Molly Henshaw is a jewelry enthusiast and freelance writer living in the DC metro area. When she’s not shopping, she is a contributing author for the Los Angeles jewelry store, Icing On The Ring. They are the go-to experts on engagement rings, with over 43 years’ experience in the industry!

When you are ready to propose, the last thing that you want to do is give your wife-to-be a ring that doesn’t fit properly. Getting her ring size without tipping her off to the big moment can be tricky however, so you will have to get creative. If you follow one of the steps listed below, though, she will have no idea what your plans are.

1. Soap is Your Friend

As odd as this might sound a bar of soap can be your best ally when you are trying to learn your fiancé to be’s ring size. Simply take a ring that you have seen her wear on the ring finger of her left or right hand and press it down, flat, into the soap until an indentation has been left. Now take it with you to any jeweler, and they will be able to discern her ring size from the bar of soap.

2. Candles Provide More than Light

This is simple trick that people have been using for years, but sometimes, the most simplistic tricks are the best. Take one of her rings and slide it down a tapered candle. Once it stops, you have hit the mark. Make an indication on the candle, and take it with you to the jewelry store.

3. Using your own Hand

If your fiancé to be is the type who uses body wash instead of soap and who has only fancy candles in the house, then you will want to avoid suspicion by not bringing those items around. You can actually determine her ring size by using one of your own fingers. Place one of her rings onto your finger, and gently press it down until it stops. Make a small mark that will not stand out to her, and then get to the jewelry store as quickly as you can.

4. Turn a Mutual Friend into a Spy

Girls love to try on each other’s jewelry, so a simple solution would be to enlist the help of a mutual female friend. Have her ask to try on one of your girlfriend’s rings and make a note about which of her fingers it fit on. Or better yet, have her ask to borrow a ring for a night out, and then the ring with you to the jeweler for an exact sizing.

5. Ask without Asking

If you and your fiancé have an evening with friends planned, you can enlist a friend to bring up the topic of ring sizes by relating it to a recent news article or event. If everyone has a drink or two in them, they will most likely start comparing ring sizes as soon as the topic comes up.

Regardless of whether you obtain her ring size through a conversation or a sizing method, remember that being proposed to is something that your girlfriend has probably dreamed about for years. Propose by doing something both unusual and romantic to set the mood for one of the happiest moments of both of your lives.