Rings

Understand your Rings

Learn about the different parts of a ring

What Makes a Ring The head and the claw
Starting at the top, you have the head of the ring. This can also be called the setting. As you may know, there are different types of settings that hold a gemstone or pearl in place. Learn more about specific settings here. "Head" often refers to the entire top of the ring - the particular setting and the gem as one unit.
The claw is the set of prongs that secure the gemstone in the setting. While the setting itself provides ample support, the claw ensures your precious gemstone remains firmly fixed.

The band and the shoulder
The band, or shank, is the "ring" portion of the ring. The band should be appropriately sized to fit your finger. Bands come in a variety of styles from plain to pavé.
The shoulder is a component of the ring you may not even realize is there. Similar to your shoulder, this is the area between the head and the band. For the most part, this area is unadorned, but there are a few designs that showcase the shoulder, such as a cathedral setting.

Find Your Ring Size

METHOD 1 Measure A Ring You Currently Own
Place your ring over the closest matching sized circle, make sure the inside of the ring fits around the outside of the circle. If you are between sizes, order up.

METHOD 2 Measure Your Finger With A Ruler

1 - Get a non-stretchy string or paper about 6" long and 1/4" wide.
2 - Wrap around the base of your finger. It has to fit snug, but not too tight.
3 - Mark the point on the string/paper where it overlaps forming a circle.
4 - Compare the length of the string/paper to the chart. That is your ring size.

Ring finger measuring tips:
Make sure your finger is at a normal body temperature -- fingers can shrink or expand when cold or hot. If your knuckle is much larger than your finger’s base, take two separate measurements and choose a size in between. You want a ring to fit over your knuckle, but not be too loose or it will shift around.

The diagram below is a guide which shows actual sizes. Just place an existing ring over the circles. Use the inner part of the ring to match against the circles below.
There is also a paper measuring method. Use it as a template. However most jewelers having more specific measuring tools to determine the correct fit

Ring Issues
Slipping off your hand? Itching? Completely stuck on your finger? Here's how to fix some of the most common ring issues.

Won't stay on/won't come off

Won't stay on
If your ring is constantly slipping off or sliding down your finger, you've probably got a size that is too large. This is not only an annoyance, it's a security issue. Wearing a ring that is too big, especially an engagement or wedding ring, presents the risk for loss. Even a forceful gesture can send your ring flying off your finger if it's too loose.

The fix: Resizing is your best option. Depending on the style, platinum, gold and silver can generally be sized larger or smaller by two sizes. Alternative metals cannot usually be resized. If your ring can't be resized and you have a minimal amount of roominess (enough to cause your ring to turn and spin), talk to a jeweler about mechanisms that can be inserted to help it fit better. Some options might include fold over devices and ring beads.
Stuck on your finger
It's a situation that can cause panic – a stubborn ring tightly latched on your finger. If this is a ring you wear every day without issue, your hand is likely swollen. If the ring doesn't belong to you or you've tried it on at the jewelry store, remain clam.
The fix: For swollen hands and fingers, elevate and ice the hand to calm the swelling. If swelling isn't the issue, reach for any slippery substance to help loosen the grip. Olive oil, Vaseline, body lotion, and even dish soap all contain lubricants that can help slide the ring off. Apply to your finger and gently twist and pull the ring. It could take a few tries, so be patient.

Allergies

First, Rule Out Simple Irritation
This condition actually has a name, wedding ring or contact dermatitis. It sounds a bit more dramatic than it is. The cause is constant wear of your wedding and or engagement ring that has resulted in the irritation of your skin. Uninterrupted wear means your ring could be trapping dirt, soap, moisture and other debris that eventually causes some discomfort in the form of redness and itching.

The fix: Let your skin breathe by removing your ring for a day or two and have it cleaned. If you no longer experience itching once the clean ring is returned to your finger, you can safely assume no allergy is present.

When it Could be a Metal Allergy
If you take the steps described above and you still have irritation, you may have a sensitivity to an alloy in your ring. Nickle is the most prevalent metal allergy and is found in many types of gold. Gold that is 18K and above contains the least amount of nickel while 14K and 10K will have more.
The fix: If changing your band for a metal that won't cause your allergy to flare up isn't an option, talk to your jeweler about coating the inside of your ring with a protective film or plastic to help negate any allergic reaction.

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