Beach
Blvd. PH4
Tel: (954) 458-2700
Toll Free: (888) 458-2700
Fax: (954) 458-4668
DETERMINE THE EXACT FINGER
SIZE
SPECIAL SIZING GAUGE
PROVIDED
Since the Finger Mate
shank is designed to open to go over the knuckle, conventional finger
measuring gauges cannot be used. Finger Mate has developed a special sizing gauge that is available to
all of its dealers. This gauge has an adjustable band that slides open to go
over the knuckle, and then is tightened down to measure the finger where the
ring is worn.
FINGER MATE SHANKS
NOT ADJUSTABLE
Unlike conventional ring shanks, Finger Mate shanks are NOT ADJUSTABLE. They are made to the specific finger size and once attached to a ring cannot be altered merely by adding or removing a piece from the bottom as in a conventional sizing job. For this reason, it is doubly important that the proper size be determined accurately the first time.
The special gauge supplied by Finger Mate has been calibrated according to the American standard ring size scale starting at size 3 and graduated by half sizes to size 13. The size is read on the scale at the point indicated by the line across the center of the sliding button. Though the gauge is calibrated in half and full sizes, Finger Mate shanks may be ordered by the in-between quarter sizes (¼ - ¾) for an even more accurate fit.
IS IT NECESSARY TO
MEASURE THE KNUCKLE?
As the
basic Finger Mate shank opens three full sizes, it will go over most
knuckles without difficulty.
However; if the knuckle
is unusually large in relation to the rest of the finger, it should be
measured to determine if it is
more
than three sizes larger
than the area where the ring is worn, if so, a special 4-size opening shank
can be special ordered.
FOUR SIZE OPENING SHANK AVAILABLE
ON SPECIAL ORDER
A special shank that will open four sizes can usually be provided on special order. A small additional charge will be made.
USE OF THE GAUGE
Proper use of the gauge is of paramount importance. To be used properly, the band must be closed down on the finger to a very snug fit. The flesh should bulge slightly around the edges of the band. When the customer first says, “Oh, I think that is a little too tight,” you have the right size. The reason for this is obvious. Most shanks used are very narrow, narrower than the band on the gauge. This means that the shank is going to feel looser than the gauge. When using the gauge for rings that require wider shanks, 4 mm. to 6 mm. for instance, the gauge should be used in the same manner for consistency, but ¼ or ½ size larger should be ordered. Since most rings require a 2 mm. or 3 mm. shank, a very snug fit of the gauge is suggested.
SIZING TIPS
The catch on the Finger Mate shank has two positions. The shank has been
designed to be worn in the fully closed catch position. However, on those
occasions when the finger swells, during pregnancy for instance, or on very
hot days, a second position is provided which is about 1⁄2 size larger than
the fully closed position. When measuring a finger under conditions when it
may be already temporarily swollen, judgment should be used to order the
shanks somewhat smaller than the gauge indicates. The customer can wear the
ring in the second position, slightly open, until the swelling disappears
and then wear it in the fully closed position which is the proper size.
TRY THE SHANK ON
BEFORE ATTACHING
For those jewelers who are
ordering loose findings and attaching the shank themselves, you can let the
customer try the shank on before you attach it to her ring. Of course,
you’ll need to explain that this is only the finding, and the customer will
have to make another visit to the store, but you will have the advantage of
knowing you have the right size before installing the shank.
Note: SPECIAL GAUGE CANNOT BE MEASURED
AGAINST A RING SIZE MANDREL:
Because of the design of the special gauge, it cannot be measured itself on the ring size mandrel. The flexible band is made to conform to the soft flesh of a finger, while the plastic supports on either side of the band insure that it will conform while maintaining its basic round shape. These supports prohibit the band from resting on the mandrel as it would on a finger and the band cannot, therefore, slide to a position on the mandrel that will register the same size as indicated on the gauge. Nevertheless, the overall circumference as measured by the gauge is exactly the same as established for the standard ring sizes.
Copyright © 2012 Finger Mate, Inc. All rights reserved.
