Most gift decisions come down to how much you know about the person's size and taste. Here is how to handle the usual cases, from most guesswork to least.
Guessing a ring size without asking
The reliable trick is to borrow a ring they already wear on the finger you are buying for, then measure the inside of the band and compare it against the ring size guide. Two cautions: the same person often takes a different size on each hand, and a ring worn on another finger will mislead you. Rings run US 4 to 13 in half sizes, with some stacking and children's styles from 0.5 to 3.5.
If you cannot get near a ring, choose something that does not depend on a size at all, such as earrings or a pendant.
Why length matters on a necklace
Length decides where a piece sits and whether a pendant clears a collar. Shorter chains sit close to the neck; longer ones drop lower and give a pendant room. The safest method is the same as with rings: measure a chain they already wear flat against a ruler and buy that number. The chain size guide and the bracelet size guide cover how to measure.
| Item | Sizes offered |
|---|---|
| Rings | US 4–13, half sizes (0.5–3.5 on some styles) |
| Chains | 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 36 inches |
| Necklaces | 16, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24, 30, 36 inches |
| Bracelets | 9, 10, 11, 12 inches; Small to Extra Large |
| Charms | Small, Medium, Large |
Birthstones and initials
When you do not know someone's taste, a birth month or an initial gives the piece a reason to exist without you having to guess a style. Every month has a stone, listed on the birthstone guide. For letters and names, see initial jewelry, or the engravable styles together with the engraving guide. Matching the metal they already wear — silver, gold, or one of the two-tone combinations — is usually a safer read than matching a color.
When you cannot pin down a size
If the ring size is unknown and cannot be borrowed or measured, choose a piece where size is not the deciding factor. Earrings fit anyone, and a pendant can hang on a chain the wearer already owns. Customer favorites is a reasonable place to start.
If you would rather they choose
A gift card lets them pick the piece and the size themselves. It arrives by email with a code that is entered at checkout. More on how it works is on the gift cards page.