Knuckle Problems
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If you have rings that are always upside down on your
fingers because either the ring is top heavy or because you have an
enlarged knuckle to slide the ring over. There are various
answers:
-
For the minor problem, changing the shape of the
shank from round to square will often stop or at least slow down the
twisting. Usually this is a no charge adjustment.
-
For the ring you only occasionally wear, there are
various types of clips that can be put into the ring. This is
just a stop gap measure, because it does hold the ring away from
your finger - which could create a potential problem of hooking the
ring on something and hurting your finger. Usually this costs a
minimum of $7.00 to $10.00 in Gold Filled (14K is higher)
-
For the top heavy ring, without a bad knuckle
problem there are various methods of adding internal
"bumps" or "springs" to grip the finger.
This is a more permanent method than the clip in adjusters, and
usually will start at around $40.00. Again this is something
that holds the ring away from your finger - which could create a potential problem of hooking the
ring on something and hurting your finger.
-
The best answers come in the form of adjustable
shanks. Shanks that are added to your existing ring that open
to go over the enlarged knuckle and lock down to a fit on the
smaller portion of your finger.
There are a few "name brands" adjustable
shanks available these all start at around $350.00 to convert a 2mm
shank (like an engagement ring). The wider the shank or the more
complex the shank (eg. twisted shanks) the higher the price goes.
But, how can you put a price on sentiment?
Here are a few of the brands we
have used. I have seen a few new styles, but have no experience
with them.
"FingerFit" which is
sold through nearly every findings company. This is along the line
of an old style key ring, with an external latch. "FingerFit"
usually opens 4 sizes. Wider rings require multiple shanks
stacked. Because of their
availability to all repair shops, this is the one we actually see most
often, usually because the lock is broken or sprung badly. We are able to fix these if necessary.
"FingerMate"
a brand
that we have installed for nearly 40 years, this shank has an internal
latching mechanism and holds up very well. "FingerMate"
is one of the few products that we have seen that comes with a Limited
Warranty on the catch and spring mechanism that the company will replace
as often as needed for a small service charge plus shipping, forever. "FingerMate"
shanks are only available from "FingerMate" and dealers are
required to have the proper shop equipment and training before they will
be sold directly - otherwise the rings need to be sent into FingerMate
for installation. All FingerMate shanks are only available in gold or
platinum and contain a safety spring to prevent it from opening
accidentally. We do like to see these at least on a 6 month
cycle to clean and lubricate the mechanism. We have customers who
maintain a good maintenance schedule, that have had very little wear
problems in this mechanism, in periods of over 20 years.. On the
other hand we have had customers wear out the latch mechanism in a
few years, because they didn't follow the clean and lubrication advice.
FingerMate will open up to 4 sizes. The internal latching
mechanism make this a simple to remove ring, usually by just pulling
upward with the top of the ring while holding your ring hand firmly in
position on a table top the ring will unlatch.
"SuperFit" is a fairly
recent addition. they have a finely milled latching section
that is nearly invisible when on. "SuperFit" will fit
nearly any finger size difference, as the shank will completely swing
open. We have made this style shank in our shops for many years,
for rings that the "FingerMate" couldn't easily adapt to or
for knuckle to finger differences of over 4 sizes, and although the
"SuperFit" lock is milled much better than the hand made
latches we can make - we have found that due to some of the ring shapes
we have encountered (usually very wide dome rings on tiny fingers) it
has often been better to make one than try to fit the factory shank,
other than that these will adapt to nearly any style ring. A challenge
with this type of hinged shank is the need to "push a small
button" to unlatch it. 
Bring
your ring and stop by to see us. This is something you need to see
and have explained to you. And, there are many measurements that
need to be taken to accurately adjust your rings.
If you are not in our area the company websites can
usually direct you to jewelers in your area that can do this type of
work. Click on the graphics to be taken to the company websites.
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