Finding the perfect fit for your wedding ring is crucial for both comfort and making sure you don’t risk losing your precious band.
But what happens if you have thin fingers with big knuckles? You’re far from alone in facing this particular challenge, so let’s explore how to find the right fit…
Finding the right balance
Wedding and engagement ring sizing might seem straightforward. With a simple sizer, you can find your exact size in a moment. But it gets a little trickier when your knuckles are much bigger than the rest of your finger. Finding a size that comfortably slides over the knuckle but doesn’t spin or slide too much on the finger is crucial for ensuring the perfect engagement ring fit.
A well-fitting ring should require a little push to get over the knuckle, as most people’s knuckles are a little larger than the rest of their finger. But if you need to size up in order to get the ring over your knuckles, you may find your ring then fits too loosely on your finger.
The ring-sizing process is complicated if you have a condition like arthritis, where your joints become swollen. Forcing a ring over swollen knuckles may be painful, and even risk a stuck-on ring.
Understanding how should a ring fit
Achieving the right balance begins with understanding how a well-fitted ring should feel.
A ring that is too big will spin excessively or slide off your finger without any resistance. A well-fitted ring should fit snugly at the base of your finger without too much movement. You may find the setting of a too-big engagement ring constantly tips to one side, or the diamond-set half of your wedding ring spins around to the back of your finger.
Understanding how should a ring fit is essential to ensure both comfort and security. If a ring is too big, it will be dangerously easy to slip off! Fingers shrink a little in cold or water, so a ring should be fitted enough that you won’t lose your ring when swimming or out in cold weather.
A too-small ring will be uncomfortable to wear. It may feel constricting or pinch, particularly if you have a wide band style. A ring should also never be hard to get over your knuckle. If it feels painful or needs a lot of force, the size is too small.
Between both is a well-fitting ring. A perfectly fitted ring will be comfortable, won’t spin on the finger, and will feel secure. Although knowing about average ring sizes can be a helpful way to begin your search, it is important to determine your own personal ring size directly.
Signs of a poor fit
A poorly fitting ring can be uncomfortable and even painful. Here are some signs that your ring may not fit properly:
The ring slides off easily : If your ring slides off your finger without any resistance, it may be too big. Increasing the risk of loosing the ring.
The ring is too tight : If your ring feels constricting or painful, it may be too small.
The ring spins around : If your ring spins around your finger, it may be too loose.
The ring leaves an indentation : If your ring leaves an indentation on your finger, it may be too tight. This is a clear sign that the ring is not fitting properly and needs adjustment.
Recognising these signs can help you determine if your ring needs resizing or other adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit.
Ring size solutions for large knuckles
If your knuckles are significantly larger than your finger, you are not destined for a life of ill-fitting rings! There are several options to help ensure your ring fits perfectly, even if the size difference is quite significant. If your ring doesn’t fit properly, you may need to have your ring resized to ensure a comfortable fit.
Sizing beads
If you choose a ring that is large enough to go over your knuckles but is then too loose on the base of your finger, there is a really simple tweak we can make to your ring to help the fit.
We can add small beads of metal to the inner band, known as ‘sizing beads’ or even ‘speed bumps’, to the ring's band. These beads don’t affect how the ring slips over the knuckle, but do help secure it on the finger.
These unobtrusive beads are comfortable to wear and, as they’re on the inside of your band, don’t affect the look of your ring. We can add sizing beads to an existing ring, and even remove or change them if your size changes in future.
A bespoke-shaped shank
Think of a ring and you’ll probably picture a round band. While it’s the classic shape for a ring, a perfect circle doesn’t actually follow the contours of the finger most accurately.
So another option is a bespoke ring with a customised shank shape. Shank refers to the band of the ring, the metal that wraps around your finger. Going bespoke isn’t just for realising unique designs - it can also be used to make an existing design work for your needs.
A squared ring shank, for example, will naturally follow the shape of your finger and be less prone to spinning. We can work together to design a ring that suits your unique finger shape while still looking just as beautiful as a classic round style.
Defying convention
Lastly, you could also consider wearing your ring on another finger or hand. Here in the UK it is most common to wear a left-hand bridal stack, but we don’t always need to follow tradition! If it’s more comfortable to wear your rings on a different finger, do. This might be a good temporary solution if your knuckle size has increased due to pregnancy or injury, for instance. Eternity bands, which have stones set around the entire band, are significantly more difficult to resize compared to traditional engagement rings.
Your wedding ring should be comfortable and secure, however your fingers are built! Here at Harper Tait, we’re delighted to accommodate any challenge, so please arrange an appointment here and we’ll begin.
Choosing the right ring size for your ring
Choosing the right ring size for your wedding or engagement ring is important to ensure a comfortable and proper fit to prevent loosing it. Here are some tips to follow:
Consider your ring style : Different ring styles can affect how a ring fits. For example, wider bands may feel tighter, so you might need a slightly larger size. , If you personally prefer a snug fit, you may want to consider a smaller size.
Measure your ring finger : Use a ring sizer or measure your ring finger with a string or paper to determine your ring size. This ensures accuracy and helps you find the perfect fit.
Consider your lifestyle : If you work with your hands or engage in activities that cause your fingers to swell, you may choose a larger size. This ensures that your ring remains comfortable throughout the day.
Consult a jeweller : A jeweller can help you determine the perfect ring size for your ring. They have the expertise and tools to ensure the perfect fit.
How do you know if your ring is too big?
If you shake your hand and your ring flies off, it is too big! If you find yourself asking, is my engagement ring too big, there are several signs to look for. A ring that slides off without any effort is also slightly too large, as is one that spins around on the finger.
How tight should a wedding ring be?
A wedding ring should fit tightly enough that it won’t spin around on its own, but not so tightly that you can’t put it on or take it off without discomfort. If you need your ring fit tighter, there are several methods to achieve this without compromising comfort.
Should a ring be hard to get over your knuckles?
A well-fitting ring should need a little resistance to get over your knuckle, but shouldn’t be painful or require too much effort. It's important to consider that fingers swell due to factors like exercise, diet, and temperature, which can affect the fit of your ring. You should also be able to get your ring off again without panicking!
How we can help!
We understand the importance of finding a ring that is personal to you. Our mission is to craft engagement rings that tell the story of your love, from the sentiment to the style.
We're here to help. Reach out to us on info@harpertait.com and we’ll help you navigate the process with ease! Or find your perfect diamond wedding ring or diamond engagement ring in our collection
