Ring with Engraving: Finding the Size and What Fits on a Ring

Sep 4, 2026

By VIVIANNA

Ring size, not the engraving, is the reason rings come back. That's why this guide starts with how to find the size without asking the person, and only then covers what fits on a ring. Our rings come in five sizes from 53 to 63, in stainless steel, silver-coloured or 18-carat gold-plated, and cost between 25 and 45 euros. Signet rings are engraved on the face, slim rings all the way round the outside.

Finding the size without asking

Ring sizes in Germany are the inner circumference in millimetres. Size 55 means the finger has a circumference of 55 mm. There are two ways to get there.

Method 1: a ring that already fits

Take a ring the person wears on the same finger and measure the inner diameter with a ruler, from inner edge to inner edge. Then read off the size:

Inner diameter	German size	US size	Typical for
16.9 mm	53	6	Slender female hand, ring finger
17.5 mm	55	7	The most common women's size
18.5 mm	58	8	Women's index finger, slender male hand
19.1 mm	60	9	The most common men's size
20.0 mm	63	10	Broad male hand

Method 2: a strip of paper

Wrap a strip of paper, about 5 mm wide, around the finger at the spot where the ring will sit. Not over the knuckle, but behind it. Mark where the paper overlaps, lay it flat and measure it with a ruler. The millimetres are the size. 55 mm means size 55.

Three things that throw off the measurement: fingers are slightly thicker in the evening and in summer, and thinner in the morning and in winter, so measure during the day at a normal temperature. A wide ring needs half a size more than a slim one. And if you're between two sizes, go for the larger one, as a ring that has to go over the knuckle needs some room.

If it's a giftAsk someone who knows the person for a ring from their drawer, and measure that one. If that isn't possible: size 55 for women and 60 for men are most often right, and the engraving can also be done later; write to us about it.

What fits on a ring

Signet ring, square6 mm face, initial or up to 8 characters · €30 to €50
Slim ring, 3 mmText all the way round the outside, up to 40 characters · €30 to €50
Heart signet ringHeart-shaped face, initial · €30 to €50

Signet ring: the face

The classic place for an initial. A single letter in the centre of the face is the engraving that has worked for centuries, and the most discreet. Up to 8 characters also fit on the square or oval face: a short name or a shortened date. A symbol on its own works too: an anchor, a heart, a four-leaf clover.

Slim ring: all the way round the outside

On the 3 mm and 4 mm rings, the engraving runs around the outside of the ring. With up to about 15 characters, the text sits on the front of the ring; from 15 onwards it spreads all the way round, and up to 40 characters fit. This is the ring for a date with a name, Anna 01.01.2026, or for a short phrase, Forever, My anchor, Believe in yourself.

What couples engrave

Two matching rings, each with the other's name. Or the same date in Roman numerals on both. The third option: half a phrase on each ring, Forever and and ever.

Which font?

On a ring the engraving is small, so a clear font wins. G02 and G04 are the fonts chosen most often for rings; script fonts only for single initials on the signet face, where there is room for them. The preview in the engraving window shows every font on the ring before you decide.

When a ring is the wrong choice

The person works with their hands. Care work, trades, kitchens: that's where rings get taken off and forgotten. In that case, go for a necklace instead.

Pregnancy or weight fluctuations. Fingers change, and a ring in a fixed size may no longer fit in half a year's time.

The finger size is unknown and the gift is a surprise. A ring in the wrong size is the most common return. If you can't measure, choose a necklace or a bracelet; they always fit.

You want a long phrase on it. The signet ring takes 8 characters, the slim ring 40. Anything beyond that belongs on the card.

Care

Stainless steel doesn't rust, doesn't turn black and can handle water. With daily wear, the gold plating lasts for years, though on the inside, where the ring rubs against the finger, it will eventually wear a little thinner. For cleaning, lukewarm water and a soft cloth are enough; no polishing paste on the engraving.

What goes on the card with it

To go with a ring, our customers most often write:

Here's to us, and to all the years still to come.
My greatest joy since day one.
Will you be my maid of honour?

Plan for spaceYou write the card in the cart, in three fields: Greeting, Message, Signature. Altogether, around 150 characters fit on it. More on this in our greeting card guide.

Frequently asked questions about engraved rings

How do I find out my ring size?

Either measure the inner diameter of a ring that fits (17.5 mm is size 55), or wrap a strip of paper around your finger and read off the circumference in millimetres. The millimetres are the German ring size.

Which ring sizes are available?

53, 55, 58, 60 and 63, which corresponds to US 6 to 10. If you're between two sizes, go for the larger one.

How many characters fit on a ring?

On the face of a signet ring, an initial or up to 8 characters. On the outside of a slim ring, up to 40 characters, which spread all the way round from about 15 characters.

Is the engraving on the inside or the outside?

On signet rings, on the face; on slim rings, all the way round the outside. That way the engraving stays visible and the inside stays smooth.

Are the rings made of real gold?

The rings are made of stainless steel; the gold-coloured ones are 18-carat gold-plated. They're waterproof, skin-friendly and don't tarnish.

Can I exchange for a different size?

For unengraved rings, yes, within 30 days. Engraved rings are personalised and excluded from the right of withdrawal, but we offer an exchange as a goodwill gesture. If you're unsure about the size, write to us before you order.