| If your ring spins around on
your finger because it needed to be sized large enough for your knuckle
and you are tired of wrapping string or tape around your expensive ring to
stop the problem. There are better looking ways, some comfortable
and some not.
The simplest method is to add a clip in type "ring guard",
these are usually inexpensive as they will only last a short time if you
need to bend them in and out to fit.
Another method similar to the clip in guard is the "foldover
device", most jewelers can make these for you after sizing your ring
to go over the knuckle. This has the advantage of taking up the
space like the "ring guard" and also being able to open to get
your ring off.
The not so comfortable involve the placing of "balls" or
"springs" inside the ring. This usually involves sizing
the ring a bit larger to accommodate the inserted pieces.
Sometimes the "balls" are uncomfortable going over the
knuckle (depending on your own bumps) but they do tend to hold the ring
upright by gripping into the flesh on the palm side of your finger.
Sometimes the "spring" insert might scrape the knuckle
going on but they do hold the ring upright although often the ring top
is held above the finger.
The best method involves some sort of a hinged locking shank rebuild of
your ring. There are currently several manufacturers making shanks that
can be added to your ring. The style choices are a bit dependent upon how
much difference in size there is between your knuckle and the lower part
of your finger.
The FingerFit and FingerMate
styles have a guide wire that prevents the ring from opening more that
about 4 sizes.
FingerFit is available from nearly any jeweler
and has ads in many magazines. The disadvantages of FingerFit
are:
An external locking system (we have seen many of these that have
had the latch broken off)
A width limitation, if you have a ring wider than about 3mm you
will need to stack multiples of the FingerFit together to blend into
your ring.
Top of Page FingerFit
FingerMate SuperFit
FingerMate is only available from jewelers that
have the training and tools from the FingerMate company.
FingerMate has an internal locking system, and an availability of
many different widths and shapes, to blend smoothly into nearly any
ring style.
An advantage of the FingerMate internal latching system is the
customers ability to get their rings on and off easily.
FingerMate shanks should be cleaned and lubricated regularly to
prevent wear in the locking mechanism. We have installed these
since the 1960's and know of several that are still working well
because of proper maintenance - and we have had a few customers who
didn't listen to us (the first time) and needed the locking mechanism
replaced after just a couple of years.
Top of Page FingerFit
FingerMate SuperFit
Some of the newer hinged shanks on the market will open totally for
those with really large knuckles. These shanks are a solid type
construction with a specially fabricated lock. SuperFit
is one of several makes, these are available through most
jewelers.
SuperFit type rings are available in many widths allowing the
blending into most ring styles, however they are much heavier than the
the other styles of shanks and thus may be much more expensive.
These styles require nearly perfect alignment and curvature for the
latch to connect properly. Many people have found it either difficult to
unlock the rings to get them off of their fingers, or them spontaneously
opening and the ring dropping off.
We have been making our own similar shank for several years -- to
satisfy customers with that very large knuckle to ring size ratio.
Our box style latch seems to be more reliable than SuperFit, but works
best on wider style rings. I am researching another company with
this concept but a much more reliable latching system
Top of Page FingerFit
FingerMate SuperFit
If you are local to the Fallbrook or Bonsall area, you can schedule an
appointment to estimate modifying your ring to fit better. Contact
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