Which ring adjuster for an engagement ring?

January 8, 2009 11:45 AM

I am now wearing a shiny new engagement ring (yay!), but it's sliding a bit more on my finger than I'm comfortable with (boo!). I suspect it's just because of the cold weather and so I don't want to get it resized yet (and besides, I have larger knuckles). I'm looking for opinions on what type of ring-size adjuster I should use until I determine whether this ring is the right size. Options listed inside.

These are the different type of ring adjusters I've seen:

Full band style
Jeweler's universal ring adjuster
Ring reducer

I want one that won't pinch my finger, won't get caught on stuff (like when trying to stick my hand in my pocket) and won't beat up my ring. Anyone have experience with any of these?

posted by bibbit to clothing, beauty, & fashion (11 comments total)

I have experience with medical tape meeting all of your criteria and being cheap, to boot!
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur at 11:51 AM on January 8

Why not wear another ring (that fits snug) above the ring that's loose? Something simple and wedding-band like I guess.

Resizing might not be a bad option. I am (really) skinny so my wedding ring barely fits over my knuckles, but it loose on my finger. It's not so bad. I'm never worried about it coming off since it's basically impossible to get off.
posted by chunking express at 11:53 AM on January 8

Jewelers usually provide ring-sizing advice for free. Stop in to your local jewelry store and ask for an expert opinion.
posted by rabbitrabbit at 11:58 AM on January 8

Congratulations on the engagement!
posted by BobbyVan at 12:09 PM on January 8

Congrats on your engagement! I've used the universal ring adjuster on a couple of rings with no trouble or discomfort at all.
posted by Oriole Adams at 12:11 PM on January 8

Why not wear another ring (that fits snug) above the ring that's loose?

The problem with this technique (which I am currently using on my too-large wedding ring) is that the looser ring still slips around, and I find myself constantly having to turn the pretty part of the wedding ring so that it shows.

Of course, if the ring is one of those eternity bands then this isn't as much of a problem.
posted by muddgirl at 12:26 PM on January 8

I am allergic to some metals. I had a bad experience with a metal adjuster (that was unpleasant) and it sucked to not be able to wear my ring while my skin calmed down. You could get one that is hypoallergenic and that might work better for you. Note that the one you linked to is "gold filled". ???

The plastic ring size adjuster ("full band style") was a huge pain in the ass.

The third I don't have experience with.

I agree that clear medical tape is useful. I eventually went with that.

After a while I got mine resized, you can get them resized 1/4 of a size if you're worried about it getting too small.
posted by sondrialiac at 12:29 PM on January 8

Congrats!

My mom has a different thing. Instead of resizing her ring (because she wanted to make sure it would fit over her knuckles), the jeweler added two little balls of gold to the inside of the band, sort of where 4 and 8 would be on a clock. It seems to keep it from spinning around, but she is not sure what they are called.
posted by dpx.mfx at 12:36 PM on January 8 [1 favorite has favorites]

the third kind you linked to are a major fail. they're totally obvious, get stuck on shit (like putting yorur hand in your pocket), and are just lame.
posted by misanthropicsarah at 12:58 PM on January 8

IANYJ, but as a formerly practicing jeweller who spent years specializing in engagement rings (and later, estate jewellery), my expert advice (for you or anyone, and based on many many happy clients):

Temporary devices made from plasticky materials will degrade with exposure to chemicals and general wear, as well as provide places for gunk like hair conditioner and hand lotion to accumulate, unless you plan to remove your ring often or wear gloves for things like baking/cooking, doing the dishes, cleaning etc. The same goes for tape. Having looked at jewellery under microscopes for years, I'll assure you - there's DNA in there too. Dead skin cells, and just...ew. A more permanent solution that allows you to clean your ring thoroughly and while some of the ones mentioned work for solving one issue, they create others. Also, moisture gets trapped in there, with the tape and the little tubes and I've seen skin infections from that.

The clamp-on metal ring adjusters will chew up the areas they contact your ring, and yes, may get caught on stuff. One metal will scratch another metal (one anything will scratch another anything) if they're of different hardnesses, and daily wear will do enough damage to your shank -- but while an even wear pattern can provide a nice patina over time, gouges aren't really pretty. Jewellers can provide ones to match the material of your ring - but they still require frequent adjusting to avoid snags.

Here are three more permanent sizing methods that help with fingers that taper after the knuckle, with the balls being adjustable and removable; but the spring insert being the best for really top-heavy rings.

You're right - your finger size will change over the course of the day, let alone the seasons, like a shoe size. And it will change based on weight gain, salty foods, (ahem, monthly), and even just the washing in cold water shrinkage factor. My advice was (when I was practicing, and still) and is still to consider how often you're going to have it on and off, and what wedding band you'll have with it if you're wearing them together. Some switch the engagement ring to the other hand, and your leading hand will be a larger size. Two rings together will fit tighter than one. Some wear the wedding band on the outside, as a "keeper", others wear it (traditionally) on the inside (closer to the heart). Either of these will affect how it fits.

If you'll be removing it for activities like sports or pottery or squishing meatloaf or pastry with your bare hands, then keeping it large enough to go over your knuckle more easily makes sense. But, if you're rarely going to take it off, then go a little tighter than you think you should. Your flesh underneath it will kind of compact a bit with constant wear, and it may feel looser over time, and spin if it's top-heavy. Ask a person you know who's worn a wedding ring for years to show you their finger underneath it, and you'll see what I mean. It's not just a tan line.

The jeweller that sold the ring would be the best person to consult first, unless you have a trusted family jeweller you'd otherwise use. It's also not a problem to go up or down in sizing - usually it will be included as a service or measure of goodwill as part of the sale. If you go down now and up later, professional work is what's most important for there's little metal lost or added, and unless it's a complicated design - it shouldn't damage the ring at all. Many rings are sized tens of times over the owner's lifetime, with no effect on the value of the ring other than a few grams of weight if it's sized down. Depending on the metal and the technique, it can be invisible to near invisible. This shows ways in which it can be done, and outlines the most important guidelines for quality: Symmetrical, no tool marks/invisible welds, gemstones secure, and a good fit.

You didn't mention the metal or the stones, but if you have any other specific questions, just MeMail me. Congrats, and I hope I've helped!

PS - Most rings get their sparkle from the undersides of the stones being clean. Pay attention to this area by using a degreaser, like ammonia, mixed with warm water and a detergent, to remove build-up and greasy residue. If you use a brush to remove gunk, be careful not to loosen the stones in their settings with it, and remember that many jewellers offer free jewellery cleaning and the seller is often happy to check the setting for you, which should be done every six months or so with heavy wear.
posted by peagood at 3:01 PM on January 8 [1 favorite has favorites]

Unless your hands are always and constantly cold year round, it sounds like you might want to resize down a quarter step or two. Go to a jeweler, talk to them. You don't have to act on their advice immediately and buy something. They are usually really helpful and provide a lot of good information. Also, the place where the ring was purchased will likely do a resizing for free, and they can resize in quarter steps.

Congrats on the engagement!
posted by kirstk at 3:33 PM on January 8