Jadeite Ring Guide: Styles, Sizing and Which Finger
Updated
Most jadeite rings are either a jadeite cabochon set in gold or platinum, or a ring carved from one piece of jadeite, such as a saddle ring or plain band. Set rings can usually be resized by a jeweler; solid jadeite rings cannot, so measure your finger first. There is no rule for which finger: most people wear it on the non-dominant hand.
What styles of jadeite ring are there?
Jadeite rings fall into two groups. Some are carved from a single piece of jadeite. Others have a jadeite stone set in metal, usually 18K gold or platinum.
| Style | Chinese name | Made from | Who often wears it | Resizable? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saddle ring (A) | 马鞍戒 | One piece, with a raised, saddle-shaped top | Men and women; a classic men's choice | No |
| Plain band (B) | 指环 | One piece, a simple round band | Everyone; easy everyday wear | No |
| Thumb ring (C) | 扳指 | One piece, a wide tube worn on the thumb | Mostly men; a traditional style | No |
| Cabochon ring (D) | 蛋面戒 | A domed jadeite stone set in gold or platinum | The most common style for women | Usually, by a jeweler |
| Halo ring (E) | 镶钻戒 | A cabochon surrounded by small diamonds | Engagement and special-occasion rings | Usually, by a jeweler |
Men's rings with a square or oval jadeite top in a heavy gold mount, similar to a signet ring, are also common. For more terms, see the jadeite glossary.
What metal and setting should I choose?
- 18K gold (yellow, white or rose) is the most common setting for good jadeite. It is strong enough to hold the stone securely.
- Platinum is heavier and more expensive, and keeps a white color without plating.
- Silver is used for lower-priced pieces. It is softer, so prongs and bezels can wear and loosen sooner.
Look at how the back of the setting is made:
| Back | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Open back | Light passes through the stone, so translucency shows naturally. You can see the underside and check it for cracks. |
| Closed back | Protects a thin stone, but hides the underside. A metal or foil backing can also change how green and bright the stone looks. Ask why the back is closed, and ask for photos taken before setting if possible. |
How do I find my jadeite ring size?
Measure the circumference of your finger, then give the seller that number in millimeters. Size systems differ by country, and millimeters avoid confusion.
- Wrap a thin strip of paper around the base of the finger you want to wear the ring on.
- Mark where it overlaps, then measure the length with a ruler.
- Measure in the afternoon or evening, when fingers are slightly larger, and measure twice.
- If your knuckle is larger than the base of your finger, make sure the ring can pass over the knuckle.
| US size | Inside circumference (mm) | Inside diameter (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 49.3 | 15.7 |
| 6 | 51.9 | 16.5 |
| 7 | 54.4 | 17.3 |
| 8 | 57.0 | 18.1 |
| 9 | 59.5 | 19.0 |
| 10 | 62.1 | 19.8 |
| 11 | 64.6 | 20.6 |
| 12 | 67.2 | 21.4 |
Solid jadeite rings cannot be resized. Saddle rings, bands and thumb rings are carved from one piece, just like a bangle, so the size you buy is the size you keep. Wide bands also feel tighter than thin ones, so choose half a size larger for a wide band. Rings with a metal setting can usually be resized by a jeweler, as long as the stone is protected from heat.
Which finger should I wear a jadeite ring on?
There is no fixed rule. A few practical points:
- The non-dominant hand is the usual choice, because the ring will take fewer knocks.
- Saddle rings and men's rings are often worn on the index, middle or ring finger. The raised top sits well on a larger finger.
- Thumb rings (扳指) come from a tradition in China, where archers once wore them to draw a bowstring. Today they are worn as a statement piece.
- The ring finger of the left hand is used for engagement and wedding rings in many countries. A jadeite halo ring works well as an engagement ring.
- The little finger suits small, thin bands.
In some places, people choose a finger for luck or meaning. These are customs, not rules. Choose the finger where the ring is comfortable and safe from knocks.
What should I check before buying a jadeite ring?
- Zhong, shui and se. Judge texture, translucency and color as you would for any piece. See zhong, shui and se explained.
- Cracks near the setting. Prongs and bezels can hide cracks at the edge of a cabochon. Ask for close-up photos from the side and back.
- Stone thickness. A very thin cabochon can look bright when set over a closed back, but it is more fragile and may look different once removed.
- Type A. Ask whether the jadeite is natural and untreated. See how to spot treated (Type B) jadeite.
- Certificate. It should name the stone as jadeite and say it is natural. Check that the photo, weight and description match. See how to verify a jadeite certificate.
The price of a jadeite ring depends mostly on the stone: its color, translucency, clarity and size. The metal and diamonds come second.
How do I look after a jadeite ring?
Rings take more knocks than any other jewelry. Take yours off for the gym, housework, gardening and washing dishes. Clean it with lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft brush, and check the prongs every few months. See how to care for jadeite.
Buying a ring as a present? See choosing jadeite as a gift for ways to find a ring size without asking. For bangles, see which hand to wear a jade bangle on.
On JadeiteHub, listings use real photos from the seller, and some include video. Every sold piece is checked against its certificate before it ships, travels with insured shipping, and is fully refunded if it does not match the description.
FAQ
Can a jadeite ring be resized?
Only if it has a metal setting. A jeweler can usually resize the metal band while protecting the stone from heat. Rings carved from one piece of jadeite, such as saddle rings, bands and thumb rings, cannot be resized.
Which finger should a man wear a jadeite ring on?
There is no rule. Men often wear saddle rings on the index, middle or ring finger of the non-dominant hand, where the raised top fits well and takes fewer knocks.
Can I use a jadeite ring as an engagement ring?
Yes. A jadeite cabochon in gold or platinum, often with a diamond halo, is a popular choice. Jadeite is tough, but take it off for sport and heavy work.
Is a closed-back jadeite ring a bad sign?
Not necessarily. A closed back protects a thin stone. But it hides the underside and can change how the color looks, so ask for photos of the stone before setting and a certificate.
What ring size should I give the seller?
Give the inside circumference of the ring, or of your finger, in millimeters. Size systems differ by country, and millimeters avoid mistakes.
