Most Flattering Engagement Rings for Every Hand

An engagement ring not only needs to fit her style, but it also needs to look good on her hand. Read on for tips for choosing a flattering ring for every type of hand.

Choosing the perfect engagement ring is not easy.

First, it needs to match her personal style. And you also have to consider her lifestyle and make sure it doesn't get in the way of her hobbies or work. And, of course, it needs to be within your budget.

But there is one other important factor a lot of people forget to consider.

And that is whether the ring will actually look good on her finger!

Fingers come in all shapes and sizes. And not every style is one-size-fits-all. You want to make sure it will be flattering on her hand. For example, if she's got wide fingers, you don't want to get a ring that makes them look chubbier.

So as you're shopping for the perfect engagement ring, keep these tips in mind for her hand type:

• Long Fingers
  
• Short Fingers
  
• Chubby Fingers
  
• Petite Fingers
  
• Small Hands
  
• Large Hands

Where to Buy an Engagement Ring?

This may come as a surprise, but consider buying your engagement ring online. You can stretch your buying power because online retailers are around 40% cheaper than local jewelers.

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Long Fingers

The Ring © Josh Sherrill (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr

If she has long, slender fingers, then your job is easy. Almost any style will look good on her. Long fingers can get away with small, dainty designs or large bold designs. In particular, a smaller center diamond with a medium-thick band is especially flattering, as it'll help widen the finger a bit.

Stay away from: She can pretty much wear anything, but the marquise shape will make her finger look even longer.

Short Fingers

Engagement Ring © Jessica Diamond (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Flickr

Short fingers don't necessarily mean thin - just short in length. To help short fingers appear longer, look for elongated diamonds, like the oval, pear, emerald, or marquise shapes. Keep the band thin and delicate, so it doesn't cut off the fingers and make them look shorter. If she's got short, wide fingers, consider a thin split shank to add a bit more width to the band without making it chunky.

Stay away from: Large round or square diamonds (they can make short fingers look stubbier), and thick bands.

Chubby Fingers

These fingers are perfect for a bold statement ring. You can go crazy with angular or asymmetrical designs. You want as little skin showing on either side of the center design as possible. If she's more traditional, a halo is a budget-friendly way to give the center more mass. Or a cluster setting is a relatively inexpensive way to get a large center.

Split Shank Bezel Halo Ring via James Allen

Larger shapes like emerald, oval, and pear will look good on this finger type. A thicker band will also minimize the appearance of wider fingers. Or a split shank (like the ring pictured above) is a great way to widen the band without making it seem too clunky.

Stay away from: Narrow center shapes (like the marquise cut) and thin bands.

Petite Fingers

Engagement Ring © Michael Martin (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr

Will & Jenny © daveoratox (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr

If she has thin fingers, then simpler rings with thin bands won't overpower them. Also, diamonds with smaller carat weights will look better proportionally (so great news for you!). Small round, oval, princess, or heart shapes look especially good on small, dainty fingers.

Stay away from: Huge statement designs, large solitaries, and wide bands.

Small Hands

The Ring © Allie Towers Rice (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Flickr

It's all about proportion. So if her hand is small, a smaller diamond will look larger on her hand. Keep the design less elaborate; you don't want it to look too imposing. A simple solitaire is best and makes enough of a statement on those tiny hands. A thin, delicate pavé band is a great way to add some extra sparkle without going over the top.

For small hands, look at 1 carat diamond rings.

Stay away from: Large statement rings and thick bands.

Large Hands

Engagement ring © anutkak43 (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr

On the other hand (ha!), larger hands will need a larger design to make the ring look proportional to her hand size. If you don't have the budget for a bigger rock, a cluster or halo will give you more mass for the money. Funky designs and chunkier settings will also complement larger hands.

For larger hands, check out 2 carat diamond rings.

Stay away from: Small solitaries and thin bands, as they'll look extra small.

Bottom Line

Take these tips as general rules of thumb, not gospel. What's still most important is that the ring is in a style that she absolutely adores and matches her personal taste. And, of course, don't go over budget trying to get a large carat diamond for your sweetie with larger hands.

There are always ways to adjust a design. Like picking a wider or thinner band, going for a larger or smaller center stone, adding a halo or side stones, etc. So most importantly, get a style she loves, and then make adjustments based on her hand type.