How to buy jewelry for someone else when you do not know their size
Most people who abandon a jewelry gift do it for the same reason. They get as far as the size dropdown and stop, because they have no idea, and asking would ruin the surprise.
Here is how to get around it, piece by piece.
Start with the pieces that have no size at all
Earrings are the obvious answer. Studs, huggies and hoops fit everyone, which is why they are the safest gift in jewelry and why we photograph them on so many different people.
A locket is the same, and it carries a photograph, so the thought goes further than the piece.
Bracelets and cuffs are more forgiving than they look. A cuff opens, so one size covers most wrists. Most of our chain bracelets have more than one clasp point, which quietly solves the problem for you.
If you want a ring, get the size without asking
Take a ring they already wear, and that fits the finger you have in mind. Lay it on a ruler and measure straight across the inside, in millimetres. Around 16.5mm is a US size 6, 17.3mm is a 7, 18.1mm is an 8. Our full chart is below, and in the size guide.
If you cannot get hold of a ring, guess slightly large. A ring that is a little loose can be worn on another finger while it is resized. A ring that is too tight cannot be worn at all.
For necklaces, think about what they already wear
Look at where their favourite chain sits. If it sits high on the collarbone, that is around 16 inches. Resting just below it is 18 inches, which is the length most people reach for and the safest choice. Longer, sitting on the chest, is 20 inches or more.
If they layer, a longer chain is the more useful gift, because it can sit under what they already own rather than competing with it.
What to do when you truly have no idea
Buy the piece anyway, and know that it can be exchanged. Everything we make can be returned or exchanged within 30 days of delivery, so a gift that does not fit is not a wasted one.
Or let them choose. A gift card is not a cop out when the alternative is guessing at a ring size on the 23rd of December.
The short version
Earrings and lockets, always safe. Cuffs and adjustable bracelets, nearly always safe. Rings, measure a ring they own, and size up rather than down if you have to guess. Necklaces, 18 inches unless you know otherwise.
If you are still stuck, email us and tell us who you are buying for. We answer these ourselves.
Browse The Gift Edit, or read more about finding the perfect fit.