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You’ve finally got that ring and you want to show it off to everyone. But then you notice that it keeps spinning! The ring becomes distracting and annoying and you’re continually thinking about keeping it pointing in the right direction.
A spinning engagement ring is a common problem. There are a few different reasons why this could be happening and fortunately, there are many easy ways to fix this problem. In this quick guide, let’s take a look at the why your engagement ring might be spinning and what you can do to stop this.
Why Is My Engagement Ring Spinning?
First of all, identify why you’re engagement ring is spinning. There are a number of reasons that could be causing your ring to spin:
1. Your Ring Setting Isn’t Balanced.
A ring that isn’t balanced in weight will tend to spin. For example, if your ring has a large gemstone that’s heavier than the band, it’ll tend to tip to one side. This is simply gravity doing its work and no matter how many times you adjust it, it will continue to slip to the side. To counter this from happening at all, ideally, you’d want a ring with a wider or thicker base than the top of the ring. This would keep the ring from spinning by providing balance and a firmer hold on the finger.
2. Your Ring Size Is Too Big.
The most obvious reason is that your ring could be a size or two too big for you. Buying the right ring size can be difficult for most people. So, how do you know that the ring is too big? Check to see if there’s a gap between your ring and your finge – there shouldn’t be one there.
3. Your Fingers Change Size.
Just like feet, your fingers tend to swell during the day, changing about a half ring size over the course of the day. For some people, this change in finger size can be quite pronounced. For people with arthritis, swollen fingers and hands in the morning can be quite common due to the inflammation of the joints. This results in a ring that fits when the finger is swollen and becomes loose when the finger reduces size.
4. Your Knuckles Are Large.
This is probably the most common reason that many people find it so difficult to find a ring that fits right. I know that’s the case for me. When I was a child, I was always told not to crack my knuckles because it would make my knuckles large. I don’t know if that’s true, but lo and behold, today, I can never find a ring that fits because it’s got to be big enough to go over my knuckle, but once it’s in position, it just spins around. But if I choose a ring according to the size of my finger, it doesn’t go over my knuckle.
If this sounds like you too, then it’s important to buy the ring so that it fits your knuckle. This avoids too much pain and discomfort every time you put on and take off the ring. But it will mean that you need one of the following solutions.
Solutions to Stop Your Ring Spinning
There are a few different ways to stop your ring from spinning, ranging from temporary to permanent, and inexpensive to pricey. Let’s take a look at these.
1. Using Tape: Temporary Fix (Quick and Inexpensive)
If you want a quick fix, you can simply tie an elastic band, some string, a band aid or some sticky tape around your ring. This closes the gap between finger and ring and creates friction that stops the ring from moving too much. Ensure that you change the tape or band aid you use frequently to avoid any potential hygiene issues. Here’s a video that explains how to use sticky tape to stop your ring from moving around.
2. Plastic Ring Guards/Ring Noodle: Temporary Fix (Easy and Inexpensive)
The ring guard is an affordable and convenient fix for problem of spinning rings. It’s such a simple solution that we think it’s the best! The ring guard, also known as the ring noodle, is basically a small tube made of transparent medical grade plastic that can easily be slipped on or off the ring.
It doesn’t scratch or damage the ring in anyway and is painless, comfortable and easy to adjust. The ring noodle can be fitted on after wearing your ring, making it ideal for people with large knuckles.
A variation to the ring noodle is the Invisible Ring Adjuster which fits only on the inside of the ring, making it ‘invisible’. It’s an excellent option too and is easy to use.
You can also find clear ring size adjusters like this one. It lets you wrap up the bottom part of the ring to fill the gap between your finger and ring. This is the solution I ended up using and I find that it works, as long as I change the adjuster every so often (it can collect gunk).
3. Resizing Your Ring: Permanent Fix
The permanent solution is to take the ring back to your jewelers and have it resized. Most jewelers offer at least one free resizing within a certain time period from the date of purchase.
If you can’t take it to the same jewelers, you’ll find that almost any reputable jeweler will be able to do this for you. One important point to consider is that the ring should fit comfortably over the knuckle. When having your finger measured, make sure that the knuckle is checked as well and not just your finger.
Ring resizing isn’t always a viable option, especially if your ring is channel, micropave or tension set. In this case, one of the below options might be more suitable.
4. Ring Sizer Beads: Permanent Fix
If the size difference is not huge, the jeweler can add a couple of metal beads to the inside of the ring. These sit comfortably against your inner finger and keep the ring from moving too much by causing friction and filling a bit of the space. Ring sizer beads are still easy to take on and off and won’t affect your comfort.
5. Hinged Shanks: Permanent Fix (Expensive)
This solution is not for everyone because it is the most expensive of all the solutions mentioned in this article. However, if you have a very large knuckle and tiny fingers, this is one of the best solutions for you.
A hinged shank ring looks like a normal ring, except that it has a tiny hinge affixed to the lower part of the ring, allowing you to open the ring, fit it around your finger and then to close it back again.
You can have a jeweler do this specially for you on an existing ring. While the bottom part of the ring will be replaced with the hinged shank, the top part of the ring will still look the same. However, it requires skill and expertise so check before you commit to a jeweler, especially if your ring is valuable.
This is an especially effective solution for those with arthritis. It’s also unglamorously called the Arthritic Shank and can be found on some specialist stores ready-made.
Which Ring Designs Don’t Spin?
Rings with wider bands, those with side stones or three-stone designs, and designs that distribute weight evenly around the band tend to spin less. Also, low-profile settings, where the stone doesn’t sit too high above the band, might be less prone to spinning.
If you’re heart is set on a certain design that might be prone to spinning, that’s ok. You could still opt to tweak the shank to minimize the spin. Our favorite option for this is the Euro shank, which has a squarish shank that minimizes the ring spinning.
How Does Temperature Impact Ring Fit?
Temperature is a major reason people find their rings not fitting properly. Finger sizes can change with the seasons. In warmer months, fingers tend to swell, making the ring fit tighter. In colder months, our fingers tend to contract, which makes the ring looser. If you experience significant changes, you might consider having a summer and winter ring size or using ring adjusters as needed.
Tips to Buy a Ring That Won’t Spin
While there are times when it’s impossible to buy a ring that won’t spin, there are ways to minimize the chances that you’re ring will spin. At least, you can minimize how badly it spins. Here are some ways to do that. Some of these we’ve already gone over, but let’s quickly recap all the tips here.
- Correct Sizing: The most crucial factor is to get the size right. A professional jeweler can size your finger accurately. And if you’re between sizes, opt for the smaller size to ensure a snug fit.
- Wider Bands: Rings with wider bands tend to stay in place better than slender ones. The additional surface area provides a better grip on the finger – so avoid those super thin ring bands.
- Even Weight Distribution: Rings with a large, top-heavy stone can spin more due to the weight pulling to one side. Consider designs with balanced weight distribution, like three-stone rings or rings with side stones.
- Low Profile Setting: A ring with a stone set lower (closer to the finger) is less likely to spin compared to rings with high-set stones, as it’s not as heavy.
- Consider Euro or Flat Shank: Some rings come with a slightly squared bottom, known as a European or flat shank, which can help minimize spinning.
- Get a Bridal Set: If you’re purchasing an engagement ring, consider a bridal set that comes with a matching wedding band. These sets often fit together snugly, reducing movement.
- Consider the Shape of Your Finger: Some people have fingers that are wider at the base and taper inwards or have larger knuckles. If this is the case, consider a ring adjuster or sizing beads. They can be added to the inside of the ring band to ensure a snug fit after the ring has passed the knuckle.
- Stay Mindful of Weight Fluctuations: If you’re planning to lose or gain weight, it can affect your ring size. It might be wise to wait until your weight stabilizes before buying a pricey ring.
- Temperature & Seasonal Changes: Understand that fingers can swell in summer and shrink in winter. If you’re buying a ring in extreme temperatures, consider this factor.
Wrapping Up
When deciding on the right solution for you, you’ll have to consider your budget and whether or not you want a permanent solution. Also, remember that when you add a wedding ring to the same finger (in case you haven’t already) that will provide some support for your engagement ring too and may help to keep it from spinning.
