Choosing Your Unique Ring Style – Eight Elements to Consider

Her Style Looks Great on Her Youthful Hand

Some people can look at a picture of a ring style and say, "That is what I want!" And it works. But what about the rest of us? Who hasn't tried on a friend's ring that looks amazing on them and it just looks "OK" on us?

Each of us has our own finger shapes, finger lengths, knuckles too prominent or not, fingers that are thick or thin. These aspects of our hands factor mightily in whether a ring that we think is pretty will make our hand look pretty.

That Dream Ring Needs to Get a Reality Check

I hate to say it, but that dream ring you've been wanting forever might not be the most complementary design on your hand.

As a Santa Barbara jewelry designer, I've spent years guiding brides-to-be, moms, grandmoms and big knuckled guys to complementary designs for their custom rings. I'll share my process here.

 Make Your Ring Do its Job!

Ring Job 1: Make Your Hand Look Good

Different Aged Hands Look Good in Different width, height and simplicity of Style Rings

Your hand isn’t merely a mannequin upon which to dangle random rings. Rather, hands and rings should complement each other according to various characteristics.

Hands and fingers come in many different shapes, sizes, colors, and ages. What looks good on one hand may not look so spectacular on another.

Ideally you should by yourself or with help, work out what design elements present your hand in the best light. Look at the ring style you're considering at a distance with a mirror as well as up close to see the impression your ring gives on your hand.

Ring Job  2: Hold up to Your Lifestyle and Roll with the Punches

The Texture on These Rings Allow for Further Scratching From a Busy Lifestyle. Your Ring Will Still Look Great

Also, your lifestyle is a player in the game of designing your ring. If you are athletic and active with your hands, a delicate design may lead to frustrating down-time for maintenance of your ring.

Low Set, Hammered and Sturdy

Sometimes wide and low are the only option with a busy, art making lifestyle. The hammered finish adds to the beauty in this simple style. It also hides dings and bangs nicely. See Vicki's story.

You’ll want to make sure you pick a style that is strong enough for your lifestyle. Consider adding a texture or two to your design if you know your ring will get some banging around. Textural elements are like jewelry camouflage, nicely concealing scratches and dings on your ring.

Eight Elements to Consider When Choosing a Ring Style for Your Best Look

1. 

   For a Larger Center Element we Added a Halo and Created a Triple Band Ring

   Height. My rule of thumb: hands over 30 years of age often look better with a bit more height. Hands under 30 can usually go with lower profiles.

2. Size of Central Element. Age and finger size determine overall dimension. The larger the finger, the larger and wider the center element should be. Larger gemstones typically look best on mature hands. Younger and smaller fingers look more balanced in smaller-sized center gems or design elements.
3. Width. Larger and more mature fingers look better in wider-shanked rings. Smaller and younger fingers look better in narrower-shanked ones. Those with big bones should try on rings with wider shanks. (The shank is the bottom part of the ring that rests under the finger.)

4. 

   Charla's Ring Tapers, Allowing for a Large Center Opal and a Feminine Look.

   Straight vs. Curved shank. I have no hard and fast rule with regards to which looks best. I have noticed that clients who have shorter fingers sometimes find a curving ring shape as opposed to straight to make their hands look more feminine and their fingers look longer. My advice is to try on an assortment of both types to determine which complements your hand the best.

5. Taper vs. No Taper. On one hand, many of today’s popular rings involve straight shanks descending from the center element. On the other hand, tapered designs can create a beautiful effect, making your hand look more feminine. Try on different tapered shanks and see if one particular taper ratio works for your hand.

6. 

   This White Gold Wedding Set Uses Hand Engraved Details to Add Beauty

   Textures and Finishes. Younger hands usually do better with smaller designs and high polish finishes. A high polish finish can highlight the smoothness of your skin. Hands over 30 benefit from textural finishes and more complex design components. All ages look nice in engraved detail rings.

7. Color. Yellow gold? White gold or platinum? Warm skin tones tend to look best in yellow and rose gold. Cooler skin tones tend to look better in white metals. Some skin tones seem to look good in all metal colors! Try on different colored rings. See which color metal complements your skin more: yellow, white or rose.
8. Personality. Who you are and your character, are “X-factors” in helping to determine the best size and scope of a ring.

   Tiny rings can look unbalanced on people with big personalities. Conversely, a big bold ring can look out of place on a more reserved individual.

People in the public eye, speakers, actresses and members of the celebrity culture or those that want to be, need to wear bolder and larger rings.

The poster child for big center elements on an engagement ring has to be Kim Kardashian.

This is a Great Start For Your Custom Designed Ring

Stephie Dares to be Different with a Black Rhodium Finish with Her Black Diamonds

These are not hard and fast rules; these ideas are meant to help guide you in choosing the size and shape of a ring style that best complements your hands and fingers.

Once you’ve figured out these basics, you can look to fill in the blanks that lead to your dream ring. Will  you  gravitate toward vintage? Geometric? Modern and simple? Bold? Curvaceous?

When you're ready for next steps check out my Jewelry Design Series. Have fun with it!

Your Personal Jeweler,
Calla