When making your own wedding rings one of the first and most important tasks that must be completed is taking the right measurements. A few key measurements will help you determine how much material is needed to complete this special project. The cost of precious metals, such as gold, makes purchasing materials a serious step. Of course, the correct finger is size is critical when making a custom ring. However, there are more numbers that you may want to know when handmaking your own wedding rings.
Tools
When working to get the proper measurements for your wedding ring the use of digital calipers is advised. You can pick up an affordable set on Amazon that will work just fine for the job. Measurements for this task are usually recorded in millimeters (MM). If nothing else a ruler with CM or MM will work. Something to write with and a calculator. Another item you will eventually need when making a ring to a specific size is a ring mandrel. There are a variety of mandrels on the market, but for this specific task, a marked, heavyweight precision ring mandrel is best, much like this one here from Pepe Tools.
Finger Size
Finding this will help you determine the inner diameter “ID” for the ring you wish to make. One of the easiest ways to determine your finger size(s) for your wedding rings is to order a sizing set from Amazon. An affordable ring sizer like this will save you from having to make a trip to visit some random, pretentious jewelry store. This measurement is often the most difficult to obtain when working on a surprise project.
Using a ring your mate may already wear is a good idea. Make sure you are measuring a ring from the correct finger. In most cases, you will be making a ring for your mate’s left hand, 4th finger from their thumb, the finger next to the pinky. Using string or paper is not ideal since it does take into account the thickness of the ring. Using printable charts like this do help if no better option is available. Beware of the print scale on your printer when using a tool like this.
Material Width
After the finger size, the width “W” of the ring is the need to know number. How wide across the finger will the ring need to be? Obviously, the hand portion can be a factor when considering width. A man with a size 13 ring might not be happy with a 3MM band. On average, women’s wedding rings usually range in width from 2MM – 4MM, and men’s range from 4MM to 10MM. Considering if you wish to add engraving into the interior of the ring will impact width. A minimum of 2.5MM – 3MM is usually required to accommodate engraving. Other considerations might include if any stones may be set into the ring. Very thin rings, less than 2MM, may bend more easily and cause stones to become loose.
Material Thickness
The height thickness of the material in this scenario is also known as the material thickness or MT. Generally speaking, a thickness from 1.5MM to 2MM is sufficient in most applications. This measurement is important for a few reasons. First, for a piece of jewelry that will be worn daily and for the rest of your life, you’re going to want it to be both comfortable and durable. Too thin make a flimsy ring, too thick makes an uncomfortable ring. Very thin rings, less than 1.5MM, may bend more easily and cause stones to become loose. Embellishments to your ring such as setting stones may require a thicker piece of material.
Crunch the Numbers
The formula to determine the length of material you need for a ring blank RB, to make your wedding ring the correct size, is mathematically expressed as:
Adding the inner diameter ID together with the material thickness MT and then multiplying that by Pi 3.14 will give you the exact ring blank RB of metal you should have to make your wedding the correct size.
Next Steps
Understanding how these measurements matter when making a wedding ring will not only help you get the perfect fit but help you purchase the right amount of material. This practice minimizes waste and saves money.
If you are interested in tackling a DIY wedding ring but still have questions or are interested in a project coach, check out the workshops offered by LaProng Jewelers. Step-by-step coaching will help you make your wedding ring, hands-on in a one-day, DIY workshop excursion. It is an award-winning experience that will help you make the most important piece of jewelry you will likely ever wear!