Antique Ring Size Chart: Sizes in MM, Inches, US, UK & EU
An antique ring size chart converts a finger or ring measurement into a ring size. Antique rings use the same US, UK and EU size scales as modern rings, but many were hand-made, worn thin or resized over the decades, so the size on a listing may not match the true fit. Use the chart below, then read the tips on measuring worn bands and resizing safely.
How Antique Rings Are Sized
Antique rings are usually described as 100 years old or more, while vintage generally means at least 20 years. Whatever the age, a ring is sized by the inside diameter or circumference of its band. The ISO 8653 standard defines ring size by inside circumference in millimetres; see the ring size overview for background.
Antique pieces add a few complications. Many were made by hand before modern sizing standards, so a stated size can be approximate. Decades of wear can thin the shank or leave it slightly oval, and earlier resizing may have changed the ring. That is why a measurement in millimetres is more reliable than a size name.
Antique Ring Size Conversion Chart (MM, Inches, US, UK, EU)
Inner diameter is the width across the inside of the band. Inner circumference is the distance around it. Highlighted rows are common reference points.
| Ring size (US) | Inner diameter (mm) | Inner diameter (in) | Inner circumference (mm) | US | UK | EU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 14.07 | 0.554 | 44.2 | 3 | F | 44 |
| 3.5 | 14.47 | 0.570 | 45.5 | 3.5 | G | 45 |
| 4 | 14.88 | 0.586 | 46.8 | 4 | H | 47 |
| 4.5 | 15.29 | 0.602 | 48.0 | 4.5 | I | 48 |
| 5 | 15.69 | 0.618 | 49.3 | 5 | J½ | 49 |
| 5.5 | 16.10 | 0.634 | 50.6 | 5.5 | K½ | 51 |
| 6 | 16.51 | 0.650 | 51.9 | 6 | L½ | 52 |
| 6.5 | 16.91 | 0.666 | 53.1 | 6.5 | M½ | 53 |
| 7 | 17.32 | 0.682 | 54.4 | 7 | N½ | 54 |
| 7.5 | 17.73 | 0.698 | 55.7 | 7.5 | O½ | 56 |
| 8 | 18.13 | 0.714 | 57.0 | 8 | P½ | 57 |
| 8.5 | 18.54 | 0.730 | 58.2 | 8.5 | Q½ | 58 |
| 9 | 18.95 | 0.746 | 59.5 | 9 | R½ | 60 |
| 9.5 | 19.35 | 0.762 | 60.8 | 9.5 | S½ | 61 |
| 10 | 19.76 | 0.778 | 62.1 | 10 | T½ | 62 |
| 10.5 | 20.16 | 0.794 | 63.3 | 10.5 | U½ | 63 |
| 11 | 20.57 | 0.810 | 64.6 | 11 | V½ | 65 |
| 11.5 | 20.98 | 0.826 | 65.9 | 11.5 | W½ | 66 |
| 12 | 21.38 | 0.842 | 67.2 | 12 | X½ | 67 |
| 12.5 | 21.79 | 0.858 | 68.5 | 12.5 | Z | 68 |
| 13 | 22.20 | 0.874 | 69.7 | 13 | Z½ | 70 |
Formulas used: circumference = π × diameter; inches = mm ÷ 25.4; EU size = inner circumference in mm, rounded. UK letters are matched to the nearest published inner diameter. Sizes vary slightly by maker, and antique rings may differ more.
Smaller Antique Ring Sizes
Many older rings turn up in smaller sizes, and a ring that looks dainty may sit around US 4 to 7. This is a general observation, not a rule, and hand sizes vary widely. Check the actual measurement instead of assuming.
| Ring size (US) | Inner diameter (mm) | Inner diameter (in) | Inner circumference (mm) | US | UK | EU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 14.88 | 0.586 | 46.8 | 4 | H | 47 |
| 4.5 | 15.29 | 0.602 | 48.0 | 4.5 | I | 48 |
| 5 | 15.69 | 0.618 | 49.3 | 5 | J½ | 49 |
| 5.5 | 16.10 | 0.634 | 50.6 | 5.5 | K½ | 51 |
| 6 | 16.51 | 0.650 | 51.9 | 6 | L½ | 52 |
| 6.5 | 16.91 | 0.666 | 53.1 | 6.5 | M½ | 53 |
| 7 | 17.32 | 0.682 | 54.4 | 7 | N½ | 54 |
Mid-Range Antique Ring Sizes
Sizes from about US 6 to 9 cover a large share of antique dress rings, bands and engagement rings. See also the women’s ring size chart.
| Ring size (US) | Inner diameter (mm) | Inner diameter (in) | Inner circumference (mm) | US | UK | EU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 16.51 | 0.650 | 51.9 | 6 | L½ | 52 |
| 6.5 | 16.91 | 0.666 | 53.1 | 6.5 | M½ | 53 |
| 7 | 17.32 | 0.682 | 54.4 | 7 | N½ | 54 |
| 7.5 | 17.73 | 0.698 | 55.7 | 7.5 | O½ | 56 |
| 8 | 18.13 | 0.714 | 57.0 | 8 | P½ | 57 |
| 8.5 | 18.54 | 0.730 | 58.2 | 8.5 | Q½ | 58 |
| 9 | 18.95 | 0.746 | 59.5 | 9 | R½ | 60 |
Larger Antique Ring Sizes
Antique gents’ antique and band rings are commonly found from about US 8 to US 13. Larger rings are often heavier, which can make them feel snugger. See also the men’s ring size chart.
| Ring size (US) | Inner diameter (mm) | Inner diameter (in) | Inner circumference (mm) | US | UK | EU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 18.13 | 0.714 | 57.0 | 8 | P½ | 57 |
| 8.5 | 18.54 | 0.730 | 58.2 | 8.5 | Q½ | 58 |
| 9 | 18.95 | 0.746 | 59.5 | 9 | R½ | 60 |
| 9.5 | 19.35 | 0.762 | 60.8 | 9.5 | S½ | 61 |
| 10 | 19.76 | 0.778 | 62.1 | 10 | T½ | 62 |
| 10.5 | 20.16 | 0.794 | 63.3 | 10.5 | U½ | 63 |
| 11 | 20.57 | 0.810 | 64.6 | 11 | V½ | 65 |
| 11.5 | 20.98 | 0.826 | 65.9 | 11.5 | W½ | 66 |
| 12 | 21.38 | 0.842 | 67.2 | 12 | X½ | 67 |
| 12.5 | 21.79 | 0.858 | 68.5 | 12.5 | Z | 68 |
| 13 | 22.20 | 0.874 | 69.7 | 13 | Z½ | 70 |
Worn and Oval Bands: Measure Two Ways
If a band is out of round, one measurement can mislead. Measure the inside width across two directions about 90 degrees apart and average them. Very thin or distorted shanks may need a jeweller’s opinion before you wear the ring daily.
| Factor | What it can mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Hand-made band | Stated size may be approximate | Ask for inner diameter in mm |
| Thin, worn shank | Fragile, may bend or break if forced | Avoid stretching; ask a jeweller |
| Slightly oval shape | One measurement may mislead | Measure two ways and average |
| Earlier resizing | Little metal left to adjust again | Consider a ring guard instead |
How to Measure Antique Ring Size in MM and Inches
Millimetres are the most accurate unit. Convert to inches by dividing by 25.4. Our how to measure your ring size guide and the ring size calculator cover more methods.
Measure an Existing Ring
- Choose a ring that fits the same finger comfortably, or the antique ring itself if you own it.
- Lay it flat and measure the inside width at its widest point, in mm.
- Measure again at about 90 degrees and average the two readings.
- Find the nearest value in the “Inner diameter (mm)” column.
Measure Finger Circumference with a Paper Strip
- Cut a strip of paper about 10 mm wide and 150 mm long.
- Wrap it around the base of the finger and mark where it overlaps.
- Lay the strip flat and measure from the end to the mark in mm.
- Match the result to the “Inner circumference (mm)” column. Use string or a tape measure the same way.
How to Choose the Right Antique Ring Size
- Ask for millimetres. A stated size on an antique listing may be approximate.
- Check condition. A thin, worn or previously resized band is fragile and may not tolerate changes.
- Consider the band width. Wide or heavy bands can feel tighter; very thin bands can feel looser.
- Check the knuckle. The ring must pass over it and still sit snugly.
- Check the return policy. Buying antique rings online is easier when the seller accepts returns.
Can Antique Rings Be Resized?
Often, but it takes an experienced jeweller. Thin shanks, old solder, delicate or inset stones, engraving, hallmarks and enamel can limit resizing, and a poor job can reduce a ring’s value. Non-permanent options such as a ring guard or sizing beads are often used instead of cutting the band. Related guides: US ring size chart, UK ring size chart and ring size conversion chart.
Antique Ring Size FAQs
What size is an antique ring?
There is no single antique ring size. Antique rings come in many sizes, and many were made by hand before modern sizing standards, so the number stamped or listed may not match today’s US, UK or EU size exactly. Measure the finger and the ring, then match the measurement to the chart on this page.
Are antique ring sizes the same as modern ring sizes?
The scales are the same, but antique rings are often hand-finished, worn or previously resized, so the true inner diameter can differ from the stated size. Ask the seller for the inner diameter in millimetres, which is more reliable than a size label.
Why is my antique ring slightly oval?
Decades of wear, knocks and earlier repairs can leave a band slightly out of round. Measure the inside width in two directions and use the average, and have a jeweller check whether the shape is stable before you wear it daily.
Can an antique ring be resized?
Often it can, but it needs an experienced jeweller. Thin worn shanks, old solder, delicate settings, engraving, hallmarks, enamel and some older metals can limit resizing, and a heavy-handed change can reduce value or damage the ring. A jeweller should assess it first.
Should I size up or down for an antique ring?
If you are between sizes, many people go for the slightly larger one with a wide or heavy band and the slightly smaller one for a very thin, delicate band, but it varies. For a fragile ring, ask a jeweller rather than forcing a fit.
How do I measure my finger for an antique ring?
Wrap a strip of paper around the base of your finger, mark the overlap and measure the length in millimetres. Match that circumference to the chart. Measure the finger at the end of the day and repeat three times.
What can I do if an antique ring is a little loose?
Non-permanent options such as a ring guard or sizing beads are often used so the original shank is not cut. A jeweller can advise on whether a permanent change is safe for that particular ring.
Does antique ring size affect its value?
Resizing can affect value, particularly for rare or well-preserved pieces, because it can alter the original shank or remove hallmarks. If a ring may be valuable, get a valuation or specialist opinion before altering it.
Related Ring Size Guides
- Ring size calculator
- How to measure your ring size
- Printable ring size chart
- Female ring size chart
- Men’s ring size chart
- US ring size chart
- UK ring size chart
- Ring size conversion chart