Knowledge
Ring Information
A ring is the most personal of objects: it must fit exactly, hold its stone securely and feel right after ten thousand wearings.
Below you will find how to establish your size, the settings our workshop crafts, the metals we work in and what can be adjusted after purchase.
Sizing
Finding your size
A ring should pass the knuckle with gentle resistance and sit without turning.
- Measure at the right moment
- Fingers change through the day. Measure in the late afternoon at a normal temperature, never when hands are cold.
- Measure an existing ring
- Take the inside diameter in millimetres of a ring worn on the same finger; our team converts it to UK, EU and US sizes.
- Request a ring sizer
- We will send a complimentary sizer, or measure you in person at any of our private salons.
- Wide bands and eternity rings
- Bands over 4 mm and full eternity rings sit more snugly; we usually recommend a half size up.
Settings
The settings we craft
- Solitaire
- A single stone raised on a slender band — the purest expression of a diamond.
- Prong (claw)
- Four or six claws hold the stone with minimal metal, allowing light in from every side.
- Bezel
- A fine rim of metal encircles the stone: modern, protective, ideal for daily wear.
- Pavé
- Small diamonds set close along the band so the metal all but disappears beneath light.
- Halo
- A circle of brilliants frames the centre stone, amplifying its presence.
- Three stone
- A centre stone flanked by two companions — past, present and future.
Metals
Gold and platinum
Pure gold is too soft for fine jewellery, so it is alloyed. Astrea London works in 18 karat gold — 75% pure gold — the balance of purity and strength we consider correct for pieces meant to be worn for a lifetime, and in platinum for its density and permanence.
- 18K yellow gold75%
- Warm and traditional, flattering on deeper skin tones and against colourless diamonds.
- 18K white gold75%
- Gold alloyed with palladium for a cool, luminous white; rhodium plating is refreshed as part of our care service.
- 18K rose gold75%
- Copper in the alloy gives a soft blush that deepens quietly with time.
- Platinum950
- Naturally white, hypoallergenic and denser than gold: it holds a stone with absolute security and never needs plating.
Aftercare
Resizing and care
Most rings can be adjusted by our workshop within a size or two. Full pavé and eternity designs are made to measure and cannot be resized, so we confirm your size before production. Every Astrea piece is welcome back for cleaning, polishing and rhodium renewal.
Unsure of a size or a setting? Book a private appointment and we will measure and advise in person.