How to determine your ring size

The easiest and most accurate way to determine your ring size is at the jewellery studio. However, clients don't always have the opportunity to come over, and sometimes it is a surprise or engagement where secrecy comes first. So I suggest you look below at two very good ways to determine the size of your ring at home.

No. 1 - EXISTING RING DIAMETER

If you already have an existing ring that fits very well on your chosen finger, all you have to do is determine the inside diameter of the ring by placing the ring on a ruler. Using this number, I will calculate the inner circumference of the ring / the outer circumference of the finger and thus the size of the ring. This method will work best with fully round rings.

No. 2 - THE PAPER METHOD

Cut a strip about 5 mm wide and 10 cm long from ordinary thin paper. The paper should be long enough to wrap around your finger. Wrap it around your intended finger and mark where the paper overlaps. Then measure the length of the paper from the starting point to the marked point. Using this number, I will calculate the size of your ring.

How to care for your jewellery

It's very important to properly care for your valuable jewellery to ensure its quality and shine for years to come. Here are some tips on how to do it:

1. KEEP YOUR JEWELLERY DRY

Unless you intend to clean your jewellery, it should be kept away from moisture as much as possible. Humidity accelerates discolouration (tarnish) in silver and leaves gemstones dull.

For example, water can create condensation under the gemstone, which can lead to cloudiness and loss of shine. Avoid wearing gemstone jewellery when washing hands or taking a shower.

Also, if you wear rings when washing your hands, moisture can get trapped between the ring and your finger, causing a nasty rash.

2. KEEP IT OUT OF THE GYM AND SPA

As a general rule, if you’re going to swim, sweat, or steam, don’t bring your jewellery with you. It’s common for people to keep a pair of earrings on in the pool or wear a ring in the shower. But moisture, as well as the pool chlorine, (and even the pH of your sweat) can discolour your jewellery, leaving it tarnished. Wear your pieces only during dry activities and dry places—that means taking them off when gardening, cooking, playing sports, and cleaning.

3. AVOID CONTACT WITH LOTION OR PERFUME

Precious metals, colored gems, and pearls are very sensitive to chemicals. That can include even the products you put on your skin. If you’re applying perfume, make sure to do so and wait for it to dry, before putting on your jewellery. The same goes for any sort of makeup setting spray, lotion, or skin refreshing spray.

4. STORE YOUR JEWELLERY PROPERLY

When you're not wearing it, keeping your jewellery in careful storage can help prevent damage and discoloration. Store your jewellery pieces separately, so they don't get tangled or scratched. Keep padded boxes or cloth bag pouches that new jewellery comes in. If keeping pieces in long-term storage, seal them in vacuum storage pouches to keep moisture and air out.

5. GIVE YOUR JEWELLERY A CLEAN

Jewellery cleaning is important to restore shine and remove any oils or dirt build-up.

When your jewellery becomes discoloured, clean it with either a cleaner specifically designed for jewellery or you can also try a mixture of warm water + delicate hand soap, using a soft toothbrush and gentle round movements to get into grooves.

Rinse the piece in clean water and gently pat dry with a soft cloth. If you notice condensation behind the stone, try drying it with a hair dryer on a medium setting. Be sure not to use a hot setting, as it can damage the stone and heat the metal.

Finish by polishing the jewellery piece with a clean polishing cloth - buy yours here.

If you find that your jewellery needs deeper cleaning or there are scratches in the metal that need smoothing out, I can help with that at the studio (message me for more details).

6. CHECK YOUR DAILY HABITS

Remove jewellery at night before sleeping to prevent injury and jewellery getting caught up in your bedding.

Pulling / sliding a pendant along a chain may stretch the chain and weaken it over time.