Tom Hubbard Fine Jewellery
Sizing & Grading
A little guidance can make choosing jewellery much easier. Ring fit and gemstone details are personal to each piece, so please ask Tom if you would like help with a particular design.
Finding the right ring size
Have the intended finger measured by a jeweller where possible, and explain the width and style of ring you are considering. Fingers can change size through the day, and a wider band may feel different from a narrow one. A comfortable fit should be checked on the finger that will wear the ring.
Using an existing ring as a reference
A ring that already fits the intended finger can be a helpful starting point. Tell Tom which sizing system you have used and whether the ring is a similar width. Avoid relying on a photograph, screen measurement or a guessed conversion when confirming a final size.
Can a ring be resized?
Resizing possibilities depend on the metal, setting and arrangement of the stones. In particular, do not assume that a full eternity design can be resized in the same way as a plain band. Ask about the exact piece before ordering or planning a surprise.
Understanding diamond descriptions
Carat weight, colour, clarity and cut are the four familiar factors used to describe diamond quality. Carat is a measure of weight, not a direct measurement of how large a stone looks. Ask whether a stated weight refers to one stone or the combined weight of several stones.
For an independent introduction, see GIA’s guide to the diamond 4Cs.
Choosing a coloured gemstone
Colour, cut, clarity and weight all help describe a coloured stone, but your preference for its colour and appearance matters too. Ask about the gem’s identity, any treatments and the care it needs. Different gemstones can need different care, so confirm what suits the way you plan to wear the piece.
What should I look for when choosing a sapphire?
Look at the colour you enjoy, how evenly it appears across the stone and how the cut presents it. Sapphire comes in colours beyond blue, and colour is an important factor in its value. Carat weight alone does not describe its appearance or quality. GIA’s sapphire quality guide explains colour, clarity, cut and weight in more detail.
When discussing a sapphire ring with Tom, ask about the particular stone’s measurements, any treatments and available reports. Compare the setting styles in the single stone, three stone and cluster ring collections, or explore a bespoke commission.
Gemstone reports and treatments
If documentation matters to your choice, ask what report is available for the particular stone and what it covers. Do not assume every piece has a laboratory report. GIA explains the differences between diamond and coloured gemstone reports.
A few useful questions to ask
- What are the gemstone and metal details for this piece?
- Is the stated carat weight for one stone or all the stones together?
- What size is the ring, and what adjustments are possible?
- Is a gemstone report available, and are there treatments or special care requirements?
- What are the current price, availability and likely delivery arrangements?
Explore the ring collection, read about bespoke jewellery, or get in touch for personal advice.