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Ordering Findings
DETERMINE THE PROPER SERIES SHANK
REQUIRED
ALL FINGER MATE SHANKS ARE AVAILABLE IN EITHER THE
"K" SERIES WHICH IS A ¾ SHANK OR THE "J" SERIES WHICH IS A ½ SHANK.
The PRIMARY RULE in selecting the proper series is to use the "K" series
(¾ shank) whenever possible. Because of its longer movable sections,
the "K" series shanks are more easily grasped and operated by the wearer.
Furthermore, all of the "K" series shanks open three full sizes regardless
of the finger size. The "K" series shank can be used on any ring the
top portion of which is less than ¼ of the total circumference of the ring,
if the top portion of the ring is greater than ¼ of the total circumference,
but less than ½, then the "J" series (½ shank) should be used. The "J"
series shank does the job as well as the "K" series shank, but because of
its shorter movable sections, there is slightly less to grasp by the wearer
in order to open. The very small finger sizes (3 to 4) of the "J"
series open slightly less than the full three sizes that the rest of the "J"
series and all of the "K" series shanks do.
USE DIAGRAMS TO DETERMINE PROPER SERIES NEEDED
The diagrams on pages 6 and 7 in the Finger Mate catalog are exact size drawings of the "K" series shanks in finger sizes from 3 to 13 showing the length of the bridge portion of the shank that can be cut to receive the cut-off portion of the ring being converted, if the cut-off top portion fits within the area indicated as the maximum limits on the diagram of the closed finger size shank needed, then the "K" series shank should be used. The diagrams have been drawn to allow sufficient metal outside of the maximum limit lines yet still above the actual hinge area for the jeweler to work conveniently. (If you print page 6 and 7 from the pdf make sure you specify "Page Scaling NONE" and "Choose Paper Source by PDF page size".)
If the cut-off top portion falls outside of the area indicated as the maximum limits of the "K" series for the closed finger size shank needed, the "K" series cannot be used. Measure in the same manner on the diagrams drawn for the "J" series shanks on page.
If the cut-off top portion now falls within the area indicated as the maximum limits for the closed finger size shank needed, the "J" series shank can be used. These diagrams have also been drawn to allow sufficient metal outside of
the maximum limit lines yet still above the actual hinge area for the
jeweler to work conveniently.
If, however, the cut-off lop portion still falls
outside the maximum limit area, not even the "J" series, (1/2 shank) can be
used. It is suggested at this point that the jeweler re-evaluate
the ring in question and see if it can be cut off closer to the top so as to
make it small enough to fall within the maximum limits. In many cases
this means just sacrificing only a small portion of the design which, in any
event, is usually not seen because it falls so far down on the shank that it
is between the fingers. Or, explaining to the customer that one or
more side stones
may need to be removed.
SPECIFYING "K" SERIES OR "J"
SERIES WHEN ORDERING
When ordering shanks, be sure to specify "K" series for ¾ shanks or "J" series for ½ shanks.
DETERMINE THE PROPER WIDTH SHANK
REQUIRED
Straight Widths - Basic Shanks
After first determining the proper series shank required (either “K” or “J”), measure the width of the existing shank in the area just above where the hinge of the Finger Mate shank will be.
ORDERING PROCEDURE
Order by specifying the series required, "K" or "J"
with the number following indicating the millimeter width of the shank.
FOR INSTANCE....
Here are typical rings
showing the series and width shank needed.
DETERMINE THE PROPER WIDTH SHANK REQUIRED
Tapered Shanks
Tapered shanks have tops that are wider than the bottoms. The shanks are supplied as a straight width bottom for you to match the taper of the existing ring. Note that only the top can be tapered (since it is made of solid wire). The bottoms, which are made of hollow tubing, cannot be tapered, blended or filed.
Select an appropriate shank with the right combination of narrow bottom and
wider tapered top for the ring in question.
Note, however, that while all the tapered shanks are available in both the "K" and "J" series, most applications requiring tapered shanks usually require also the longer top portion available in the "J" series.
ORDERING PROCEDURE
The tapered shanks are ordered by specifying the "K" or "J" series required, the top and bottom widths and the finger size. For instance J 5 x 3 mm. size 6.
* The J 5x3 provides a 5 mm top however, all of the tapered shanks are
made to be filed down and blended into the customer's ring.
COMBINING TWO RINGS ON A SINGLE SHANK
In selecting a shank on which to combine two rings,
the same procedure is followed. The combined width of the two rings to be
joined is measured. The shank selected can be slightly narrower than this
combined width in order that the finished result of the two rings together
on one shank will be neat and graceful.
DETERMINE THE PROPER HEIGHT SHANK REQUIRED
The standard height all Finger Mate shanks is 2 mm. regardless of width or series. However, a special HIGH TOP shank is available in the 2 mm. and 3 mm. widths in both the "K" and "J" series for those special applications where it is required.
The HIGH TOP shank is used in those applications where
the end piece or design of the ring being converted is too high to
accommodate the standard shank which is 2 mm. high all the way around.
The HIGH TOP shank should only be used in those cases where it is obvious
that the top portion of the standard height shank (2 mm.) will be too low to
blend into the customer's ring properly. This does not mean that the HIGH
TOP shank should be ordered in every case where the customer's ring exceeds
2 mm. in the area where it is being joined to the Finger Mate shank. On the
contrary, a slight degree of blending is desired. Only when there is an
obvious, large difference should the HIGH TOP be considered.
This also depends on how sharply the blend must be made. If the blend can be
done gradually, perhaps the standard shank can be used. If the blend must be
made over a relatively short span, then the HIGH TOP shank may be the
answer. Using the "J" series (½ shank) for an application normally calling
for a "K" series (¾ shank) provides a longer top with which to work and may
eliminate the need for a HIGH TOP. The particular ring in question and the
finger size required will also be factors in determining whether to use the
"K" series HIGH TOP or perhaps the "J" series in the standard height. When
the special HIGH TOP shank is required, add the designation HI to the stock
number of shank. K-2 mm. HI or J-3 mm. HI, etc.
SPECIAL SHANKS
(available for factory installation only)
Copyright © 2008 Finger Mate, Inc. All rights reserved.
