To remove a stuck ring, the key is to reduce swelling and help the band glide: raise your hand, cool the finger, lubricate, then use the string technique. Work calmly, without forcing. Here are the five methods, from simplest to most effective, and the sign that means you should seek help.
A stuck finger is often a slightly swollen one. Raise your hand for a few minutes, then apply cold (an ice cube in a cloth, cold water): the finger shrinks and the band comes off more easily. Avoid heat, which swells it further.
Coat the finger with something slippery: soap, washing-up liquid, oil, cream or butter. Gently twist the band while pulling, without jerking. This is often enough.
The method used by first-aiders and jewellers:
If there's no rush, soak the hand in cold water for 10 minutes, keep the hand raised, and try lubricating again. The finger is often less swollen in the morning.
If the band won't move, a jeweller can remove it cleanly with a ring cutter, often without ruining a ring that can then be soldered back and resized. Consider this before damaging the piece.
If the finger turns blue, white, numb, very painful or cold, circulation is compromised: go without delay to A&E or a doctor/fire service, who have a proper ring cutter. Never let the situation persist for hours.
Raise the hand and cool the finger to reduce swelling, lubricate with soap or oil, then twist the band while pulling gently. The dental-floss technique wrapped around the finger is the most effective. Never force it.
Slide dental floss under the ring, wrap it tightly around the finger past the knuckle to compress the swelling, then unwind from the hand side: the ring travels along the floss and passes the knuckle.
If the finger turns blue, white, cold, numb or very painful, circulation is compromised: seek urgent help from a doctor or the fire service, who have a ring cutter. Don't wait several hours.
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