapping the measure too tightly at the base of the finger.
Solution: make sure the thread or measure passes freely over the knuckle.
4. Using the wrong tools
A thick string or an elastic ribbon can throw off the result by even two sizes.
Mistake: using materials that stretch.
Solution: use a thin, non-stretch thread or a tailor's measure. The most reliable method, though, is measuring the inner diameter with a ruler on a ring you already own and that fits well.
5. Picking the size "by feel" without a chart
Jeweller's sizes aren't universal worldwide — they differ between countries and brands.
Mistake: assuming "I always wear a 12".
Solution: always check the inner circumference in millimetres and match it to a specific brand's chart.
How to choose the size at MARAI? (Guide)
We've prepared a simple system to help you avoid mistakes. You can do it in two ways:
The thread method: wrap a thread around your finger, mark the meeting point, and measure the segment with a ruler. That's your inner circumference.
The ring method: take your favourite ring and measure its inner diameter with a ruler (important: measure the centre, without the thickness of the metal walls!).
MARAI Size Chart
| Size | Circumference [mm] | Diameter [mm] |
| 9 | 49 | 15.3 |
| 11 | 51 | 16.0 |
| 13 | 53 | 16.6 |
| 15 | 55 | 17.3 |
| 17 | 57 | 18.0 |
Tip: the full chart (from size 5 to 23) is in our guide. Remember, on every ring model in our store, right next to the size selector, you'll find a measure icon — click it to open the interactive size guide.
What if your result falls between sizes?
For MARAI's designer jewelry, if your result lands between sizes, we recommend choosing the larger size to ensure comfort on warmer days.
A modern approach: where to wear the ring?
Before you finally pick a size and click "add to cart", think about which finger you plan to wear your new piece on. The tradition of reserving rings mainly for the ring finger (the engagement finger) is fading in modern fashion.
Trend: Ring Stacking (layering)
One of the strongest trends of recent seasons. It means wearing several rings on one finger, or on each of them.
Tip: if you plan to wear several rings stacked (so-called "stacking"), the bottom one can be a size larger so it doesn't pinch the finger when blood circulates a little differently under several layers of metal.
A ring on the thumb or index finger
In MARAI's designer jewelry we promote freedom of expression. A bold, sculptural signet on the thumb, or a minimalist band on the index finger, are symbols of modern self-confidence.
Remember: the index finger and thumb are usually significantly wider than the ring finger. Before you buy, measure exactly the finger the jewelry will actually live on.
Switching roles
Bought a ring that became a little loose over time? Instead of putting it in a box, try moving it to the middle or index finger of your other hand (often our dominant hand is half a size bigger!).
From the MARAI designers: when you buy niche jewelry, you invest in a form meant to be your amulet. Think about how the model will play with the other rings in your collection. A safe choice when you're not sure of the size, or when the ring is a gift, is the adjustable Tierra signet ring.