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How to Secretly Get Their Ring Size for a Surprise Proposal

How to Secretly Get Their Ring Size for a Surprise Proposal

Congratulations, you’re finally ready to pop the question! Now, one of the key elements of any proposal is the ring, and getting the correct size can be tricky, especially if you want to keep the proposal a surprise. Don’t worry, though; below are a few tips and tricks to discreetly get your partner’s ring size without them suspecting a thing.  

Five Ways to Secretly Measure Ring Size 

1. Borrow a ring

This is the most classic method for secretly getting your partner’s ring size. First, pay attention to what rings your partner wears on their left ring finger. That will ensure the best fit. Then, when your partner isn’t around, borrow the ring and trace its inner circumference onto a piece of paper or press the ring into a soft piece of air-dry clay to create an impression. You can also print our at-home ring sizer to measure the borrowed ring more accurately. If you used one of the first two methods, take the paper or clay to a jeweler who can help you determine the size. Note: if you’re using clay, make sure you don’t leave any clay residue on the ring to avoid suspicion.  

2. Enlist friends or family members

Request the help of your partner’s loved ones. They may know your partner’s ring size or could find out through subtle conversation. And one step better, ask them to take your partner engagement ring shopping. That way, your partner can be professionally sized and possibly drop a hint about what styles they like!

3. Gift a ring for another occasion

This method requires planning, but gift your partner a ring for a birthday or anniversary. Either ask for their ring size or take them jewelry shopping and have them try on fashion rings in addition to earrings, necklaces, etc., to throw them off. That way, you will know your partner’s ring size when it comes time to pick out an engagement ring.  

4. Team up with an engaged friend

If you and your partner are close with someone who is engaged, discreetly ask that engaged friend to let your partner try on their engagement ring. This method will at least put you in a ballpark size range. Your partner might even disclose their ring size if the engaged friend’s ring doesn’t fit. This situation also creates the perfect opportunity to see what your partner thought of your friend’s engagement ring to help you figure out what engagement ring style your partner prefers.

5. Get a temporary setting

If the surprise element is becoming stressful or overcomplicated, consider a temporary setting. At Brilliant Earth, you can pick your perfect diamond and pair it with a temporary white gold solitaire setting. Then, propose with the temporary ring and make a showroom appointment within 60 days of your initial purchase. Your partner will be able to return the setting at the appointment and choose a new setting of their choice. 

6. Consult a jewelry expert

Jewelers are seasoned professionals in ring sizing and can offer expert advice for your situation. Visit one of our showrooms to consult with a specialist; they’re more than happy to help. 

How to Secretly Get Their Ring Size for a Surprise Proposal

What to Avoid When You’re Trying to Measure Ring Size Secretly 

How to Secretly Get Their Ring Size for a Surprise Proposal

Looking for More Information?

Find our free ring sizer, printable ring size chart, tips, and step-by-step methods to help you find the perfect ring size here.

You Got This!  

Remember, the most important thing is the sentiment behind the proposal, so try not to stress too much. With some planning and creativity, you’ll be well on your way to pulling off the perfect surprise proposal. Good luck!  

Still trying to plan your proposal? Check out our proposal guides: Marriage Proposal 101Best Places to Propose in the USAValentine’s Day Proposal GuideChristmas Proposal GuideNew Year’s Proposal Guide

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Comments (74)

Ellen H Singel Says:
April 25th, 2019 at 8:47 am

My fiance took me to a ring store in the mall “spontaneously” and asked them to size me “for fun”, then he didn’t propose for another year and a half. Very tricky!

robin pittis Says:
March 26th, 2019 at 4:09 am

radiant

Lita Moore Says:
January 24th, 2019 at 7:20 pm

What can I do to help out

Eder R Estudillo Says:
August 17th, 2018 at 12:46 pm

The ring sizer is a great idea

Dayle Rounds Says:
August 14th, 2018 at 10:03 am

Thank you for your offer of the free ring sizer.

Jan Beckwith Says:
July 26th, 2018 at 4:36 pm

Would like to have one of your ring sizers.

Claudia Says:
July 23rd, 2018 at 6:23 pm

Love your rings please send me a ring sizer Thanks

Timmy Says:
June 14th, 2018 at 2:11 pm

Thanks for having me.

Angela Lang Says:
May 13th, 2018 at 9:47 pm

Requesting a free ring sizer. Please send asap.

Angela Lang Says:
May 13th, 2018 at 9:46 pm

Please send me a ring sizer asap

Tony Jilnicki Says:
May 5th, 2018 at 8:32 pm

Thanks

Christopher Olivera Says:
March 24th, 2018 at 8:45 am

Requesting free Ring Sizer, thanks!!!

Joshua Says:
March 10th, 2018 at 3:07 pm

Thanks you very much

Joshua Says:
March 10th, 2018 at 3:07 pm

Thanks

joel a Says:
March 6th, 2018 at 6:08 pm

love

vincent elwick Says:
February 27th, 2018 at 3:43 pm

can i have a ring sizer

jose taboada Says:
February 27th, 2018 at 12:19 pm

will propose on april 21 2018

B. Earth Says:
February 19th, 2018 at 11:16 am

Hi Zach, we offer one complimentary resizing for our standard ring styles with free shipping both ways within 60 days of shipment to our US, Canadian, UK, and Australian customers. Please note our eternity rings cannot be resized due to their design. Custom, modified, and engraved rings are subject to resize fees. You can find more information on our return and exchange policies here: https://www.brilliantearth.com/30-Day-Returns/. Thanks for your interest!

Zach DeGuzman Says:
February 15th, 2018 at 11:23 am

What’s the return policy for wrong size rings?

AARON McCauley Says:
January 31st, 2018 at 8:08 pm

I’d like a ring finger sizer

Kane Millikan Says:
January 16th, 2018 at 9:40 pm

Thank you for ring sizer

Jeff Siebenthall Says:
December 27th, 2017 at 10:43 am

n/a

Robin Garcia Says:
December 4th, 2017 at 9:44 pm

Request ring sizer

B. Earth Says:
November 29th, 2017 at 11:15 am

Hi Timothy, please fill out the form on the top of this page by clicking “Request Ring Sizer”. If you are having trouble, please contact our jewelry specialists at 1.800.691.0952 or through the live chat on our site. Thanks for your interest!

B. Earth Says:
November 29th, 2017 at 11:15 am

Hi Chad, please fill out the form on the top of this page by clicking “Request Ring Sizer”. Thanks for your interest!

Timothy Says:
November 16th, 2017 at 7:18 am

How do I request a ring sizer? When I try to enter myself in, it doesn’t do anything.

CHAD M Says:
November 15th, 2017 at 7:51 pm

Can you send me a ring sizer

april torres Says:
November 10th, 2017 at 2:30 pm

thank you

B. Earth Says:
October 27th, 2017 at 11:14 am

Hi Shari, you can get a ring sizer sent to you by filling out the form at the top of this post. Just click “Request Ring Sizer”. Thanks for reaching out!

Andrew Says:
October 27th, 2017 at 6:36 am

Thanks!

Shari Bishop Says:
October 25th, 2017 at 11:20 am

Looking for a ring sizer please

Laurence La Roux Says:
October 19th, 2017 at 5:36 am

Just taking a look

B. Earth Says:
October 18th, 2017 at 11:57 am

Hi Robert, you can request a free ring sizer by filling out the form at the top of the blog post. Thanks for your interest!

robert s corry Says:
October 17th, 2017 at 11:03 am

please send free ring sizer

B. Earth Says:
October 12th, 2017 at 1:57 pm

Hi Andrew, the form on the blog works. If you have any questions on the status of your ring sizer delivery please reach out to [email protected] or call us at 18006910952. Thanks for your interest!

Andrew Says:
October 12th, 2017 at 6:53 am

Hope this is the actual button to submit my info for y’all to send out the ring sizer…

Tyren Jones Says:
October 7th, 2017 at 5:29 pm

Please

Kenneth Huffman Says:
September 26th, 2017 at 4:36 pm

I think this is a cool thing been wondering how to check her ringo size without her knowing

Cody Says:
September 21st, 2017 at 4:13 pm

Thanks

Wolf Weisz Says:
September 15th, 2017 at 1:36 pm

Thanks!

David Says:
August 24th, 2017 at 6:25 pm

Ring sizer please

Justin wilkett Says:
August 7th, 2017 at 7:20 am

Thank you

Darren Says:
July 24th, 2017 at 1:39 pm

Or, if your girl is into scented candles, tell her it’d be fun to get her one of the “candles with a ring in them” (FragrantEarth, etc.) and tell her you need her ring size to order it. It’s not quite as obvious a move as buying a ring all by itself, since it’s about the candle as much as the ring. Worked for me!

Erick espinoza Says:
May 26th, 2017 at 10:42 am

Trying to propose without anyone knowing or saying anything

Benedict Doorly Says:
April 2nd, 2017 at 6:40 pm

Totally believe this – its not always easy to
get points such as this across but you’ve done an admirable job to your readers

Dacia Elder Says:
March 10th, 2017 at 3:14 pm

I haven’t checked in here for some time since I thought it was getting
boring, but the lst few posts are great quality
so I guess I will addd yyou back to my everyday bloglist.
You deserve it friend 🙂

Stephen Celeste Says:
February 26th, 2017 at 2:34 am

And yeah, discuss rings early in the relationship, then file the info for later use, if possible. That way, you’ll also know the styles she likes and if she has certain expectations of size or doesn’t even care for diamonds, etc.

Stephen Celeste Says:
February 26th, 2017 at 2:30 am

Actually, the ring size/shoe size thing does typically hold true… Except it’s your size in MEN’S shoes! (Usually about two sizes smaller than your typical women’s shoe size). Also, bear in mind that “fashion” shoes, like similar clothing, tend to vary somewhat wildly in sizing, so it’s best to use a winter boot or athletic shoe for this purpose. Good luck!

Planned ring, surprise proposal Says:
February 16th, 2017 at 12:10 am

Nancy Drew is right. Let her pick the ring. She’s going to wear this on her hand ever day for the rest of her life.

You can still make the proposal a surprise, with or without the ring.

Or a “surprise” will ruin what should be a happy time.

Derek Fischer Says:
February 1st, 2017 at 12:36 am

Ihave r??d so many posts ?oncerning the blogger lovers but this paragraph is really a good p?ece of ?riting, keep it up.

Cassandra Says:
November 8th, 2016 at 2:27 pm

I’m dreaming. These rings are beautiful and would look perfect on my size 7.5 finger.

Mrs Sydlar Says:
August 26th, 2016 at 2:10 pm

Im sorry but I hate that everyone is dictating about others opinions. Whether or not its true. I know that my husband asked me on our third date. He asked, Baby, what kind of rings do you like? I answered. When I was in Walmart with him I tried on some of their rings and that’s when he got my ring size. All that youran has to do is be a spy, really. He’ll surprise with your ring. Mine wasn’t expensive. I know that a woman on here said she hated her ring. If its a 3,000$ ring I wouldn’t hate it. Mine was really cheap. I’m sorry but it shouldn’t matter how much it is. What should matter was that he became brave enough to ask you for your hand. My husband for the longest time has put himself down for buying me a cheap ring. I have told him that I love him and that’s all.

Tony Says:
August 23rd, 2016 at 8:49 pm

I came here hoping to leave with some insight. The first two suggestions are really awful ?

Pamela Says:
July 10th, 2016 at 8:22 am

Why not offer to buy her a small promise ring of greater things to come. I know I LOVED my promise ring when I got it, but if she is eager, she will give you the facts you need!

Emily Says:
June 12th, 2016 at 4:50 pm

Diane-
I work in jewelry and I can tell you that women’s shoe sizes have NOTHING to do with ring sizes.
Myself as an example wear a 5.75 ring and a 9.5 shoe. If I tried to wear a 9.5 ring on my ring finger it would fall off

Nobody Girl Says:
June 12th, 2016 at 4:24 pm

The shoe vs ring is NOT TRUE… I wear a size 8 shoe and a 6 ring. No.

Emsgirl Says:
March 29th, 2016 at 6:14 am

NancyDrew you could have sold it if you really wanted. You should be grateful you even got a ring and that someone would marry you!! Some of us aren’t that lucky!!

Nancy Drew Says:
March 8th, 2016 at 9:47 am

Please let her pick her own ring. My ring was so awful. The store wouldn’t take it back and the owner showed me 3 even worse ones. The 3,000 ring stayed in a drawer for 15 years until the cleaning lady stole it. It should be a Class A Felony to allow an unescorted man into a jewelry store!

Nancy Drew Says:
March 8th, 2016 at 9:39 am

Please let her pick her own ring! I got an awful ring. The store wouldn’t take it back. A $3,000 ring spent 15 years in a drawer until it was pilfered by a cleaning lady!

B. Earth Says:
February 16th, 2016 at 3:07 pm

Hi John,

If you are far away from her, you could ask one of her friends or family members for her ring size. If none of them know it, you could also enlist a friend or family member back home to try on one of her rings to compare ring sizes. Good luck! Our jewelry specialists would love to help you with any further questions and can be reached by calling 800.691.0952.

Johnbate Says:
February 15th, 2016 at 8:54 pm

I am currently working in a differnt country.
My questions are:
1. Does it make sense if I send the ring despite we’re faraway to each other?
2. Which other way can I know her ring size apart from the listed ones above?

Joel Says:
December 9th, 2015 at 10:40 pm

Who cares !

Diane Says:
November 16th, 2015 at 11:08 am

And now for the best answer…..her ring size is the same as her shoe size……(minus the narrow or wide). I know this sounds strange, but to my knowledge, this has always held true. So when she isn’t looking, check out one of her shoes…????

Patrick Says:
September 3rd, 2015 at 8:42 am

Hans…. sounds like you might have lost in love….. whether or not that’s true, don’t be so negative to the rest of us because of your experience….

Hans Says:
June 30th, 2015 at 10:15 am

I have a suggestion for all of you. How about you’ll all stop throwing your life away like that. Marriage these days is nothing but a business proposition – one that has the guy on the losing end of it. Are you really willing to do that? And then feel guilty for figuring out her ring size when you’re about to blow $50k on some carbon-based blingy stone?

Gavin Says:
June 28th, 2015 at 8:11 pm

My girlfreind is kind of a tomboy. She rarely ever wears jewelery other than the necklace i got her e while ago. Plus i don’t know what she’ll like. If she had a sister i would go to her, but her mom has about the same size hands… lol just because i posted this i now know what to do!

asIF Says:
June 8th, 2015 at 10:36 pm

I read somewhere else that you can take a ring you know fits her and press it into a bar of soap. Take the soap to a jeweler.

Ruben Fernandez Says:
May 19th, 2015 at 9:29 am

I would like a free ring sizer please.
Send to:
Ruben Fernandez
6624 El Parque Dr.
El Paso, TX. 79912

David Says:
April 25th, 2015 at 8:45 pm

Find a pic (or take one in secret – perhaps while she’s sleeping) of her hand next to an object that can easily be measured. Then, in photoshop or some other image edit application, find the ratio between the object diameter and her finger diameter and multiply that by the diameter of the object. Once you know the diameter it’s just a simple calculation to get the circumference (pi x D). Obviously, for best results get as close as possible and use the best camera you can find.

Bebe Says:
December 31st, 2014 at 2:33 pm

There is one way not listed here…. Try on one of her rings. Make a mental note of where it stops on your finger. Go to a jeweler and try on sizer rings until one hits the same spot on your finger. There you go.

Emily Says:
December 20th, 2014 at 9:45 pm

Why not just have one of her friends say something like hey can I borrow that ring its so pretty and being a good friend shed say yea but just give it back and BOOM you have a ring size

Scarlet Says:
October 8th, 2014 at 12:37 pm

How about… I dunno, taking a ring she wears a lot and trace it on a piece of paper. (Inside of the circle and out)

cluelussdumbgirl Says:
July 6th, 2014 at 11:40 am

How many of your friends know your ring size? Even better, ask the friend to take your girlfriend engagement ring shopping, REALLY? If one of your partner’s friends is engaged, ask her friend to let your girlfriend try on the ring? These are options for someone trying to buy a ring as a surprise? I have another one for you. Take your girlfriend to a wedding dress store and have her try one on, you know “for fun”. Then rent a white limo and drive her to a big church and have her walk down the isle, again just “for fun”. You see where this is going? Surprise…………………….

taylor1277 Says:
August 13th, 2013 at 10:16 pm

and did you know that the one thing that has measurements of the same between men and woman are ring szs.all you have to do too is measure your finger too and ask her to try on your ring.it will give you a ballpark figure also.