Choosing the Right Size

Because our rings are not adjustable, it pays off to make an effort and take some time to select the right size of ring, as the size of your fingers changes, even within the same day. Early in the morning, and again in the evening, fingers are usually slightly swollen, and the same happens when the weather is hot. In the middle of the day and in cool weather, the circumference of your fingers is smaller. That is why it is best to try on rings in the middle of the day at normal room temperature. Because finger size varies according to the time of day and weather conditions, your ring may seem a bit loose or tight at times, but in regular use over time, your finger will adapt to the ring.

Kalevala’s ring sizes equal the inner diameter of the ring in millimeters. The other commonly used ring size system is based on the inner circumference of the ring. The conversion table shows how these two correspond to each other. Many other ring size standards are in use around the world. If, for example, you know your ring size according to the North American ring size standard, you can check the size in inner diameter from a conversion table available online.

Jewelry stores have special measurement rings that can be used for measuring the correct ring size. At home, you can test the size by cutting a narrow shred from flexible cardboard, curling it around the finger and using a pen to mark the spot where the ring feels comfortable. The length of the straightened shred will give you the inner circumference of the ring and the correct ring size can then be found from the conversion table. Try to keep the test ring as round as possible around your finger for it to correspond to the real ring as well as possible. Ring width also affects the selection of size. Wide rings must usually be half a size larger than narrow rings.

If you want to have a ring in the same size as the one you already have, a vernier caliper is the best tool for the job. If you do not have one at hand, a ruler can give an accurate enough result for determining the right size of the ring. Please note, however, that if the model ring is old, it may no longer be perfectly round and the measurement may be slightly incorrect.

Please also remember that if your ring has become too small or large over time, our repair service can usually modify the ring to make it fit again.

Many factors influence the way a necklace sits around your neck and how low it will hang, including how tall the wearer is, the thickness of the wearer’s neck and the shape of the shoulders, collarbones, and bust. This picture gives an indication of how the most common necklace lengths sit when the wearer is a medium-height female. Many Kalevala necklaces are adjustable in length, and separate extensions are available for necklaces and pendants..

The sizes of stiff bracelets on our website refer to the inner diameter of the bracelet in millimeters. For example, size 60 in an oval bracelet equals the longest measure of the oval, end to end, in this case, 60 millimeters.

To find the correct size for a bracelet, measure the width of your wrist and compare it with the size of the bracelet. The best tool for the measurement is a vernier caliper, but a normal ruler will do nicely as well. The bracelet’s diameter should be a bit bigger than the width of the wrist so that the bracelet will not press the wrist when the hand moves.

The sizes of chains and chain-like bracelets are given as length in centimeters. The bracelet is measured straightened, including the clasp. If you already have a bracelet of the correct size, straighten it on an even surface and measure it, including the clasp. In case you do not have a model bracelet, take a length of cord or a strip of paper, wrap it round your wrist and mark the spot where the length feels good. Then measure the length.

You can also use a tape measure to measure the diameter of your wrist, and add a couple of centimeters. A correctly sized bracelet should not sit tight on the skin but leave some space between the wrist and the bracelet. If the size is too small, the bracelet feels uncomfortable in use and wears out the bracelet. If it is too big, the bracelet may slip off.

Many chain-like bracelets have several links for attaching the clasp, enabling the wearer to adjust the length to suit the wrist exactly.