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Settings and sensitive hands (arthritis)

BeekeeperBetty

Shiny_Rock
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Apr 15, 2015
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272
I wasn't sure how to title it.

I have arthritis in my hands, and when it flares up I have a fair amount of pain. I've noticed that lately I have been choosing more comfortable RHR's most days because when my hands hurt they seem to be more sensitive to little things on the rings, or if they're more top heavy. I'm not wording this very well, sorry. Hopefully someone with arthritis knows what I mean.

So, my question, I'm thinking about settings for the light yellow diamond I'm shopping for, and I want something super comfortable to wear most days, but I also really like intricate details, more antique styling, and little diamonds all over. It's a conundrum.

Initially I didn't want a halo for this ring, because I seem to have an awful lot of halo rings, and I think they might be trendy. I'm not the biggest halo fan, I feel so-so on them, and it just seems like they're all over these days. But I also don't care for solitaires. :roll: I'm worried about pave on the shank because of the sensitivity issue. I'm hoping someone with arthritis can maybe chime in and give me some suggestions. What works for you?
 

Garnetgirl

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Dec 7, 2014
Messages
2,140
Sorry to hear about the pain you're having from arthritis. Our hands are so sensitive.
Here is a jeweller who has some intricate designs, but many of them are set quite low. It doesn't seem like they'd be top heavy. Check out the engagement rings - some of them don't look too 'engagementy''.
http://www.crossjewelers.com
I don't have any experience with this jeweller. I just remembered seeing their site once while surfing.
 

BeekeeperBetty

Shiny_Rock
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Apr 15, 2015
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272
Thanks, I'll look their site over.

A cursory glace at it makes me wonder if having the detailing set on the sides of the shank might give me the unique feel that I want, but still be comfortable. Since I'll be ordering this online I won't be able to try it on first, so I am hoping for some first hand experience to help me out.

Arthritis blows. I'm not quite 40 and my hands are a mess. I've also been casually searching for a new wedding band as well in a half size higher than the one I have for the days my fingers are swollen. I can only wear my wedding set about 50% of the time anymore, so maybe a thinner lighter band would be something I could wear on those days. My wedding band is platinum with channel set diamonds, so not uncomfortable, but slightly thick (2.5 mm?) and very heavy.
 

evergreen

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Jan 18, 2012
Messages
828
Your conundrum made me think of these fancied-up Sholdt settings at Love Affair Diamonds --

http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/1-05ct-old-european-cut-diamond-in-engraved-sholdt-semi-bezel-egl-j-vs2/ -- engraved for detail, perhaps that would be more comfortable than pave!

http://www.loveaffairdiamonds.com/1-52ct-old-european-cut-diamond-in-sholdt-channel-set-diamond-semi-bezel-egl-k-vs2/ -- looks a bit more modern, but the channel-set pave might be less irritating.

There are a lot of beautiful examples of engraved vintage-style settings -- Acinom's paraiba cab setting by David Klass comes to mind -- and good engraving gives a vintage feel AND extra sparkle without pave. Theoretically, I bet engraved settings can be lighter than well-made pave settings, too, since engraving doesn't affect the structural integrity quite like digging holes for little diamonds can. :) HTH!

_31458.jpg
 

Snowdrop13

Ideal_Rock
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Aug 27, 2011
Messages
2,960
Betty, I sympathise. I am in a similar boat and have had swollen finger joints in the past. It's been a lot better on new meds, though! I have 3 rings apart from my engagement ring- a solitaire, a 5 stone band and a 3 stone- all have very plain 2-3 mm shanks and are very smooth and comfy. I have also needed to have all of them resized at various times- having a plain shank has meant this has been no problem and all the rings have survived so far! I must say I am not going to buy any more rings and plan to spend on earrings and pendants now.
 

VRBeauty

Super_Ideal_Rock
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Apr 2, 2006
Messages
11,210
I know this isn't the look you're going for, but Etienne Perret, a former PS sponsor, makes some beautiful inlaid bands and ceramic rings. Maybe you could wear one of these styles comfortably on your bad days?

I'm very sorry you're dealing with this. It would be difficult for anyone, but I'm sure it's even more so for someone who likes to work outdoors!
 

BeekeeperBetty

Shiny_Rock
Premium
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Apr 15, 2015
Messages
272
That's a good point about the plain shanks. Do you think pave is uncomfortable? I haven't had well done pave before. Channel set might be an option.

So far I get around the size issue by having rings in multiple sizes. I did size my wedding set up, but some days I can't wear it. I don't want to ruin it by sizing it over and over, so I'm thinking about just getting a larger sized comfortable wedding band for those days.

VRBeauty|1461094893|4021328 said:
I know this isn't the look you're going for, but Etienne Perret, a former PS sponsor, makes some beautiful inlaid bands and ceramic rings. Maybe you could wear one of these styles comfortably on your bad days?

I'm very sorry you're dealing with this. It would be difficult for anyone, but I'm sure it's even more so for someone who likes to work outdoors!
Fortunately (?) mine is caused by autoimmune conditions, so activity is a must for me to keep my joints flexible and keep my spine from fusing. But I do make my husband do the heavy work. I'm trying out a top bar hive this year, because there is less lifting, but they also produce less honey. We'll see what I think about it this fall.
 

canuk-gal

Super_Ideal_Rock
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Apr 19, 2004
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25,649
HI:

I have no suggestion about pave settings, but might recommend a ceramic band.

And bummer about your joints/pain/swelling. Healing vibes your way.

cheers--Sharon
 

Falco

Rough_Rock
Joined
Feb 11, 2016
Messages
12
Hi, :wavey: I have been lurking around here for quite a while, but not having any jewellery to share (one day :boohoo: ) or particular knowledge haven't posted.

Your post really stood out to me. My mum has both osteo and rheumatoid arthritis and I remember her agony before she got on the right meds (her hands were unusable and just burnt with pain). Anyway, I don't know if these sites may help, but it looks like an interesting concept (particularly how you mentioned your frequent need to adjust ring sizes);

http://www.cliqjewelry.com/

http://www.superfitrings.com/home.asp

The system seems like it may be a bit fiddly, especially if you have limited hand use, but I guess during flareups you wouldn't be wearing rings anyway?

It would be interesting to know if anyone and heard/used this type of ring as I am always on the lookout for my mum.

Good luck,

Josie
 

Falco

Rough_Rock
Joined
Feb 11, 2016
Messages
12
Sorry, those links I posted are for the same company, just different parts of their website. :rolleyes:
 

MollyMalone

Ideal_Rock
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Jun 2, 2013
Messages
3,413
Might a vintage, filigree bombe ring work for you, aesthetically and comfort-wise? I'm thinking that would be a non-halo way of providing visual oomph & offer the intricacy & little diamonds all over you mention in your first post. And the metal cut-outs/piercings, coupled with the general nature of this kind of ring (more of a hollow dome), mean they are lighter in weight.

Here are some examples of the genre:
http://www.trumpetandhorn.com/fairmont.html
http://www.trumpetandhorn.com/palmetta.html
http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/rings/art-deco-rose-cut-solitaire#.VxblIIH3arU
https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/rings/fashion-rings/old-mine-diamond-platinum-filigree-dome-ring/id-j_179042/
http://www.portero.com/antique-deco-platinum-diamond-filigree-ring

P.S. My mother was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis when she was in her mid-30's, so I have an idea of how much "arthritis blows" -- I really hope modern medicine will soon make great strides with autoimmune, and all other forms of, arthritis!!
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
40,225
I have RA. Most days I just wear my wedding band. When I had a 5 stone I wore that all the time. I prefer things that are low to my finger as a rule now. And yes, no heavy rings.

My halo engagement ring though, it doesn't bother me. It's pretty well balanced, not top heavy because of the 2mm comfort fit platinum shank, and I have squishy finger that don't really lend themselves to rings turning on me. So that is helpful.
 
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