Skinny Fingers and Big Knuckles – Is Your Wedding Ring Too Big?

wedding ring finger - skinny fingers and big knuckles

Buying a wedding ring when you have skinny fingers and big knuckles.

If you’re one of those people who have skinny fingers and big knuckles, it may be tricky when it comes to buying your wedding ring.

Many of our clients with big knuckles opt for a wedding ring that slides over the knuckle. Unfortunately, once over the knuckle, the wedding ring feels loose and does not fit properly. Trying a smaller wedding ring inflames the knuckle.

Repeatedly trying on different options only makes things worse.

Skinny fingers and big knuckle trying to find a wedding ring to fit

Large knuckles and skinny fingers can make it very difficult when buying a wedding ring

Why do some people have skinny fingers and big knuckles?

Some clients have naturally larger knuckles than others. One client referred to her fingers as strings with big knots! Sadly, some people suffer a large knuckle due to an injury to the finger.

In our recent video from the Serendipity Diamonds showroom, we tried to provide as much help and guidance as possible regarding engagement ring and wedding ring fit.

A broken knuckle often remains larger than the rest. Getting a ring to fit properly can be tricky at the best of times.

Make sure you have the correct finger for your wedding ring

In the UK, Wedding rings typically sit on the left hand. The wedding ring is placed on the third finger (next to your smallest finger.) In addition, the wedding ring typically goes on first, ahead of the engagement ring.

Why not use our perfect size service as part of your wedding ring purchase?

Many buyers struggle to select the correct finger size for their rings. For this reason, we developed the perfect size service to enable clients to find the correct size—at home or during their visit to our showroom.

Find out more about the perfect size service and remember to watch our explanatory video above.

Choosing an alternative finger for your wedding ring

A simple solution few people think of involves wearing your wedding ring, on the other hand. If your wedding ring finger on the left hand was broken, consider wearing the wedding ring on your opposite hand. In this situation, comfort becomes more important than tradition.

browse wedding rings

 

Deciding on the best ring size to go over a slightly enlarged knuckle

With a little hand cream applied to the finger, choose a wedding ring size that feels slightly tight over the knuckle. Once over the knuckle, it may feel a little loose, but it will be secure on the finger without the risk of falling off.

Wedding Rings for Broken, Swollen or Arthritic Knuckles

Special circumstances require different solutions. If your knuckle is large owing to Arthritis, or from a past injury, we have other suggestions.

One solution involves soldering small bars or pips onto the inside of a slightly larger wedding band. The additional pips grip the finger once over the knuckle. This method often requires modification to get the size of the pips just right.

Skinny fingers and big knuckles sometimes require pips to be added to a ring, especially when the wearer suffers with arthritis.
Small pips added to the inside of a ring allow the ring in a larger size to slide over the knuckle and remain in place.

Sizing Beads: Trial and Error

Small pips or sizing beads work well. That is to say, they make the fit better. Additionally, rings fitted with sizing beads go over arthritic knuckles. However, there is a certain amount of trial and error. Sizing beads are not an exact science. With this in mind, chat with your jeweller to better understand the cost and the process involved.

Best wedding ring profiles for big knuckles

We recommend a pronounced court shape on the inside of your wedding ring. The court shape features a rounded surface. This glides over the knuckle easier than a flat interior surface. Ask us about suitable styles with a court or comfort fit.

Half diamond eternity ring in rose gold set with Aprils birthstone

A slim band with a comfort fit fits easier onto a finger with a larger knuckle. Design shows ‘Faith’ with a matching diamond wedding ring. 

Does width affect the fit of a wedding ring?

Wider wedding bands fit tighter on the finger. A slim band in the same finger size lies against less flesh. As a result, a slim wedding ring feels looser. Finger flesh bunches around a slim finger. In contrast, a wide band forces skin under the ring. Factor in a sharp or flat edge with a wide band and the fit can be uncomfortably tight.

Men's wide patterned heartbeat wedding ring

If you choose a wide wedding ring, make sure it has a comfort fit which glides onto the finger easier. 

Hinged engagement rings and wedding rings

Another option involves adapting a ring with a hinge and catch. Rather than going over the knuckle, it fits around the finger and locks. Several companies are offering this service such as Cliq jewelry in the USA.

Wedding rings with a split band.

Not necessarily on account of swollen knuckles, but influenced by design, we sometimes craft wedding rings with a split band. This solution may lend itself to a client with an enlarged knuckle.

Split band shaped wedding ring

Showing the split band wedding ring, fitted to the ‘flow’ engagement ring by bespoke design. 

Preparing to put your wedding ring on during the wedding ceremony

Before your wedding, apply a small amount of hand cream to the ring finger ahead of the ceremony. This will moisturise the finger and allow the ring to glide onto the hand far easier than without.

Ring clips,  ring snuggies and temporary solutions to make a ring tighter

There are several different temporary solutions for making rings tighter. Ring Snuggies offer a flexible plastic wrap around the band.

We don’t recommend metal ring clips. Hard metal ring clips often scratch precious metal when removed or when fitted. Some Ring Snuggies feature a plastic spiral fitting—a clever design to pack out the underside of the band without damaging the ring.

Is your wedding ring too big?

Should you consider making your wedding ring smaller? Is your wedding ring too big? Many of our clients experience issues when their wedding ring is too big. Don’t put up with a big wedding ring. To prevent losing the ring, arrange to have your wedding ring re-sized. A ring too big requires some special attention. Speak to your jeweller about keeping the hallmark. If the hallmark cannot be kept, discuss re-hallmarking the ring. By the same token, don’t forget to mention any engravings within the band.

Your best first step if you have big knuckles and slim fingers

We recommend a conversation before making any decision. Ideally, we recommend clients visit us. During an in-depth appointment, we discuss your personal situation and make sensible suggestions. Many of our clients suffer from large knuckles and we work very hard to provide the best solution for the best-fitting wedding ring possible.

What to do if you’re wedding ring had to be cut off

In recent months, some of our new clients, unfortunately, had wedding rings cut off their hands. The wedding rings could not be removed due to swollen hands or accidents. As a result, they had to be cut. For this reason, we added to our original article with some further help.

If your ring has to be cut off, ask the person cutting the ring to be sympathetic. Explain the ring will need to be repaired.

If your ring cannot be repaired, it can be re-made. We regularly re-make original wedding rings working to the same design. The commission below shows the original ring with the new ring alongside. We can even use your original gold, adding more metal where necessary.

re-making a wedding ring
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About Mark Johnson

My name is Mark and I'm founder at Serendipity Diamonds. By day you'll find me working in our showroom—in a variety of roles. My work (which I love) ranges from photographing jewellery, to writing blog posts and helping clients with my colleagues Drina, Emily and Debbie.

About Mark Johnson

My name is Mark and I'm founder at Serendipity Diamonds. By day you'll find me working in our showroom—in a variety of roles. My work (which I love) ranges from photographing jewellery, to writing blog posts and helping clients with my colleagues Drina, Emily and Debbie.