What Ring Will Look Best on My Finger?

Different engagement rings flatter different finger types. Find the most flattering ring for your unique finger shape and size, be it short, long, slender or wide.

In one respect, choosing the right ring for your finger is a lot like choosing the right swimsuit for your figure. When trying on engagement rings — whether for fun or serious shopping after your groom-to-be has popped the question — you’ll quickly find that not every style looks as good on your finger as it does in the display case. 

But fret not — there’s a ring style and shape to flatter every finger and every hand, accentuating all the beauty while minimizing the things you don’t like.

Luckily, with a small amount of guidance you don’t need to spend hours trying on rings from a display case in order to narrow down your options. Whether you’re openly choosing your engagement ring with your groom-to-be or trying to influence him subtly (or not) from the sidelines, use these pointers to jumpstart your search and find the most flattering ring for your unique finger shape and size.

Finger length x width + ring shape + style = the perfect match

When looking at different rings, consider the length and width of your finger — along with the overall size of your hand — against a couple key things:

•  Shape and size of the main stone
•  Width and style of the ring itself

Also consider your typical nail length and shape: are they usually trimmed short or long, manicured and shaped? Longer nails lengthen the appearance of your fingers, so also become part of the equation.

Of course, your unique finger and hand shape is only part of what factors into choosing the perfect engagement ring. Your personal style and lifestyle are equally important.

We’ve created some helpful guidelines here. But if your heart is set on a particular stone and shape, you need to honor that — but perhaps consider using the right ring style to create the most flattering look on your finger. We also advise trying on different styles — even if it’s “just for fun” before he pops the question — to be sure you find the style with the perfect fit.

The long and short of it

Long fingers

Most styles work nicely on engagement rings for long, thin fingers, but consider these points when choosing:

•  Princess-cut and round stones are especially flattering.
•  Wider bands tend to complement length.
•  Long fingers can carry a bold style — but only if that suits you.

Slender fingers

When choosing an engagement ring for slender fingers, the main consideration is not to overpower them:

•  Smaller stones can help make thin fingers appear wider
•  Thicker bands work well to widen the look of your finger

Short fingers

An engagement ring for short fingers should help elongate your fingers – no matter their width:

• Oval, pear or marquise stones help lengthen the appearance of your finger.
• Rectangular emerald-shaped stones can lengthen short fingers, as long they aren’t so big they overwhelm.
• Slender, narrow-width bands create the illusion of length.

Wide fingers

The trick to choosing an engagement ring for wide fingers is to find a style that doesn’t show too much skin on either side of the ring, or fingers may look even wider. On the flip side, having wide fingers gives you more room to have fun that ranges from funky to classic, and to really make a statement. Consider the following styles:

•  Go for a wide oval, marquise, rectangular or emerald shape — narrow stones will make wide fingers look even wider.
•  Cluster styles and round stones in larger settings flatter wider fingers.
•  Choose a medium to thick band.
•  Angular shapes and asymmetrical designs both minimize the width of the finger.

Big knuckles

Don’t like your knuckles? The right ring will draw attention away — not toward — them.

•  Look at thicker, heavier bands — these draw attention to the ring instead of the middle of your finger.

When choosing your ring, keep in mind the larger context — it’s not just about your finger, but also your hand.

Small hands

•  With small hands, it’s best to keep the overall proportion of your ring small.
•  Small round, princess-cut, oval or heart-shaped stones work especially well.

Large hands

•  Try larger rings that suit your personality – you have room to get creative.
•  With larger hands, you can easily get away with bulky, chunky styles.

Most importantly, try on different rings and see which shapes and styles look best to you. In the end, you’re the best judge of the perfect engagement ring for your finger.

Ready to shop? Kay Jewelers and Jared the Galleria of Jewelry have a great selection of engagement rings.