A Match Made in Heaven

Think you’re ready to choose your ring? Study your hand. Are your fingers wide or narrow? Do your fingers taper or are they more even in width? What about your fingernails? Are they flat and broad or narrow and elongated? Hand, finger, shape and size all need to be thrown into the equation.

Fingers come in three different shapes. Thin fingers are the hardest type of fingers to wear a ring on. The problem with thinner fingers is that often after putting the ring over the knuckle, the finger is much thinner below it and the ring tends to slide and spin around the base of the finger.

Large fingers present difficulties of their own. People with large fingers generally have a finger area under the knuckle that is larger than the knuckle. This can cause rings to slide up over the knuckle and fall off.
Medium sized fingers have knuckles that are just a hair larger than the part below them. Individuals with medium sized fingers are the lucky ones. The ring should fit snug and comfortable next to the skin.

When it comes to matching finger shape and ring, the basic rule of thumb is this: width adds width; length adds length. So, if you have thick fingers, rather avoid a chunky, heavy band. A narrow finger, on the other hand, requires horizontal presence. Consider these band design possibilities: Broad Filigree, Broad Chunky and Split Band. An increasingly popular band option that suits just about any hand and finger is the open-work lattice ring in which the diamonds flow along the lines of the setting.

Remember that a ring is also three-dimensional. Make sure that the height of the ring’s adornment contributes to the sought-after impression. If you have a large hand, consider flat, elongated designs with slender proportions that draw the eye down the length of the finger. If you want to make more of a statement but achieve the same result, a layered setting will enhance an impression of height and length, and help minimize the visibility of a thicker finger.

The long, slender finger is the best showcase for a setting with height that integrates finger and ring in equal measure. In terms of the shape of the setting, experiment with round, oval or pear shapes, all of which strengthen horizontal perception. Ladies with bony fingers are best advised to avoid top heavy rings, while short-fingered ladies would be better served by rings with substantial bands and not too high settings.

Bear in mind, too, the time of day when you fit your different ring options. Measure your finger when it is warm. A cold finger is smaller than a warm finger. You don't want your ring too tight. Don't measure your finger at the beginning of the day - your fingers are bigger after you have been upright with your hands down for a while. It is better to measure at the end of a day.

Regardless of your hand shape and finger size, you’ll gain your optimal effect through a proportionately-sized ring that both reflects your personal taste and compliments your individual physical make-up. It’s also reassuring to know that most jewellers offer professional advice and guidance. Leading jeweller, Jack Friedman, for instance, has published its own guide entitled “Secrets of the hand”. You’ll find it on their website – www.jfriedman.co.za – or in one of their stores in Sandton City, Eastgate, V&A Waterfront and Fourways Mall.

A Match Made in Heaven | Wedding Articles