Options for the Small Finger Base/Large Knuckle Combination

[madelise]

I'm starting my own thread rather than monopolizing another person's.

Written by madelise » 12 Mar 2013 13:44:
Ame-- does the diameter of the ring bother you, though? My SO can't stand it because the diameter would then prevent both sides of his middle and pinky fingers to close with his ring finger properly, and it drives him nuts. Sizing beads/bars won't work for us.. and I'm still iffy on the idea of arthritic shanks since it's costly and not the prettiest.

Why are sizing beads and bars not an option? I don't even feel them, like EVER. But the diameter being this much bigger rarely bugs me unless it's FREEZING outside. But I don't wear my rings with gloves, EVER, not even the plain one. In the summer it's not a huge issue either, with the flux my fingers go through in a day from the humidity. Unless it's super cold/I am super cold, they don't do a lot of spinning, even with typing, since the beads are in there. When I am cold I can shove them farther up my finger towards the knuckle and that helps.

My SO's knuckles force him to use nothing smaller than a size 7. That size 7 barely will slide over his finger, and he has to jam it through. Sometimes it gets stuck, and he starts to feel claustrophobic and panic when that happens.

His finger base is somewhere near a size 5. It's a huge difference. So when we buy him size 7 rings, yes, he'll jam it through his knuckle, but it ends up being very wide in diameter, and sits very irregularly on the base of his finger. He cannot close his fingers, and this bothers him.

I tried looking up a photo online to show what I mean, and I think this shows it best:



It's kind of like that. If this woman was to attempt to close her fingers, the ring would get in the way.

SO and I have looked at many bands together in the last few years, and none of them feel right to him. I bought him a 4mm wide band, and he never wears it because he hates how it doesn't feel right.

The wedding band is a very important accessory to me, since it almost "marks" a person as being not being on the market. I know that's all arbitrary assignment of meaning, but it's still important to me. His thoughts are that if we can't find an option that is comfortable for him, he doesn't want to wear a band. For some silly reason, he insists that jewelers can make "stretchy" wedding bands… even though I've told him that no one will put precious metal on elastic string! :roll eyes:

Our favorite wedding band look is that of the chain link band, a la Cartier, Furrer-Jacot, and our lovely Mr. Charmypoo's Leon Mege. I'm wondering if there are any options out there to make an actual true-to-size ring for him to wear, and bypass his ginormous knuckles. We also like just very very plain WB rings, but I think the arthritic shank's design is easier to hide in one of the links of a chain link band.

Thoughts? I have a lot of time still. I'm just trying to do some research and gather some thoughts.

 

[ame]

Re: Options for the Small Finger Base/Large Knuckle Combinat

I think his only option is some kind of arthritic shank option. That's a huge size difference and since he will only accept something near his actual size, that's about all the options hes got. The "flexible" options out there don't offer THAT big of a stretch.

 

[madelise]

Re: Options for the Small Finger Base/Large Knuckle Combinat

Are there "flexible" options, though? I assumed not, since, who the heck would put platinum or gold on something that can stretch and break?

 

[ame]

Re: Options for the Small Finger Base/Large Knuckle Combinat

Are there "flexible" options, though? I assumed not, since, who the heck would put platinum or gold on something that can stretch and break?

ive never seen any for men, but the only flexible options only stretch up at most like 1/16th or 1/8 size. I think Tiffany's makes a swing or bezel band like that, as does Memoire. I have no idea what the material is that flexes.

 

[Fly Girl]

Re: Options for the Small Finger Base/Large Knuckle Combinat

What about a simple hinge?

http://www.ringlock.com/index.html#

 

[madelise]

Re: Options for the Small Finger Base/Large Knuckle Combinat

Are there "flexible" options, though? I assumed not, since, who the heck would put platinum or gold on something that can stretch and break?

ive never seen any for men, but the only flexible options only stretch up at most like 1/16th or 1/8 size. I think Tiffany's makes a swing or bezel band like that, as does Memoire. I have no idea what the material is that flexes.

Yikes, 1/16-1/8 of a size isn't much at all But that's interesting that there is a flexible material used in fine jewelry!

 

[Asscherhalo_lover]

Re: Options for the Small Finger Base/Large Knuckle Combinat

Is he opposed to a tattoo? Either that or maybe Leon could make a hinged band that looks like it's supposed to be that way. I have seen him make link bands that are flexible so it doesn't seem impossible that one could be made to open and close.

 

[madelise]

Re: Options for the Small Finger Base/Large Knuckle Combinat

What about a simple hinge?

http://www.ringlock.com/index.html#

That's like the arthritic shanks… It just looks so.. unpretty..




Hah, I swear, I'll make SO get a nasty gangster tattoo of "Taken, b!tches" on his finger if we can't find anything!! It's my threat so he'll be proactive in wanting to find a solution

 

[Fly Girl]

Re: Options for the Small Finger Base/Large Knuckle Combinat

What about a simple hinge?

http://www.ringlock.com/index.html#

That's like the arthritic shanks… It just looks so.. unpretty..




Hah, I swear, I'll make SO get a nasty gangster tattoo of "Taken, b!tches" on his finger if we can't find anything!! It's my threat so he'll be proactive in wanting to find a solution

They can add the hinge to a "pretty" ring, and it sits on the sides where it is mostly hidden by the fingers. At least the ring will sit properly on the finger once the hinge is shut, which will greatly add to the comfort factor of wearing a ring.

 

[SMC]

Re: Options for the Small Finger Base/Large Knuckle Combinat

Just a thought (and I don't know if it's possible) - the Cartier Love bracelets are screw on, as in you need a screwdriver to get them on and off. Can you design a screw on ring? It could look like Cartier or it could be a steam punk type of look.

 

[madelise]

Re: Options for the Small Finger Base/Large Knuckle Combinat

Is he opposed to a tattoo? Either that or maybe Leon could make a hinged band that looks like it's supposed to be that way. I have seen him make link bands that are flexible so it doesn't seem impossible that one could be made to open and close.

Haha, my last post! Yes, we are not tattoo-ring friendly.

Has Leon made any other link bands besides Mr. Charmy's? I haven't seen any others. I wonder if the hinge can be hidden in one of the links?

Like the "tab insert" kind here?


I wonder if any other vendor can do this? Done CAD/CAST, to minimize costs?

 

[madelise]

Re: Options for the Small Finger Base/Large Knuckle Combinat

They can add the hinge to a "pretty" ring, and it sits on the sides where it is mostly hidden by the fingers. At least the ring will sit properly on the finger once the hinge is shut, which will greatly add to the comfort factor of wearing a ring.

Yeah, those are the pro's and con's. It'll sit comfortable, but it will look funky. Unfortunately, I know that the hinge will have an opposite hinge, too, directly on the opposite side. So the ring will have to sit at an exact location on his fingers for it to be hidden, though you can still see it from the sides.

 

[madelise]

Re: Options for the Small Finger Base/Large Knuckle Combinat

Just a thought (and I don't know if it's possible) - the Cartier Love bracelets are screw on, as in you need a screwdriver to get them on and off. Can you design a screw on ring? It could look like Cartier or it could be a steam punk type of look.

The Cartier Love bracelets use one hinge on one side, with a lock system on the other. That's two sides to have to hide, yet again. Yet the scew-on style might be an option…. The "punk" to it is something I would be okay with, but he wants to go for "classy". Hmm, thoughts, thoughts!!

PS, I totally want one of those bracelets one day

 

[chloeishere]

Re: Options for the Small Finger Base/Large Knuckle Combinat

Another variation on the hinge ring I've seen: http://www.etsy.com/listing/71289474/10k-white-gold-hinged-ring-flat-band?.

 

[Fly Girl]

Re: Options for the Small Finger Base/Large Knuckle Combinat

They can add the hinge to a "pretty" ring, and it sits on the sides where it is mostly hidden by the fingers. At least the ring will sit properly on the finger once the hinge is shut, which will greatly add to the comfort factor of wearing a ring.

Yeah, those are the pro's and con's. It'll sit comfortable, but it will look funky. Unfortunately, I know that the hinge will have an opposite hinge, too, directly on the opposite side. So the ring will have to sit at an exact location on his fingers for it to be hidden, though you can still see it from the sides.

I think your idea above of repeating a "hinge" design around the ring has possibilities. It might be worth contacting the hinge company I listed above to see if they have ever done that. Or, search out another company that is used to working with hinges.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Re: Options for the Small Finger Base/Large Knuckle Combinat

You can't have it all I am afraid. A compromise must be made -- to esthetics, or comfort. I would want my man to wear a ring and I don't care how it looks. You tow ight need to decide what is more important: wearing a ring, aesthetics, comfort? Take the option that fits the priorities best.

Me? I would tell him to give me my damn ring and then he can wear a gummy bear for all I care. Fair trade.

 

[ame]

Re: Options for the Small Finger Base/Large Knuckle Combinat

You can't have it all I am afraid. A compromise must be made -- to esthetics, or comfort. I would want my man to wear a ring and I don't care how it looks. You tow ight need to decide what is more important: wearing a ring, aesthetics, comfort? Take the option that fits the priorities best.

Me? I would tell him to give me my damn ring and then he can wear a gummy bear for all I care. Fair trade.

That's about where i am too. He's gonna have to just deal with the aesthetics not appealing to him or not wear a ring that fits him as well as he'd like.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Options for the Small Finger Base/Large Knuckle Combinat

Yep, or maybe they can do silicone implants on his lower finger.

 

[madelise]

Re: Options for the Small Finger Base/Large Knuckle Combinat

They can add the hinge to a "pretty" ring, and it sits on the sides where it is mostly hidden by the fingers. At least the ring will sit properly on the finger once the hinge is shut, which will greatly add to the comfort factor of wearing a ring.

Yeah, those are the pro's and con's. It'll sit comfortable, but it will look funky. Unfortunately, I know that the hinge will have an opposite hinge, too, directly on the opposite side. So the ring will have to sit at an exact location on his fingers for it to be hidden, though you can still see it from the sides.

I think your idea above of repeating a "hinge" design around the ring has possibilities. It might be worth contacting the hinge company I listed above to see if they have ever done that. Or, search out another company that is used to working with hinges.

Or maybe just one hinge design, since the Cartier/FJ/LM ring is flexible from the multiple pieces. It wouldn't need an "opposite" hinge to the lock. Hm, ideas, ideas!!

I really wonder WHO I can approach as a possible vendor for this! And who has had experience with this kind of stuff. I live in Los Angeles, so of course VC is closest to me.. but I wonder if paying a premium for his hand forging expertise would be a waste in this situation.

I wouldn't just trust a regular ol' hinge company though If PS vendors can screw up designs, I have less hope for hinge companies! Yikes.

 

[madelise]

Re: Options for the Small Finger Base/Large Knuckle Combinat

You can't have it all I am afraid. A compromise must be made -- to esthetics, or comfort. I would want my man to wear a ring and I don't care how it looks. You tow ight need to decide what is more important: wearing a ring, aesthetics, comfort? Take the option that fits the priorities best.

Me? I would tell him to give me my damn ring and then he can wear a gummy bear for all I care. Fair trade.

We have different views on what is important, and that's why I was trying to see if there are other options. His importance is comfort. Though I'd like to support it, I don't want to give up without a fight, and I'm trying to seek out all possible options. He's actually looking at NOT wearing a ring.

Hah, and as for my damn ring… I've explained in a few other threads that we have some behind-the-scenes situations that are not yet under control that do not pertain to our relationship. We're being mindful to our and our family's circumstances, so I'm much more patient now than I was a few months ago, when I was just waiting for the sake of waiting. It's much easier to hear the truth of what's going on than when I was wondering if it was me, if it was what I did, if it was what I said.. panic mode! I'm much more at peace now

 

[madelise]

Re: Options for the Small Finger Base/Large Knuckle Combinat

You can't have it all I am afraid. A compromise must be made -- to esthetics, or comfort. I would want my man to wear a ring and I don't care how it looks. You tow ight need to decide what is more important: wearing a ring, aesthetics, comfort? Take the option that fits the priorities best.

Me? I would tell him to give me my damn ring and then he can wear a gummy bear for all I care. Fair trade.

That's about where i am too. He's gonna have to just deal with the aesthetics not appealing to him or not wear a ring that fits him as well as he'd like.

Yikes, he's at the point of annoyance, and is tired of searching for options. He's just like, "Do I have to wear a stupid ring?" while the rings I bought him sit in a drawer, unloved.

 

[madelise]

Re: Options for the Small Finger Base/Large Knuckle Combinat

Yep, or maybe they can do silicone implants on his lower finger.

LOL! Actually, I've more than once suggested that his a$$ just go and stuff his mouth and gain some weight!!! I'm sure if he gains 50 pounds, he won't have this problem anymore.



Imagine, silicone implants or botox injections for finger bases on those who have large knuckles…
and I'll go in with him and get finger lipo on mine! HEY! Maybe they can just transfer my fat to him? Haha, ewwww.

 

[almondblossom]

Re: Options for the Small Finger Base/Large Knuckle Combinat

Is it really the big knuckle that is the problem? It might be that the ring is too thick. My DH has that problem and he doesn't have big knuckles. I - on the other hand - have big knuckles. But when the base of the finger is thin there is usually a gap between the fingers and my ring -which is thin- is only slightly bigger than my knuckle. So my ring is not pressing against the other fingers more than my knuckles do. I think it could work for your man if you choose a thinner ring that is not so wide. Or maybe he can wear the ring as a neckles.

My DH got used to the slight discomfort pretty fast. But at first he considered polishing off some metal. However, he doesn't always wear his ring because it is not allowed at work due to hygienical reasons.

I really hope that everything gets resolved for you guys so that you both can wear your rings!

 

[ame]

Re: Options for the Small Finger Base/Large Knuckle Combinat

You can't have it all I am afraid. A compromise must be made -- to esthetics, or comfort. I would want my man to wear a ring and I don't care how it looks. You tow ight need to decide what is more important: wearing a ring, aesthetics, comfort? Take the option that fits the priorities best.

Me? I would tell him to give me my damn ring and then he can wear a gummy bear for all I care. Fair trade.

That's about where i am too. He's gonna have to just deal with the aesthetics not appealing to him or not wear a ring that fits him as well as he'd like.

Yikes, he's at the point of annoyance, and is tired of searching for options. He's just like, "Do I have to wear a stupid ring?" while the rings I bought him sit in a drawer, unloved.

Believe me, it's annoying, I don't have as HUGE of a spread as him, but I would just get over the hinge drama if it was that important to wear a ring. For the record, my DH doesn't wear a ring at all, doesn't matter to me one iota.

 

[Circe]

Re: Options for the Small Finger Base/Large Knuckle Combinat

I wonder if 4 evenly spaced sizing pads, or something with the kind of cutouts you sometimes see on Tacori rings would work - more room to squeeze over the knuckle, but the soft tissue is happy to fill the space.

 

[CharmyPoo]

Re: Options for the Small Finger Base/Large Knuckle Combinat

My husband simply adores his band and finds it so comfortable. He loves showing it off too for the cool factor. It's sort of funny but even men ask to see it because they think it is cool. The fact that it is bendable over the knuckle eliminates that constricting fear a bit. Leon now seems to make them more and made it available on his website.

For a cheaper option, I did buy a flexible band on ebay before for my husband to try it out and make sure he is ok with it. This ring has now become his travel band. It's not as comfortable as the Leon but it's worth a test. Let me see if I can find a similar one.

 

[CharmyPoo]

Re: Options for the Small Finger Base/Large Knuckle Combinat

Ooow ... I found some nice cheapie ones to try!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fred-Bennett-Mens-Ring-Flexible-Stainless-Steel-Size-S-U-or-W-/150996154793?pt=UK_JewelleryWatches_MensJewellery_Men_s_Rings&var=&hash=item23281279a9

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Stainless-Steel-White-Ceramic-Flexible-Linked-Ring-Unique-Size-5-12-/360468534354?pt=Gemstone_Rings&var=&hash=item53ed995452

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Stainless-Steel-Black-Ceramic-Flexible-Linked-Ring-Unique-Size-5-12-/360461721538?pt=Gemstone_Rings&var=&hash=item53ed315fc2

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mens-Watchband-Style-Stainless-Steel-Ring-/130686016275?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e6d7e5b13

 

[madelise]

Re: Options for the Small Finger Base/Large Knuckle Combinat

Is it really the big knuckle that is the problem? It might be that the ring is too thick. My DH has that problem and he doesn't have big knuckles. I - on the other hand - have big knuckles. But when the base of the finger is thin there is usually a gap between the fingers and my ring -which is thin- is only slightly bigger than my knuckle. So my ring is not pressing against the other fingers more than my knuckles do. I think it could work for your man if you choose a thinner ring that is not so wide. Or maybe he can wear the ring as a neckles.

My DH got used to the slight discomfort pretty fast. But at first he considered polishing off some metal. However, he doesn't always wear his ring because it is not allowed at work due to hygienical reasons.

I really hope that everything gets resolved for you guys so that you both can wear your rings!

I see what you're saying, but it's both a combination of the thickness of the band + the larger size. Making it super thin won't do anything if it's still too big on him.

You can't have it all I am afraid. A compromise must be made -- to esthetics, or comfort. I would want my man to wear a ring and I don't care how it looks. You tow ight need to decide what is more important: wearing a ring, aesthetics, comfort? Take the option that fits the priorities best.

Me? I would tell him to give me my damn ring and then he can wear a gummy bear for all I care. Fair trade.

That's about where i am too. He's gonna have to just deal with the aesthetics not appealing to him or not wear a ring that fits him as well as he'd like.

Yikes, he's at the point of annoyance, and is tired of searching for options. He's just like, "Do I have to wear a stupid ring?" while the rings I bought him sit in a drawer, unloved.

Believe me, it's annoying, I don't have as HUGE of a spread as him, but I would just get over the hinge drama if it was that important to wear a ring. For the record, my DH doesn't wear a ring at all, doesn't matter to me one iota.

I wish it didn't bother me so, but it does. If it comes down to it, and we really can't find a comfortable option, I prefer a happy hubby-to-be over a verge-of-a-panic-attack one, but I want to try all my options first

I wonder if 4 evenly spaced sizing pads, or something with the kind of cutouts you sometimes see on Tacori rings would work - more room to squeeze over the knuckle, but the soft tissue is happy to fill the space.

That would still mean the actual ring is larger in circumference and diameter, and still bother him since it takes up more space between two fingers though

My husband simply adores his band and finds it so comfortable. He loves showing it off too for the cool factor. It's sort of funny but even men ask to see it because they think it is cool. The fact that it is bendable over the knuckle eliminates that constricting fear a bit. Leon now seems to make them more and made it available on his website.

For a cheaper option, I did buy a flexible band on ebay before for my husband to try it out and make sure he is ok with it. This ring has now become his travel band. It's not as comfortable as the Leon but it's worth a test. Let me see if I can find a similar one.

And you, my dear, I love. I've asked you about this before and I remember you saying you found a cheapy on eBay. I searched forever, but I guess I was searching the wrong keywords! I you!!! THANKS!!!!!! SO SO SO MUCH I'm ordering two in different sizes to see how he likes it. And yes, I can see why men would want to see Mr. Charmy's ring! It's simply fantabulous… different, but still masculine, and still understated. LOVE.

 

[madelise]

Re: Options for the Small Finger Base/Large Knuckle Combinat

Ooow ... I found some nice cheapie ones to try!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fred-Bennett-Mens-Ring-Flexible-Stainless-Steel-Size-S-U-or-W-/150996154793?pt=UK_JewelleryWatches_MensJewellery_Men_s_Rings&var=&hash=item23281279a9

What are size S U W?

 

[SMC]

Re: Options for the Small Finger Base/Large Knuckle Combinat

Ooow ... I found some nice cheapie ones to try!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fred-Bennett-Mens-Ring-Flexible-Stainless-Steel-Size-S-U-or-W-/150996154793?pt=UK_JewelleryWatches_MensJewellery_Men_s_Rings&var=&hash=item23281279a9

What are size S U W?

I think those are UK sizes: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ring_size

They might be too big for your SO.