It is a very common problem when the engagement ring spins or slips on your finger.
A ring is most likely to spin or slip because it's too big for the finger or has a top-heavy setting and you're putting it over a larger knuckle. Or another reason is your finger shape changes during the day — often due to temperature. Your situation will determine the fix required, from resizing to 'speed bumps', a hinged shank, or a change of band shape.
Breaking down the reasons for your ring spinning
Rings are round, fingers aren't. A round ring is a simpler shape to form (especially in ancient times), the shape carries symbolism and for most people, it will go on. The downside of all this is that just because it goes on, doesn’t mean it stays in place. I’m sure that if you have this issue, you will identify at least one of these reasons why your ring doesn't fit nicely;
- The ring is too big. If it slides on and off the finger with zero resistance it's the wrong shape or size. It’s that simple.
- The setting is top heavy. This is pretty common, especially on rings designed to be lighter on metal to cut costs. A well designed ring will often have a slightly thicker or wider base than the top of the ring, as counterweight to the stone setting.
- The knuckle is larger than the actual finger. Again, this is very common. I have put a quick anatomy lesson at the end of this blog, but suffice to say about half of the ring wearing population will encounter this. I have helped young and old clients.
- The fingers are prone to swelling. At different times of the day, finger size can vary because of fluid in the hand. For most, this is not an issue, as the difference is no more than half a ring size. But for a few, the change is more significant, and when the finger swelling reduces, the ring spins.
Addressing ring spin issues
My ring is too big
If planning a surprise engagement consensus is that if you don't have a solid finger size, it's better for the ring to be a bit on the big side. At least then it goes on and you can then get measured professionally. It is important to do something in the interim, so it doesn't come off the hand.
- An immediate trick is to wrap the inside of the ring with some surgical tape, or a plaster (band aid) or similar. There are lots of videos online on this, it does provide a quick fix and is still comfortable.
- Having the ring resized is very straightforward. Get your finger measured, and ensure you check your knuckle as this is the key point. You want the ring to sit firmly, but not tightly – the finger measure should not be pinching your skin in.
My stone setting keeps slipping
Some designs make the ring top heavy. So gravity is pulling your beautiful setting down. If you are regularly moving your stone setting back up it probably feels a bit annoying. In addition, moving your ring back into position by touching the stone makes it dull after a while with finger prints. So, you either want to create a counter-balance, or ‘lock’ the setting in place, once the ring is on.
- Adding a counter-balance basically involves adding some more metal to the base of the ring. This is a good solution for very thin bands and doesn’t need a lot of metal. A lot of modern bands already have this factored into the design.
- You may wish to take the diamond setting down a little. There is a school of thought out there that the higher the stone is elevated, the more light it is going to attract. This is useful for poor quality diamonds, but with a good quality stone in a good setting, it makes no difference.
My knuckle is larger than my finger
As said earlier, this is really common. While associated with arthritis in older wearers – it comes down to the hand makeup. More people have large knuckles than don't. I have helped clients in their early twenties who found that their rings spin once they are on. Read on for how it can be addressed.
- Changing the band diameter is the more predictable direction taken. Here the knuckle is measured as the ring ‘entry point’. Once the ring is on the finger (which invariable is slimmer) it needs to be stabilised. There are several options here, dependant on the size difference. The main con for changing the band diameter is that it can feel very large on the finger.
- Ring beads are used to stabilise rolling rings. These are good when it is not a really large size differential. (I don't love the shape of them, we tend to offer clients ‘speed bumps’) Two metal beads or wires are added to the ring. They sit snugly against each side of the finger, and act like a brake while ensuring it's still possible to put the ring on. If your finger is prone to swelling, and also if your knuckle is over one and a half sizes larger than your finger, they can be uncomfortable, and you might want to consider some of the other solutions here.
- Tapered inserts, or ‘sleeping policemen’ are similar to ring beads, but a softer shape. They are less intrusive and better for larger size differences.
- Permanent ring inserts are attached to the inside of the ring. These either look like a little hinge or are a caliper shape and are attached to the base of the ring. They act like a spring, giving to allow the ring to be put on, and then returning to their original shape, preventing movement of the ring. [CONS – These can only be made in gold, platinum does not flex sufficiently. They also cover any engraving or messages].
- Hinged bands have been around for decades, and are the best option for a perfect fit if you have a large knuckle to finger size difference. These shanks have tiny hinges and a catch on them. Some open by being pulled at a certain angle, another requires a stylus or tool. It is the most expensive solution, but also if well maintained, ensures ring wearers can enjoy their jewellery regardless of knuckle shape.
- Changing the band shape is something we regularly carry out for clients (jewellery remodelling does produce a more intuitive way of addressing finger shape) to work around finger/knuckle size differences. This example sees the rings made into a more trapezoid shape, narrower at the top and wider at the base. We also make square 'cushion' shaped bands. By placing four soft corners on the ring, it creates a wider space to move the ring over the knuckle. The ring then sits upright, the flatter sides effectively locking it into place on the finger. It can look a bit contemporary off the finger, but when the ring is worn, is very hard to tell.
Read our case study on how we created these trapezoid rings for one of our clients.
Does your ring spin or slip?
You now know ring shape doesn't account for finger shape — but the good news is there are solutions to keep them comfortably on your finger..
Read more
We specialise in finding the right approach to modify or remodel your ring shank, so it finally stays put. We know each hand is different, so the right fix depends on your finger physiology. Book a complimentary consultation and we'll talk you through the best options for your hand, and their associated costs so you know what works best for you.
My fingers are prone to swelling
Swollen fingers can create discomfort for ring wearers, where the ring either constricts or slips around. Sometimes the duration is just a few hours every now and then, or at certain temperatures. If this is a daily occurrence it is worth considering the best outcome for comfortable and secure ring wearing. Taking note of your finger size at different times of the day, and noting the size changes will help a jewellery expert work out what the right solution for comfortable wearing will be.
What ring option is best for me?
As you can see, there are numerous ways to make your ring fit even if it’s shape doesn’t feel that accommodating to start with. There is no one right answer, as all hand shapes are different, and what works well for one may be uncomfortable for another. Check out our evaluation for the various solutions in our Arthritis section (not just for arthritic fingers), A good jewellery consultant or store will be able to provide you with practical advice based on your preferences. What is most important is Comfort. Pinching, twisting, digging in or pushing out are not desirable if you want to wear the ring every day. In addition, can you still make adjustments if your finger shape changes? Cost is also important, but for a valuable ring you intend to wear every day, you should not cut corners.
Did you Know..
If you are right handed, all the digits on this hand will be about a size bigger than all the digits on the left, because you use this hand more. The index finger sometimes looks a bit odd with a ring on, because it is the most muscular finger on the hand, being used the most. Going into the makeup of the fingers, I will spare you more latin, but basically the band bones are called carpals and metacarpals, and the three finger bones are phalanges (singular – phalynx). The knuckles are the finger joints. This is the sweet spot for ring wearing!
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