Ordering jewelry for a group of bridesmaids requires knowing their sizes. This sounds straightforward until you realize that asking "what is your ring size?" or "what length necklace do you wear?" requires bridesmaids to know the answer — and most people do not.

This guide covers how to collect sizing information accurately and discreetly, including methods that work even when you cannot ask directly.

Necklace Chain Length: The Simpler Problem

Necklace sizing is more forgiving than ring sizing because a necklace that is one inch longer or shorter than ideal still works. Most people can wear a 16-inch or an 18-inch chain without adjustment. For a group of bridesmaids, a single default length fits almost everyone adequately.

The universal default: 18 inches.

An 18-inch chain sits just below the collarbone on most adults. It works with most necklines, feels comfortable for all-day wear, and is the most commonly manufactured length so pendant designs are built around it.

The only exceptions worth accommodating individually:

• Very petite bridesmaids (under 5'2") may find 18 inches sits lower than ideal — 16 inches typically works better
• Very tall bridesmaids (above 5'10") may prefer 20 inches for a proportionally correct placement
• Bridesmaids with a specific deep V-neck dress may request a longer length to sit within the V

For a group of six bridesmaids, ordering five at 18 inches and one at 16 inches covers virtually every body type. Ask in a group message: "I am ordering necklaces for everyone — I plan to get 18-inch chains. Does anyone need a different length?" This phrasing makes it easy to answer and easy to ignore if 18 inches works.

Shop  featured jewulry from Luvymia 

Ring Sizing: The More Precise Problem

Ring sizing requires accuracy within a half-size. A ring that is one size too small will not fit. One size too large falls off. Unlike necklaces, there is no forgiving default.

Method 1: Ask Directly (The Most Reliable Approach)

The most reliable way to get accurate ring sizes is to ask. Most people do not know their ring size off the top of their head, but most people can find out easily. A straightforward message works:

"I am ordering a small gift for everyone and need your ring size for the [finger you plan for the piece]. The easiest way is to go to a local jeweler and ask them to size you — it takes two minutes and is free. US size [likely range] is what I am looking for."

Sending bridesmaids to a local jeweler for sizing gets you accurate measurements without requiring them to do any measuring themselves. Most jewelry stores size customers for free as a goodwill gesture.

Method 2: The String Method (For Remote Bridesmaids)

For bridesmaids who cannot easily access a jeweler, the string method provides a reasonable measurement:

1. Wrap a thin strip of paper or string snugly around the intended finger — snug but not tight, comfortable for wearing
2. Mark where the paper or string completes the circle
3. Lay flat and measure the length in millimeters with a ruler
4. This measurement is the finger circumference — convert to US ring size using a standard chart

Common US ring sizes and their circumferences:

Important: Measure at the end of the day when fingers are slightly larger from normal daily activity. Fingers are smallest in the morning and when cold. A ring sized to fit in the morning may feel tight by afternoon.

Method 3: The Existing Ring Method

If a bridesmaid already wears a ring on the finger you are sizing for, that ring can be measured directly:

1. Ask the bridesmaid to place the ring flat on a piece of white paper
2. Trace the interior circle of the ring with a pencil
3. Measure the diameter of the circle in millimeters
4. Convert using the diameter column in the table above

This method is accurate when the ring fits correctly. If the bridesmaid says "this ring fits but it is a little loose" or "a little tight," adjust one half-size accordingly.

Method 4: Order Adjustable or Order to Return

For situations where accurate sizing is impractical — a bridesmaid lives internationally, logistics make collection difficult — consider two alternatives:

Adjustable rings: Open-band or adjustable designs can fit a range of sizes. The trade-off is that adjustable rings look different from fixed-band rings and may not match your original design intent.

Order to return: Order in the most common size (US 7 for most adult women) with the explicit plan to exchange if incorrect. This works only if the seller has a clear exchange policy for sizing adjustments. Confirm this before ordering.

When to Collect Sizes

Collect sizing information at least 8 weeks before you plan to order. This gives each bridesmaid time to get sized properly rather than guessing, and gives you time to follow up with anyone who does not respond.

A group message that includes a deadline works well: "I need everyone's necklace length preference and ring size for your right-hand ring finger by [date two weeks out]. If I do not hear from you, I will order a size 7 ring and an 18-inch chain — let me know if that needs adjusting."

The deadline and the default creates action without pressure.

Earring Sizing: No Measurement Needed

Stud earrings require no sizing — they fit all standard piercings. The only consideration is post material for anyone with metal sensitivities. A quick group message asking "does anyone have a metal allergy or sensitivity to sterling silver?" surfaces this issue without requiring individual sizing conversations.

You may also like to read:  Moissanite Necklace Styles: How to Choose the Right One for Every Occasion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common ring size for adult women in the US?

The most common US ring size for women is between 6 and 7, with size 7 being the statistical average. For a group of bridesmaids where you cannot collect individual sizes, ordering size 7 for everyone and noting that exchanges may be needed is a reasonable starting point.

What if a bridesmaid receives the ring and it does not fit?

A local jeweler can resize most rings for $20–$50. This is the standard resolution for ring sizing issues. For rings with stones set all the way around (eternity bands), resizing is not possible — sizing accuracy is critical for these styles before ordering.

Do fingers change size during pregnancy?

Yes — fingers often swell during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester. If a bridesmaid is pregnant at the time of ordering, size up by one full size from her normal measurement and plan for the possibility of post-wedding resizing if needed.

Is right-hand sizing different from left-hand sizing?

Slightly — dominant hand fingers are typically slightly larger due to more frequent use. Most people's dominant hand ring finger is one quarter to one half size larger than the non-dominant hand. If jewelry will be worn on a specific hand, size for that hand specifically.

What if bridesmaids are in different countries with different sizing systems?

Different countries use different sizing systems (US, UK, European). Ask for measurements in millimeters (finger circumference) and convert yourself using a standard chart. Millimeter measurements are universal and eliminate conversion confusion.

Ordering matching sets for your bridesmaid group? Browse our moissanite and pearl bridesmaid jewelry at Luvymia  — available in standard US sizes with straightforward exchange options for sizing adjustments.