Overcoming Challenges to Wearing Your Gems and Jewels

Jewelry should be accessible to everyone, but disabilities or aging can make things more challenging. Never fear, jewelers are here to help! Here are some of the most common challenges and ways they can be overcome.

Rings

Whether due to an injury, arthritis or your own unique bone structure, it can be uncomfortable to wear a ring that is difficult to put on and get off or one that is large enough to put on, but then the heavy portion falls to the bottom of the finger. There are a few options to help:

  • Anti-Roll Beads: The addition of two metal be ads to the bottom of your ring can prevent your ring from rolling on your finger and help if your knuckle size varies. If needed, have a jeweler size your finger prior to adding the beads so that putting your ring on is comfortable. These beads are very effective, comfortable and, often, less expensive than other options.
  • Spring Bar: Another option if your knuckle is too large for anti-roll beads to be effective is a spring bar which is a flat strip made from white spring gold and soldered into the ring. The spring compresses when putting on the ring and expands after it passes the knuckle.
  • Adjustable Shank: An adjustable shank opens like a bracelet when putting the ring on then closes once the ring is positioned on the finger. When created, the lower half of the ring is replaced with a clasping mechanism of the same metal as the ring.

Bracelets and Necklaces 

There are several options to make it easier to put on and take off necklaces and bracelets:

  • Toggle Clasps: These are one of the easier clasps and can often be secured without another person’s help as they are larger and easier to manipulate.
  • Lobster Claw Clasp: If this is the only option, ask for a larger size clasp and a larger jump ring.
  • Secure Clasp in Front: If possible, swing the clasp to the front to make it easier to secure.
  • Put on Over Your Head: Consider choosing a necklace length that allows you to put it on over your head. Stop into your favorite jewelry store to try on necklaces to find the right length. If you already have a necklace you love, you can have a jeweler add an extender chain which can provide a few extra inches of length.

Earrings

The small pieces needed to put in earrings can be challenging. Here are two alternative options that do not have small parts:

  • Fishhook Earwires: These earrings slide from the front into your ear with a single wire.
  • Leverbacks: Earrings with leverbacks are similar to earwires in that they enter the ear from the front with a single wire, but these have a hinged lever that easily opens and closes to keep the earring secure.

Don’t give up wearing your jewelry if it becomes more difficult to put on or take off. Your favorite jeweler can work with you to find a great solution. Stop in to Bridgewaters to see what options you may have to back to wearing your favorite pieces.