The Fashionable Hostess

FH Fan wrote:

“I always wanted to be one of those women who never takes her ring off for the next 50+ years (haha)—not to workout, not to shower, etc. I was even wondering if I should make it a tiny bit smaller because I don’t have to lube up my finger to take it off, just push slightly harder over my knuckle, and I was worried while washing my hair that could be an issue…

BUT THEN I woke up this morning before work and realized my fingers swell at night! The ring was stuck, I had to wet my finger to squeeze it off, and then there was a painful indent around my finger where my ring had been squeezing. Less than 30 minutes later it was gone and now my ring is happily on my finger, just like yesterday, but I don’t know what to do! I feel like re-sizing again would be a mistake because I don’t want to worry about it being too loose! Help!!!

Also, Any tips to keeping my ring clean and shiny?!”

FH:

This is definitely a tricky topic but a great question. I also hate taking off my ring but you should always have the option to take it off for even something as simple as putting on lotion (you don’t want your lotion to get in between the diamonds making it look dull and grimy), or simply so you can clean it. Also it is important to keep in mind that with the changing of each weather season, your hands will swell and then slim (you may even notice your hands swelling and slimming from a late night of drinking!), so you want to be careful not to make your ring too small and uncomfortable.

So what I recommend is giving yourself the ring “No-Slip” Test: Put on your ring, then pull it towards your knuckle. If you need to give a decent tug (or semi-twist) to get it over the hump of your knuckle, then it is sized correctly. If you can slide it off incredibly easily, it is too big. For getting it re-sized, my recommendation is ALWAYS to go back to the jeweler that made your ring for adjustments (or to call them and ask if they work with someone for re-sizing). Never take a risk and go to some random jeweler you found online simply because they are convenient to your house or office. In terms of sizing, you can 1. have it completely re-sized (your fiance was a tad naive and didn’t get you the right size) or 2. you can get a temporary ring guard placed inside.

From the sounds of your story, it sounds like your ring was the perfect size when you only had to give it a slight tug over the knuckle! I would recommend seeing if your ring is painful to take off over the next few days and then maybe head back to the jeweler to have it made a tad bigger. You don’t want to cut off your circulation!

If you do have your ring made a bit bigger but you notice your ring is still “moving around” on your finger, you may be failing what I like to call the “Twisty Test”. Twisty Test: you look down at your hand at any given point in the day and your middle diamond is limping over to one side; or as you go through the day you notice it is constantly twirling around your finger. If you fail this test, I recommend you get permanent “balls” placed on the inside of your ring. (I did this and it was the best thing ever!!) Basically, these two “balls” (or as I call them “speed bumps”) make it so your ring lays perfectly in place with the diamond front and center. And the best part is they don’t affect the size of your ring!. Call your jeweler to look into this option.

As for cleaning, I have met with several jewelers between my engagement and wedding bands and they all say the same shocking thing when it comes to “achieving the best clean.” Directions: Take an old toothbrush, wet with lukewarm water and a dab of hand soap, and brush your ring clean. Get inside every crevice and focus on the underneath and inside (that’s where the light gets in and makes it extra shiny!). Dry with a washcloth and your are set. I have also tried an array of jewelry cleaners like this one which I notice make the silver band around the diamonds extra shiny, but I think the toothbrush trick truly works best! If your ring is REALLY dirty and you want it cleaned for something very special like your wedding, you can have it professionally cleaned at a jeweler where they use a special machine. The only thing is it could take a day or two depending on the place, so make sure you are ready to part with it!

And since we are on the topic of rings and engagements, I thought I would share an awesome opportunity for bride-to-be’s and bride’s to win free stuff! Jewelry brand Ettika is doing an adorable give-away contest for their New Bridal Collection; all you have to do is write about your most romantic, bridal memory – how you got engaged, your wedding day, anything sweet, and the winner will receive three pieces from our new bridal collection. See full details and Rules on their blog HERE.

I hope this advice helps make your engagement ring the most comfortable yet!