Ring Size Adjusters for Large Knuckles, Thin Fingers and Uncomfortable Rings

For more valuable information about ring sizes we recommend Zoara's ring sizing article.

Not all fingers are shaped the same. Some have long thin fingers, others have short thin fingers.  Some have large, thick knuckles and others have sensitive skin.  When buying fine rings, it can be frustrating to figure out the perfect ring size.

Furthermore, fingers and knuckles can increase in diameter over time.  Hot temperatures can cause fingers to swell and weight loss or weight gain can cause fingers to thicken or thin. 

We all know how irritating it can be to wiggle and push the ring over the knuckle to take it on and off.  For those with especially large knuckles, this can be especially irritating, and for those with arthritis it can be painful and can further cause inflammation.

Today, there are technologies to help keep your ring fitting snugly and comfortably no matter what size your fingers are.  The most popular solutions are Sizing Beads, Spring Inserts such as Ring Guards, Hinged Rings, Fold-over Devices and Plastic Inserts. 

In order to measure your ring size you can download a free ringsizer in Zoara.com.

Note: because many of these devices have been created specifically to help those suffering from arthritis, they are sometimes known as “Arthritic Shanks”, however, they are not for arthritis sufferers alone!

Sizing Beads: Inserting sizing beads into your ring is one of the simplest and cheapest ways to adjust your rings size.  It keeps a ring large enough to fit comfortably over your knuckle, but snug enough that the ring doesn’t spin or turn at the base of the finger.  A jeweler enlarges a ring and inserts two small beads into the band.  Sizing beads are not always perfect.  Many feel they are uncomfortable and do not provide ideal snugness, however they are a good permanent solution and are the most popular, affordable solution with jewelers today.

Spring Inserts: Spring inserts are typically made of yellow or white gold.  Sometimes they are referred to as Ring Guards or Ring Inserts. These are thin, flexible horse-shoe shaped pieces of metal that fit inside the ring and therefore cannot be seen on the outside.  Some spring inserts are soldered into the band while others can be bought separately.  The ring is enlarged to fit over the knuckle and the spring tightens as the ring slips over the knuckle to create a snug fit at the base of the finger.  Spring inserts can crack if the ring is frequently taken on and off, can scratch the ring’s metal and can still be irritable. 

Self-Sizing Spring Band: These kinds of rings are manufactured by specialized jewelry makers or jewelry making companies. They feature a small inner shank that is attached to the ring shank and can slide up and down according to a finger’s width. These can be expensive, high maintenance, and can break. 

Hinged Rings: Hinged rings are usually manufactured and altered by specialized Jewelry makers or jewelry making companies ; however they can be extremely helpful for those with large knuckles.  These rings open with a unique hinge that is barely visible, snaps open and snaps closed.  These rings don’t need to be slid over the knuckle at all; rather, the ring can be open and snapped onto the finger right at the base of the hand.  One well known company is called “Super Fit”. Some with impaired dexterity may find these rings a bit difficult to operate.  They can also be quite expensive. 

Fold-over Device: The fold-over device is a small hinged clasp that sits over the shank.  It works like a spring insert, but it can be opened when you slide your ring over the knuckle making it more comfortable to put your ring on. It is a cheap, easy option, but is visible from the outside of the ring.

Plastic Inserts: These are the cheapest options and are typically not recommended for fine jewelry. They can damage the metal of your fine ring, they can be hard to clean, they are easily breakable and they may be uncomfortable, but they are a good temporary solution. 

If you have a ring that you would like to be resized or are considering one of the above methods for your fine rings, we suggest that you discuss all of your options with your jeweler.  Depending on the metal and materials your ring is made of and the size of your finger, one method may be more beneficial than another. 

For more valuable information about ring sizes we recommend Zoara's ring sizing article at Zoara.com.