| You might be surprised to know just how many | | | | fit can be guessy. |
| ladies come to our business with similar problems. | | | | Ok, so those are the first ways to approach the |
| Of course, the knuckle is the critical point in simply | | | | fit problem with a problem knuckle. The rest are |
| getting a ring on the finger in the first place, and | | | | quite price in comparison and are certainly |
| then comes the difference in size with that and | | | | permanent options. The afore mentioned methods |
| the bottom part of the finger. We see this from | | | | may be removed and the ring made just as it |
| injury, arthritis and simple heredity. The knuckle on | | | | was to start with. These next devices mean |
| my left ring finger is larger than the part where | | | | about 1/2 of the ring shank must be removed |
| the ring goes and I like wider bands...well, the size | | | | and replaced with the new shank which opens and |
| difference is not so great but the situation was | | | | closes to fit the finger. If the ring is platinum, the |
| solved by using three narrow bands which will go | | | | price is not shown here. In fact, some of the |
| over the knuckle ok while a single band that wide | | | | devices are not available in platinum. Yes, these |
| would be a real problem. In your situation there is | | | | are pricy but work very, very well. I suggest |
| the problem of the ring being so loose that it | | | | trying the ring guard and perhaps sizing beads |
| turns on the finger and is perhaps uncomfortable | | | | first, even if it means spending a little up front. |
| with the extra space. Let me tell you now, there | | | | Then, if all else fails, consider one of these |
| is hope! The differences in the "hope" is price and | | | | specialty ring shanks. Web site for each type are |
| what suits you best. | | | | shown, the home sites for the manufacturers. |
| I will start with the lowest priced options first. | | | | Ring Shanks of the Open and Close Type. See |
| Truly, sometimes the simple solution works fine | | | | each type for price guesses. |
| but other options are there even if more pricy. I | | | | Fingerfit © shank. The fingerfit shank is the |
| will not even mention duct tape! | | | | one we sell the most of. The device opens to |
| MEANS OF FITTING A RING WHEN THE | | | | allow fitting onto the finger and closes on the |
| KNUCKLE IS ENLARGED. | | | | wearing part of the finger. For this and the other |
| This is the first option. The simple RING GUARD. | | | | two devices mentioned, first the jeweler must |
| A ring guard is a piece of metal formed so the | | | | measure your knuckle and then measure your |
| ends will wrap around the lower part of the ring | | | | finger where the ring is worn. The new shank is |
| shank (band). Sometimes these work quite well. | | | | fitted to the lower half of your ring with a closed |
| Generally, in gold filled the price installed is about | | | | size to match your finger size. Figure about $400. |
| $7 - $10. Ring guards are available in karat gold | | | | Superfit shank. This is heavier than the fingerfit |
| such as 14k but first try the gold filled ones and | | | | and very well finished. The shank snaps shut on |
| see how it works for you. Over time, the device | | | | well designed closure which is practically invisible |
| will need to be replaced but the cost is minimal | | | | when closed. The top of the ring must be strong |
| compared to other options. To see what a ring | | | | enough to keep tension in the Superfit. A good |
| guard looks like, browse through a few search | | | | jeweler who has installed these before can tell |
| engine results. For example, Ring Guard (site | | | | you about that. Do not use a jeweler who does |
| chosen at random in Google): Figure perhaps $7 | | | | not have experience with the Superfit. Figure |
| -$10 | | | | about $500. |
| Sizing Beads. Figure perhaps $55 | | | | Lockshank. This is one I have not used. I have |
| There is no website for this since this is a jeweler | | | | done all of the above but not this one and cannot |
| made and installed option. Sizing beads are small | | | | comment on how well it works. Price, well, I figure |
| roundish beads made of the same metal as your | | | | about $500. |
| engagement ring. Two beads are soldered into | | | | This device appears to be simply an open and |
| the ring shank on the lower 1/3 of the ring. These | | | | close hinged ring band with a secure fit when |
| take up space and help prevent a ring from | | | | closed. It should work just fine. |
| turning on the finger. Generally, unless actual bone | | | | There is your answer and I did not mention duct |
| against thin skin is the knuckle problem, the sizing | | | | tape again or adhesive tape...a nightmare to |
| beads work pretty well. It is difficult to measure | | | | jewelers to remove when doing work on a ring!!! |
| accurately for these beads. The jeweler will make | | | | Please do not use the tape. If the ring will fit on |
| the beads larger to start and can trim the size | | | | with something like tape on the shank, the sizing |
| down in a "try and fit" situation. The two beads | | | | beads should work fine. The butterfly is not a bad |
| generally go over the knuckle with little if any | | | | option but I get mixed reviews on it. The beads |
| problem. Figure perhaps $85 plus the cost of sizing | | | | are difficult to fit to size and do not work in all |
| the ring up about 1/4 sizes, about $28 more. | | | | cases. However, when smooth and the right size, |
| The butterfly is a U shaped piece of white gold | | | | these seem to be and almost ideal answer with |
| (since it is more springy than yellow) with the | | | | no more than 1 size is the finger issue. |
| bottom of the U soldered in place inside the ring. | | | | Note on prices: I figured average prices based on |
| The bottom of the U is at the bottom of the ring. | | | | the totally out of sight price of gold right now. |
| The two sides go up about ½ to slightly | | | | Gold is higher than in years and silver and platinum |
| more in the ring. The sides spring outward when | | | | are in the same situation. Prices from last year |
| the ring is put on and spring back in when on the | | | | are almost doubled in some cases and at least up |
| finger where the ring is to be worn. The ring | | | | 30% in other areas of the jewelry market. Prices |
| must be resized slightly larger to accommodate | | | | include total cost of the item and installation based |
| the space taken up by the "butterfly" piece of | | | | on typical pricing structure. Of course, you local |
| metal. These work pretty well in most cases but | | | | market will determine actual price in your area. |