Arthritic fingers- what to do?

[Snowdrop13]

I have a couple of right hand rings that I used to love to wear- a five stone diamond band and nice 1ct transitional cut. Trouble is, in recent months my 4th finger has swollen up a bit and I can't get them on. The base of my finger appears to be the same as normal (UK size L, which I think is about a US 6). I've thought of various options but would really appreciate some advice, I'd also like to be able to very clear to the jeweller should any resizing be needed!

 

[teobdl]

I've seen rings where they slice the ring in half, and then they build in a clasp so you can open and close it onto the finger without having to slide it over any joints. You'd have to call around to see if someone would take on that project, but it's probably the most sustainable option.

I saw it on an estate piece online of a Tiffany ring with a clasp like that. I think the listing said that Tiffany made it custom, but I'm not 100% positive.

 

[baby monster]

I recall a thread on arthritic shanks and someone recommended ringlock.com. I have never used them so not a personal referral.

 

[bcavitt]

There are many companies that make arthritic shanks for rings to remedy problems such as yours. Superfit, Fingermate,and LockShank are three such companies, although I'm sure there are others.

 

[lambskin]

I too have arthritis and have needed to enlarge rings to get over my knuckles. Sad to say I am no longer buying rings and now look to pendants, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Do not buy a full eternity band as these are near impossible to resize. Good luck.

 

[Passion4diamonds]

My mom just went through a similar situation. She has a 2.7 carat engagement ring. The jeweler suggested sizing up a half size so she could get it over her knuckle but adding in two spacer balls to hold the heavy stone upright and make sure the ring doesn't slide off her finger.

 

[Snowdrop13]

I don't think I'll be buying any more rings either, such a shame though! Thank you for all the replies, those custom ring lock designs look amazing, I had no idea you could get such a thing. I'll maybe have an experiment with one of the rings to see how it goes.....

 

[quaddio]

Necklaces, bracelets, earrings and brooches?

 

[missy]

I've seen rings where they slice the ring in half, and then they build in a clasp so you can open and close it onto the finger without having to slide it over any joints. You'd have to call around to see if someone would take on that project, but it's probably the most sustainable option.

I saw it on an estate piece online of a Tiffany ring with a clasp like that. I think the listing said that Tiffany made it custom, but I'm not 100% positive.

My mom had something like this done many years ago as she has severe arthritis and she is able to wear her ER and 5 stone diamond band no problem whereas before she had this done she couldn't. She had her jeweler send it away to get this done but it was so long ago I don't remember any of the details except to say she is successfully wearing her rings still because of this.
I am thinking there must be more companies now doing this as it is many years later and perhaps it is more common now than it was then. Good luck, I hope you find a good solution!