How to Get a Stuck Ring Off

Jewelry shopping can be intimidating. That’s why we started Ask Holden, our blog where we answer your FAQs, break down scary industry lingo, and guide you in finding the perfect piece of jewelry.

This advice is for informational purposes only. If you are still unable to remove the ring after following the steps, please seek help from a medical professional.

How to Get a Stuck Ring Off

Stuck rings are a more common issue than one might think and can certainly cause a lot of stress to the ring wearer. Nobody wants to have to cut through their wedding band (especially one that you customized yourself)! But if your ring does gets stuck on your finger, don’t panic – there are plenty of ways to remove the ring that don’t require further medical care or the need for surgery (yes, really!).

Just, whatever you do, please do not pull and tug vigorously at your stuck ring. It will only cause more swelling and make it more difficult to remove safely.

Elevation

Reducing the swelling on your finger may be all that is necessary to more easily get the ring off of your finger. There are two ways to do this. You can hold your hand under freezing cold water and/or place an ice pack on the swollen part of your finger until the swelling reduces. Or, if ice water doesn’t work, you can hold your hand straight up in the air to reduce the swelling and get your blood flowing.

Be patient while you wait for the swelling to go down and take some nice, deep breaths. We promise that everything is going to be okay. Once the swelling reduces, you’ll have that ring sliding off your finger in no time.

The Floss Technique

If your finger is still too swollen to remove the ring, try the following, as recommended by The American Society for Surgery of the Hand:

You will need a long piece of string, ribbon, or dental floss. Thread the string under the back of your ring, making sure to leave a piece of extra string at the base of your finger. Then, wrap the remaining portion of the string around your finger, going up towards your finger tip, until the string is wound tightly around your knuckle. Make sure that there is extra string left above your knuckle.

*While the string should feel snug, do not (I repeat: DO NOT) wind the string so tightly that you cut off circulation! You need to maintain blood flow to your finger at all times to avoid any potential damage.*

Next, rub Windex onto the string, your ring, and your finger. This lubrication will allow the ring to glide more easily over your swollen finger.

If you don’t have Windex, you can also use cooking oil, vaseline, hand lotion, or even soap.

Pull the end of the string that is looped around your ring towards your knuckle. The ring should begin slowly twisting off of your finger as you unwind the string. Keep pulling the string until it is past your knuckle and you can easily remove the ring.

Check out Holden's TikTok to see our demonstration of how to get a ring off a swollen finger.

@holdenrings How to remove a stuck ring #stuckring #hacks #jewelry #weddingtiktok ♬ Sunny Day - Ted Fresco

Nothing Working?

If you are unable to remove your ring after trying these methods, or if it is painful, seek medical advice. Emergency rooms and fire departments can cut the ring from your finger with special equipment.

Please let us know if these suggestions were helpful. If you have removed your stuck rings using other methods, please contact us and we will be happy to add them to our blog. Or make a video and tag us on social media - we’d love to see the solutions you come up with!

PSA

Things happen. But you can reduce the risk of a stuck ring by ensuring that the ring is the right size to begin with.

If you don’t know your size, you can get a ring size kit from us before ordering. And, if your ring doesn’t fit (which we’re going to assume based on the fact that you’re reading this), we also offer one free complimentary resizing within 60 days of the delivery or pickup date. You can read more about our resizing policy here.

Questions? Give us a shout at help@hiholden.com or a ring (pun intended) at 646.722.6817.