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Rings: Types, Sizing, Metals and Care
Everything to know before you choose a ring: the main types, the right size, the metal, the stones and how to look after them.
By McGee Jewelry · Updated October 2026
This page is a guide to ring types, not a shop. It does not list products or prices, so always confirm details with the seller you buy from.
Start with the right size
A ring that is even half a size off will spin, pinch or slip. Measure at the end of the day, when your hands are warm, and measure twice. Our ring sizer shows US, UK, EU and Japan sizes at once, and wide bands usually need about half a size more.
Types of rings, at a glance
| Type | Look | Best for | Try |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solitaire | One central stone | Engagement and statement | Diamond size visualizer |
| Wedding or anniversary band | Smooth, or set with small stones | Daily wear and milestones | Anniversary gifts |
| Infinity or eternity band | A looping or continuous line of stones | Anniversaries and promise rings | Infinity band spotlight |
| Stacking rings | Thin bands worn in groups | Personal style | Layering ideas |
| Signet | Flat face, often engraved | Right hand, solo or stacked | Metal matcher |
| Cocktail or gemstone | Large stone or sculpted shape | Evenings and statements | Birthstone finder |
Choosing the metal
For rings worn daily, 14k gold is a durable, popular choice, and 18k has a richer color but is softer. Platinum is dense and naturally white. White gold is usually rhodium-plated and needs re-plating over time, while rose gold gets its tint from copper. Compare options in the karat guide and find the tone that flatters you with the metal matcher.
Diamonds and gemstones
Judge cut first, since it drives sparkle, then color and clarity at the level you can see. Carat is weight, not size, so check millimeter diameter with the diamond visualizer. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds and usually cost less. For small stones across a band, ask for the total weight and the color and clarity ranges in writing.
How to wear and stack rings
- Start with two or three rings, and vary the width so they do not look uniform.
- Keep one metal dominant, then add a second as an accent.
- Try a stack next to a solitaire before you buy, since curved bands can leave small gaps.
- Traditions about which finger to wear a ring on differ by culture, so wear them where you like.
Buying a ring as a gift
To find a size without asking, borrow a ring she wears on the same finger and measure its inside diameter, or ask a friend who knows. Pair it with a meaningful date or stone using the anniversary gift guide, or let the gift finder narrow ideas by style and budget.
Caring for your rings
Remove rings for cleaning, workouts and heavy chores. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush, and have prongs and settings checked yearly. White gold may need new rhodium plating every year or two. More in the care guide.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find my ring size at home?
Wrap a strip of paper around the base of your finger, mark the overlap and measure it in millimeters, then match it to a size chart. Use the ring sizer on this site for conversions.
Is 14k or 18k better for rings?
14k is harder and more scratch resistant, which suits daily wear. 18k has a richer color and a higher gold content but is softer.
Can a ring be resized?
Often, but not always. Bands with stones set around most of the circle, and some patterned designs, are hard or impossible to resize.
How should I stack rings?
Start with two or three, vary the widths, and keep one metal dominant. Try them together first to check for gaps.
What does carat total weight mean?
It is the combined weight of all the diamonds in a piece. It does not tell you how large the stones look, so also check their size and the design.