We all know the feeling: a ring that won't budge off your finger. Whatever the reason for it, a too-tight ring can be very uncomfortable, dangerous even.  Find out here how to safely and painlessly remove a ring that is stuck on your finger.

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The safest, easiest way to remove a too-tight ring

How do I remove my ring that won't budge?  BAUNAT can help
Removing a ring that is stuck on your finger should be easy if, at the outset, you apply one of the following 4 techniques.

  1. Hold your hand up in the air and apply an ice pack to your finger
  2. Soak your hand in ice cold water. Then, simultaneously, gently twist and pull the ring.
  3. Use shampoo, shower gel, butter or another lubricant to help the ring slide off your finger. Try not to use caustic lubricants, such as vinegar or detergent. These can damage your ring.
  4. Remove the ring using a thin piece of string, such as dental floss, as shown in this clip.

Have your ring made bigger now

Once you have managed to get the ring off your finger you must also look after the finger itself:

  1. Clean your finger and disinfect any possible nicks you might have suffered when removing the ring.
  2. Regularly apply ice to any swollen parts of your finger and do so until the swelling has gone down
  3. Do not wear any rings on that finger until it has fully healed and all swelling has gone down

How do these techniques work in removing a too-tight ring from your finger?

If you can't get your ring off, immerse your hand in cold water - BAUNAT
All the above techniques have their plus points. Deciding which one to apply depends on the state of your finger. A too-tight ring will cause your finger to rapidly swell, which will exacerbate the problem. This is how to remove a ring stuck on your finger, before and after swelling:

  1. Before any swelling: lubricants, gentle twisting and pulling, and the string technique are the best way to start. Make sure you go gently; remember, even with these techniques your finger is susceptible to swelling.
  2. After any swelling: once your finger starts to swell the first priority is to stop or reduce the swelling. Ideally, hold your hand up in the air, apply an ice pack or immerse your hand in ice-cold water. The string technique will also work in this instance.

You must seek medical advice if the following symptoms manifest themselves:

  1. Disproportionate swelling
  2. Discolouration (angry red, purple, green or blue)
  3. Numbness
  4. The swelling causing your ring to be stuck is caused by trauma, a wound or another medical condition

What if nothing works in removing your ring yourself?

If none of the above techniques remove the ring, it is time to seek professional help.  Depending on the state of your finger, you could hold on for a while, and ask a jeweller to cut it off for you. You can do so under the following provisos:

  1. The ring still fits properly in its original position at the base of your finger
  2. Your finger feels like normal and looks normal too: there is no pain, numbness or discolouration
  3. Your finger isn't, or is only slightly, swollen by your attempts to remove the ring. Any swelling that there is, reduces quickly
  4. Your ring is not stuck due to a medical condition
When a jeweller cuts off a ring they will do their very best to retain the integrity of your ring.  The ring can subsequently be repaired or resized.  Needless to say, medical professionals will primarily assess the impact on your finger after cutting your ring off.
Never bide your time in going to the jeweller to have your ring cut off if it is causing you pain in its original position.

What are the main causes of rings getting stuck?

You are advised to remove your rings if you are pregnant - BAUNAT
There are many reasons why your ring can become stuck. The action you decide to take depends on which of the following reasons have caused the swelling:

  1. You have been wearing your ring for a long time and your fingers have grown (e.g. by physically growing up or during pregnancy*)
  2. You wore a ring that was too small in the first place
  3. Your ring usually fits you properly but the finger you wore it on underwent a trauma or injury that caused it to swell
  4. A medical condition such as arthritis or arthrosis caused joint inflammation, which in turn caused your knuckles to swell.
  5. A medical condition, reaction to a diet or weather condition caused oedema, causing your fingers to swell
* This is fairly common and you might need to know how to get a ring off your swollen finger when pregnant. You can follow the same tips we have outlined above, just make sure the products you use are safe for pregnancy.

It is worth bearing in mind that you can avoid this by taking off your rings when pregnant. As your fingers can begin to swell from the middle of the second trimester, you may want to remove your rings then to pre-empt this.

How do I resize my ring so I can keep wearing it?

Not all rings can be cut off by a jeweller - BAUNAT
Most rings made of gold, silver or platinum can be  resized  (or repaired after being cut off) by your jeweller.

One key exception is the  eternity ring, or a ring that is set all the way around.  The diamonds are set very close to each other on the ring band whilst being crafted, making it impossible to resize it.  So if you choose an eternity ring as say your  engagement ring, be sure you have chosen the  right ring size.

Order your ring sizer here

Frequently asked Questions

How do you clean your diamond ring?

When you wear your diamond ring, such as your engagement ring or wedding ring, on a daily basis, it comes into contact with various external factors. Exposure to for example, dust and oil-rich products means that the unique appearance of your diamond ring will fade. It is therefore very important to regularly maintain your jewel. How do I do that without damaging my ring?

How do you clean your diamond ring at home yourself?

A certain amount of caution is advised when cleaning your diamond ring. The idea that toothpaste is a good cleaning agent for diamonds is a myth and it can cause permanent damage. Instead, proceed as follows:

  1. Add a small splash of ammonia to a bowl of lukewarm water.
  2. Immerse your diamond ring for 10 to 20 minutes.
  3. Brush the diamond with a soft toothbrush. However, avoid contact with the precious metal in order not to scratch it.
  4. Dry the ring with a cloth for precious stones or another woven cloth.

In this two-minute video, discover two ways to clean and protect your diamond ring. Have your ring professionally checked and cleaned once a year.

How do you avoid scratches and damage?

The diamond is known as the hardest material on earth. However, this does not mean that you cannot damage your diamond ring. To protect your diamond ring from damage, you should follow these tips:

  1. Do not wear your diamond ring during exercise or swimming.
  2. Store your ring when you go to the beach..
  3. Remove your ring when cleaning.
  4. Store all your diamond jewellery separately in a soft cloth or bag.

For additional maintenance tips, contact the experts at BAUNAT via telephone, email or chat

Browse BAUNAT’s collection of engagement rings.

How to clean white gold

White gold is rhodium-plated for added protection, and to achieve that distinctive white sheen. That layer of rhodium is vulnerable, so you have to take care with rough surfaces, alcohol and other corrosive cleaning agents. To clean white gold, soak the jewellery in warm water with mild dishwashing liquid without ammonia and phosphates. Scrub gently with a soft toothbrush, and rinse in clean warm water. Dry your jewellery with a soft towel. If your white gold jewellery is set with diamonds or gemstones, take special care with the brush so as not to damage the stone.

How can I maintain and protect my gold jewellery set with diamonds?

  • How can I protect my gold and diamonds?
  • How can I clean my jewellery myself?
  • What are my other options?

Your timeless gold jewellery set with diamonds adds the finishing touch to every outfit and radiates pure luxury. As long as they sparkle, they retain their special and classy appearance. But what if my jewellery has become a bit dull and lacklustre?  What if they are starting to lose their original shine? With the following tips from BAUNAT, your jewels will remain as new!

 

How can I protect my gold and diamonds?

The protection of your jewels starts with how you store them. You may not wear your white gold earrings with diamonds daily, but where do you store them when you are not wearing them? It is best to keep your diamond jewellery separate. As diamonds are the hardest gemstones in the world, a diamond can only be damaged by another diamond. To ensure they stay scratch-free, you should keep them in their original box, a soft pouch or an especially designed jewellery box. This way you also automatically protect your precious jewellery with rubies, sapphires, emeralds or other gemstones.

When they are not stored away, you should wear them with care. It is best to set your jewellery aside when swimming, showering, sleeping, gardening or working out. Also be careful to touch your diamond as little as possible. The oils and dirt on your skin can transfer onto your diamond and cause it to become dull.

How can I clean my jewellery myself?

You can easily clean your jewellery without running the risk of damaging it. It is perhaps easier than you think: gold, platinum, diamonds and gemstones can be cleaned with mild soapy water or ammoniac.

  • How can I clean my gold and diamond jewellery with mild soapy water?

Dip your jewel in a bowl of lukewarm water, mixed with detergent and kitchen salt or soda. Polish it with a soft toothbrush and rinse with running lukewarm water. Pat the jewel dry with a soft, fibre free cloth. Do not use paper towels, as they could scratch your jewellery.

  • How do I use ammoniac to clean my jewellery?

Place your jewel in a bowl containing 3 parts lukewarm water and 1 part ammoniac. Leave to soak for half an hour and polish your jewel with a soft toothbrush afterwards. Rinse with clear water and let dry.

But especially with white gold jewellery you need to be careful. White gold is made by mixing gold with other materials to form an alloy. On top of that, a rhodium layer is applied to give your white golden ring with a brilliant its sparkle. If you rub too hard, that rhodium layer could be damaged.

What are my other options?

What if I’d rather not clean my gold and diamonds myself or if I don’t have the time for it? You can always choose to have your jewels cleaned professionally. Jewellers can use an ultrasonic cleaner to give your jewels that perfect cleanse. This little machine removes impurities from the smallest nooks and crannies using vibrations. They are ideal for cleaning intricate jewellery, as it removes dirt from places a toothbrush cannot reach.

Where can I have my jewellery cleaned professionally? Which other maintenance tips can help me clean my jewellery? Ask the diamond experts from BAUNAT for advice on how to keep your jewellery shining as new

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