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As a jewellery designer and maker of custom rings I understand that finding your ring size can be confusing at the best of times!
How To Measure Your Ring Size
The internet is littered with printable ring size charts or methods like using a piece of string to measure the circumference of your finger. These methods are rarely accurate. I discourage you from relying on them alone. You can by all means use one of these methods to get an idea of your ring size but I always recommend that you visit a professional! If you wish to order a ring sizer to use as a rough guide before visiting a professional jeweller for sizing, you can order one here.
Most jewellery stores are more than happy to help you measure your ring size and the large high street chains will generally do this for free or for a small charge.
What will happen at the jewellery store?
If you visit a jewellery store they will be able to size you with a variety of ring sizers and you may even have the opportunity to try rings on with a similar width/profile as the one you intend to buy.
You can also have an existing ring measured on a mandrel or with a calliper to help determine your ring size.
Different countries use different sizing charts and the jeweller will use this as a reference.
There’s no exact science to finding a ring size but through trial and error you will find a size that fits on your finger comfortably and feels neither too tight, nor too loose.
You should not be able to shake the ring off the finger, but similarly the ring should not cut off your circulation!
How To Order The Correct Ring Size First Time
Visit more than one jeweller (I’d say three ideally).
Visit the jewellers at different times of the day/week.
Try on rings with the same width and profile as the one you intend to buy.
Let the jeweller know if you were measured in UK or US sizes.
As our pieces are handcrafted and typically cannot be resized, Having your finger measured by a professional jeweller ensures your complete satisfaction. While we have home ring sizers available here, please note they may not provide the same level of accuracy as professional measurement.
Check Your Size More Than Once!
We cannot be held responsible if you order the wrong size ring.
Your ring should fit snugly on your finger without risk of falling off. Not too tight. Not too loose. You do not want to be hurting yourself or putting too much pressure on the ring or your finger getting it on and off. It should just be able to fit over the largest part of your finger which is often the knuckle for most people.
Keeping this in mind; it is really important to check your ring size more than once which applies to both a simple home check or even a proper sizing in-store with a jeweller. Your fingers will swell in warmer weather and vice-versa in cold weather. This is particularly important for wedding and engagement rings as they will be worn everyday for a long period of time. Check your size on a cold day and again on a warmer day. Checking two or three times is not going too far because getting it right the first time could save you time, frustration and money on potentially expensive resizes.
Think About The Type Of Ring
Did you know that wide rings require a bigger size? Bands approximately 6mm wide or more generally require a slightly larger size for most people. Narrower rings allow your skin to move to either side of the band and often leave that tell-tale 'ring mark' on your finger when you take it off. Wide bands don't allow this so much which means there is 'more finger' under the band.
And don't forget that some rings may not allow sizing to your size. This is most true of rings with larger and/or relatively 'open' settings. For example, if you have very small fingers and the ring needs to be sized down a lot then the setting could be at risk. As part of the band (usually the bottom opposite the setting) is cut out to size down, it can pull the setting open at the top. Your jeweller will be able to discuss this with you but for those of you buying on-line, you should keep this in mind.
Why are fingers so hard to size?
Throughout the day your finger will change size as your body temperature warms up or cools down.
You also need to factor in the width of the band as wider rings will feel tighter on the finger and the conversion from one country’s measuring system to another.
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Every Adam C Designs product is handmade. Each order is crafted by me with thought and integrity in an extremely time consuming process. Our lead times vary and are estimates. Production depends on a variety of factors including but not limited to - material availability, and order volume. We generally aim to ship your item within 4 to 8 weeks currently. But this may vary with the above factors taken into consideration.
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While I use the highest quality materials I can find. Including archival products where possible, all of my creations will naturally age over time, picking up marks, scuffs and imperfections throughout their life. This wear and tear is completely normal and is to be expected, some items will wear more so than others. Some products may also darken/change colour/fade over time with exposure to the oils in your skin, atmosphere, light, moisture etc. Again this is completely normal and to be expected. Also some metal rings depending on the metal used will oxidize with exposure to oxygen and moisture over time as well. This all adds to the intrinsic value of each and every piece as its history grows and it develop its own personal story.
If you have any questions about the durability of any material used in your ring please message me for more information.
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Wood is known not only for beauty, but also for strength and durability. However, since it is entirely an organic material, some care and maintenance is essential and required to ensure that your ring lasts for many years.
Your ring is waterproof as long as the finish is maintained. To be on the safe side, we recommend that you remove your ring prior to any prolonged water exposure, such as swimming, showering, washing the dishes, etc.
Avoid exposing your ring to harsh chemicals and solvents, such as antibacterial wipes, soaps, sprays, cleaners, perfumes, mosquito repellents, sunscreens, hair products or products containing isopropyl alcohol. Hand sanitizer should not be used while wearing your ring, as it contains solvents that will eat away at the finish.
Abrasives, such as sandpaper should also be avoided. Always remove your ring prior to operating heavy machinery, lifting weights, or anything else that might put excessive force on the ring. Any activities that could potentially damage the protective finish, such as weight lifting or rock climbing, should be done without the ring on your finger (this is true for all types of rings). Remember that if the ring comes into contact with any surface or object that is harder than the ring, it will always cause some scratches or damage.
Do not wear your ring in rubber gloves or in conditions where it is subjected to constant moisture.
The finish protects your ring from ultraviolet light and rapid changes in temperature. This being said, don’t leave your ring on a car dash or windowsill or anywhere it will be subject to temperature extremes.
Rarely used jewellery should be stored in a dark place with limited oxygen access eg in a clean cloth bag.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have more questions.
Adam C Designs
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Some care and maintenance is essential and required to ensure that your ring lasts for many years.
Your ring is waterproof, but to be on the safe side, we always recommend that you remove your ring prior to any prolonged water exposure, such as swimming, showering, washing the dishes, etc.
Avoid exposing your ring to harsh chemicals and solvents, such as antibacterial wipes, soaps, sprays, cleaners, perfumes, mosquito repellents, sunscreens, hair products or products containing isopropyl alcohol. Hand sanitizer should not be used while wearing your ring, as it contains solvents that will eat away at the finish.
Abrasives, such as sandpaper should also be avoided. Always remove your ring prior to operating heavy machinery, lifting weights, or anything else that might put excessive force on the ring. Any activities that could potentially damage the finish, such as weight lifting or rock climbing, should be done without the ring on your finger (this is true for all types of rings). Remember that if the ring comes into contact with any surface or object that is harder than the ring, it will always cause some scratches or damage.
Do not wear your ring in rubber gloves or in conditions where it is subjected to constant moisture.
Don’t leave your ring on a car dash or windowsill or anywhere it will be subject to temperature extremes.
Rarely used jewellery should be stored in a dark place with limited oxygen access eg in a clean cloth bag.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have more questions.
Adam C Designs
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Bentwood rings are made from wood veneer, which is basically very thin sheets of wood (usually around 0.6 mm thick) This is cut into long strips The veneer is steamed or boiled. Then the strips of veneer bent around a form. The reason wood can be bent this way is because of the structure of its grain. Think of a tree swaying in high winds—there is elasticity in the wood that allows the tree to compress and stretch as it grows and sways. These strips are kept in this position until they are completely dry. This causes them to maintain their round shape.
Once dried, the veneer strips are glued (commonly with CA glue) in a spiral direction laminating the veneer together and forming basically a very strong wood composite ring.
The ring is sanded to size and width and inlays can be added such as Gold or silver for example.
When the ring is in its final shape it is coated with several layers of CA and then polished, the ring is now waterproof and ready to wear. I take great pride in only using the highest quality glues, finishes and meterials that I can find. The glue I use is both very hard and strong while still allowing a little bit of flexing or movement.
I love inovating and trying out different teqniuqes with colouring and designing the construction methods of my rings to really make them stand out. I always use archivial materials wherever I possibly can.
Bentwood rings Vs. Wood rings
There are two main differences between wood rings and bentwood rings: The strength of the ring and the time required to make it. In order to make a normal wood ring, you would use two hole saws and cut a ring out of a block of wood, then sand and coat it. The main problem with this ring is that the grain of the wood is cut in the process and thus the ring has two very weak spots where the grain is connected (wood is very strong in the direction parallel to the grain but is weak in the direction perpendicular to the grain), in order for a wood ring that is made in this method to be rigid, the ring has to be thick or used with a liner (All none bentwood wood rings of this type that I make have liners so that they can be thin but still rigid).
Because of this, bentwood rings are a labour of love, as it takes a long time to make each individual ring.m description. Shop bentwood rings here.
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G10 is a high-strength, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant composite material commonly made from woven fibreglass cloth and epoxy resin. It's known for its excellent electrical insulation, chemical resistance, and durability, making it suitable for various applications like knife handles, electrical components, and is also used in the aerospace industry.
Composition and Properties:
Fibreglass:
G10 utilizes woven fibreglass cloth, which provides the material with its strength and rigidity. Epoxy Resin:
The epoxy resin acts as a binder, impregnating the fibreglass and creating a solid, durable composite.
Heat/pressure treatment
It is then compressing the resulting material under heat until the epoxy cures.
Key Features:
High strength-to-weight ratio.
Excellent electrical insulation.
Good resistance to chemicals and moisture.
High temperature resistance.
Low water absorption.
Tough and durable.
Common Applications:
Knife Handles:
G10's combination of strength, durability, and resistance to moisture makes it ideal for knife handles.
Aerospace and Automotive Components:
G10's strength, low weight, and ability to withstand harsh environments make it suitable for various aerospace and automotive applications.tem description.
Here's a more detailed look at the benefits of G10 in jewellery applications:
Durability and Strength:
G10's epoxy resin and fibreglass composite structure make it very strong and resistant to damage, including wear and tear. This is useful in handles for tools and for use in jewellery.
Lightweight and Versatile:
G10 is lightweight yet durable, making it a good choice for various jewellery applications, such as rings.
G10 is generally considered to be hypoallergenic.
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Modern micarta is a durable, weatherproof, and high-performance material used for knife handles and other applications like electrical insulators and printed circuit boards. It's made from fabric or paper layers combined with resin, creating a tough, composite material. Its popularity stems from its strength, resistance to wear and tear, and ability to maintain a secure grip in various conditions.
Key Features and Benefits:
Durability and Strength:
Micarta is known for its exceptional durability, making it suitable for demanding environments.
Weatherproof:
It resists moisture and temperature changes, making it a reliable choice for outdoor applications.
Secure Grip:
The material provides a secure grip, even in wet or gloved hands.
Low Maintenance:
Micarta handles are typically easy to clean and maintain, requiring minimal upkeep.
Aesthetic Appeal:
While known for its functional properties, Micarta also offers a variety of colors and textures, adding to its aesthetic appeal.
Modern Applications:
Knife Handles:
Micarta is a common choice for knife handles due to its durability, grip, and resistance to the elements.
Electrical Insulators:
The material's insulating properties make it suitable for various electrical applications.
Printed Circuit Board Substrates:
Micarta can also be used as a substrate for printed circuit boards.
Other Applications:
It's also used in billiard cues, guitar fretboards, and other industrial applications.
In Summary:
Micarta offers a compelling combination of durability, strength, weather resistance, and a secure grip, making it a popular choice for knife handles and various other applications where high performance and reliability are essential.
Micarta is generally considered hypoallergenic.
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Carbon fibre is a strong, lightweight material composed of extremely thin filaments of carbon. These filaments are typically about 5-10 micrometers in diameter, making them finer than a human hair. The high strength and low weight of carbon fibre make it valuable for a variety of applications, particularly where weight reduction and structural integrity are crucial.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Composition:
Carbon fibre is primarily made of carbon atoms arranged in a crystalline structure, giving it its exceptional strength.
Strength and Stiffness:
It's significantly stronger than steel and twice as stiff, but much lighter in weight, making it an ideal material for applications like aircraft and high-performance cars.
Applications:
Carbon fibre is used in a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, sports equipment, and even some construction applications.
Manufacturing:
Carbon fibres are produced from a precursor material, typically polyacrylonitrile (PAN) or pitch, through a series of high-temperature treatments. These treatments remove impurities and create the highly crystalline structure.
Advantages:
Besides its high strength-to-weight ratio, carbon fibre also boasts excellent resistance to chemicals, temperatures, and thermal expansion.
Carbon fibre rings offer several benefits, including being lightweight, durable, strong, and hypoallergenic. They are also versatile in design, offering a sleek black colour and the ability to be customized with different textures and patterns.
The Key Benefits Of Carbon Fibre Rings and jewellery
Lightweight:
Carbon fibre rings are significantly lighter than traditional metal rings, such as gold and titanium, making them comfortable for daily wear.
Strong and Durable:
Despite being lightweight, carbon fibre is incredibly strong and durable.
Hypoallergenic:
Carbon fibre is a non-metallic material, making it suitable for individuals with metal allergies or sensitive skin.
Versatile Design:
Carbon fibre rings can be polished for a smooth, glossy look or textured for a more unique aesthetic. They also allow for customization
Carbon fibre can maintain its appearance even after extended wear.
Comfortable:
The lightweight and smooth texture of carbon fibre rings make them comfortable to wear for extended periods.
Other Considerations:
Forged Carbon Rings:
Some carbon fibre rings are forged, which means they are compressed under heat and resin is added, making them resistant to warping and shape changes.
Inlaid Carbon Fibre:
Carbon fibre can be inlaid into other materials, like titanium, to create unique designs and add strength while maintaining lightness.