Wedding Band: Too Big?

There are several ways to tell if a wedding band is too big. One way is to test if the ring comes off too easily. If it slides off with a gentle touch, it's too big and needs to be sized down. Another indicator is if the ring swivels 360 degrees easily when you move your hand. If your finger turns purple or red and it's hard to close your hand with the ring on, that's another sign that the ring is too tight. If the ring is too small, it can also get stuck on your finger and be difficult to remove. To avoid this, it's recommended to choose a ring size that goes past the knuckle with ease and comes off with a bit of struggle.

The ring falls off

If your wedding ring falls off, it could be a sign that it is too big for your finger. While some people believe in the superstition that a wedding ring falling off is a bad omen, logically, it simply means that the ring is too big and, thanks to gravity, it fell. A ring won't stay on if it's the wrong size.

If your wedding ring falls off, it may be a good idea to resize it. If you are unsure about resizing, you can try using a ring sizer adjuster for a more snug fit. These are little bits of metal that jewelers can solder onto the inner side of your ring. The most common types are sizing beads, sizing bars, and spring inserts. Alternatively, you can try some DIY options with rubber bands, dental floss, and nail polish.

If you are wearing your ring every day, it is important to note that rings need occasional maintenance and frequent checking. Prongs can wear, stones can become loose, and shanks can break. By taking off your ring before certain activities, you can reduce the risk of damage and control how often your ring needs repair. For example, it is recommended to take off your ring before swimming, as the metals in the alloy can be eroded by chlorine. Similarly, bleach in cleaning products can discolour and erode gold alloy. Before exercising, it is also a good idea to take off your ring, as sweat on your hand may cause the ring to fly off.

The ring spins

If your wedding band spins on your finger, it's likely that the ring is too big. It's also possible that your knuckle is larger than your finger, which is a common issue.

There are several temporary solutions to address a spinning ring:

• Wrapping the inside of the ring with surgical tape or a plaster.
• Using a ring guard, which fits in the back of the ring to prevent it from spinning.
• Using ring spacers, such as plastic or rubber spacers, to make the ring fit tighter.

For a more permanent solution, you can have the ring resized by a jeweler. This involves severing the shank, removing a small piece of metal, and securing the ends using solder. You can also ask a jeweler to add sizing assistants, such as sizing beads, sizing bars, or spring inserts.

The ring is uncomfortable

If your wedding band is uncomfortable, it's likely that it's too big or too small. Here are some signs that your ring is too big:

• It spins around on your finger.
• It slides off when you hold your hand outstretched and wiggle your fingers.
• You can pull it off without any tension or effort.
• It falls off when you shake your hand.
• You can slide it on and off with little to no resistance or effort.

If your ring is too big, you can try using a ring sizer adjuster as a temporary solution. These are usually made of PVC, rubber, or clear nail polish, and can be purchased online or at a jewellery store. You can also consult a jeweller to resize the ring or add sizing assistants, such as sizing beads, bars, or spring inserts.

On the other hand, your ring might be too small if:

• Your finger turns purple or red.
• You have trouble closing your hand comfortably with the ring on.
• It creates a permanent indent on your finger.
• It's uncomfortably tight after exercising, travelling, or drinking alcohol.

If your ring is too small, it's best to consult a jeweller to see if resizing is possible. They can advise on the best course of action, taking into account the material and design of your ring.

The ring leaves an indent

It is common for people to have an indent on their finger from wearing a ring, especially if they have been wearing it for a long time. The indent will not be permanent, but it can take a while to go away, from a few months to a couple of years.

If you want to remove the indent, there are several methods you can try. One way is to apply oil to the indentation to moisturize your skin and help reduce the time it takes to go away. You can also try running your finger under hot water while massaging it, which will help the blood vessels in your fingers expand and reduce the size of the indentation. Exfoliating the affected area regularly will help get rid of dead cells that darken the area. Lemon juice and honey can also help reduce the appearance of the indent when combined and applied for 15 minutes.

If you are concerned about the indent, you can also try to prevent it by ensuring your ring fits comfortably and is not too tight. You can also try to stay well-hydrated, as dehydration can cause your skin to have less elasticity, making the indent more noticeable.

The ring is hard to get past the knuckle

If you're struggling to get your ring past your knuckle, it may be too small. However, there are several ways to address this issue.

Firstly, you could try applying some hand cream or lotion to your finger, which should help the ring to glide on more smoothly. Secondly, consider the time of day at which you're trying on the ring. Your fingers may be more swollen early in the morning or late at night, so you might find that your ring fits more comfortably in the mid-afternoon, after you've eaten lunch.

If you're still struggling to get the ring over your knuckle, it may be that the band is too thick. Thick bands can be more difficult to get over your knuckle because they have a larger surface area, which leaves less wiggle room for manoeuvring. In this case, you could ask a jeweller to perform a half-shank replacement to make the shank thinner. Alternatively, you could opt for a ring with a hinge and catch, which fits around your finger and locks into place, rather than sliding over your knuckle.

If you don't want to change the band, you could try a different method of putting on the ring. Instead of tugging at it, try relaxing your hand so that it's slightly bent and the skin over your knuckles is smooth. Then, use your other thumb to push the ring from underneath, creating a gap between the ring and your finger. Wiggle the ring as you move it towards your knuckle and it should slip on more easily.

If you're still having trouble, you could try a temporary solution such as a ring adjuster, which is a light plastic coil that wraps around the band to make it tighter. However, remember to take it off and clean it regularly to avoid tarnishing your ring.

Frequently asked questions