As Wedding Know How editors, we write about things that we love and we think you'll like too. We have affiliate partnerships and sponsorship and may generate some revenue from these at no cost to you.
Not every ring style will look the same on everyone. When choosing a perfect engagement or wedding ring, you should go for a style that flatters your hand as well as your finger shape and size.
In this article, we’ll focus on chubby fingers and the ring styles and designs that best suit them.
What are the Pros and Cons of Chubby Fingers?
There are some challenges women with thicker fingers face, but these can easily be worked around.
- Finding the right ring size: Women with chubby fingers may find it difficult to find rings that fit, and therefore, the biggest challenge of all is figuring out the ring size. So, it’s important to educate yourselves and measure your ring finger before going shopping. You can use numerous ring sizers on the market, which will open you up to a vast selection of rings, especially for online shopping.
- Ring styles that work: When it comes to styling, wearing bolder ring designs without any issue is the greatest advantage of thicker fingers. You can rock some statement rings with bigger and more elaborate center stones that those with slimmer fingers may not be able to, and you don’t have to worry that the heaviness of the design will overwhelm your fingers.
- Ring styles to avoid: On the other hand, simpler and minimalist ring styles can easily get lost on your hand. Additionally, smaller rings and thinner bands can be quite uncomfortable to wear as these can cut into your finger when opening and closing your hand. It would be best if you avoided these because smaller rings will make the size of your finger more pronounced.
Ring Styles That Will Best Suit Your Hand
When choosing a ring for a lady with wider fingers, the rule of thumb would be to opt for more extensive and decadent designs. These ring styles will show less skin and make the finger appear smaller.
Here are some tips you can use as a guideline for choosing the best ring styles that can visually elongate chubby fingers and make your hands look gorgeous and elegant.
Tip #1: Get Larger Focal Stones
Chubbier fingers are ideal for bigger focal stones since they will draw attention from your fingers and visually slim them. However, if you have a limited budget, these could get quite expensive. Therefore, instead of diamonds, you could opt for other precious stones that are just as beautiful but more affordable, like sapphires.
There are other tricks to make the focal gem appear bigger. Consider a halo stone setting, where a central gem is surrounded by a number of smaller stones, making it look larger and stand out more.
Tip #2: Look for Wider Stone Settings
Suppose you find wider and thicker ring bands uncomfortable. In that case, you can opt for a wider stone setting instead, as these will give you the same visual impact. This type of stone setting design covers the front of your finger, leaving no space on either side of the gem. As a result, your finger will look slenderer.
There are plenty of different designs and options to choose from:
- You can never go wrong with a classic and elegant three-stone setting. In this setting, a center stone is accented by two diamonds or gemstones on its sides. This timeless design can be antique-inspired or modern and sleek and is ideal for optically slimming the finger. See a perfect example here.
- Another option would be a horizontal or East to West orientation setting. This type of setting features a stretched gemstone or oval gemstone that lies horizontally across your finger, giving it perfect coverage and providing an excellent balance between the finger’s width and height.
Tip #3: Opt for Thicker Ring Bands
If you want your fingers to appear slimmer, it makes sense to pick a ring with a thicker and wider band. Generally, rings that have a band of at least three millimeters will look flattering on a thicker finger. However, you need to be mindful of its thickness, as extra thick bands could potentially accentuate the thickness of a finger.
There are heaps of different thick-band ring options to choose from. You can go for a more modern and sleek design where the ring band width is the same as that of a gem. You can also opt for a split shank design, creating an illusion of a thick band without making the ring appear too bulky.
Tip #4: Find a Statement Ring
You can get playful and use the unique opportunity that other people with thinner fingers can’t often do – wear bold designs and statement rings, like this Art Deco Inspired Floral Halo Engagement Ring. The larger and bolder the design, the more petite your fingers will appear. You can do just about any statement design and pull it off as a charming and beautiful accessory.
Here are some ideas for statement rings:
- Wear colorful gemstones – Create a colorful and fun look by combining any shade and color with a diamond or another bright center stone.
- Go for asymmetrical designs – On smaller fingers, bulky asymmetrical designs can look heavy and unbalanced. However, ladies with shorter and thicker fingers can easily pull these off and have them look avant-garde and modern. Use the opportunity and find a statement ring with an asymmetrical design to complement your style and character.
- Finally, if you prefer a more classic and feminine style, go for a cluster ring that forms different geometric shapes or other unique designs like flowers or stars, like this stunning Diamond Cluster Setting. Alternatively, choose statement designs like this Open Lace Pave Diamond Halo Ring, which are elaborate and intricate, grabbing all the attention on your finger.
How to Make Your Fingers Look Less Chubby
While there’s no way to change the inherent size or shape of your fingers, there are several tips and techniques that can create the illusion of slimmer and more elongated fingers. Here are some suggestions:
- Nail grooming: Keeping your nails well-manicured can create the appearance of longer and slimmer fingers. Opt for a shape that elongates your fingers, such as an almond or oval shape, and avoid square or round shapes that may make your fingers look wider.
- Finger exercises: Regularly doing finger exercises can improve the flexibility and tone of your fingers, making them appear more elegant and less chubby.
- Jewelry: Wearing rings or bracelets that draw attention to the tips of your fingers can make them appear longer. Delicate and elongated designs can be more flattering.
- Nail polish: Choose nail polish colors that visually elongate your fingers. Lighter shades and neutral colors tend to have this effect.
- Hand posture: Pay attention to how you carry your hands, especially in photos. Avoid gripping objects too tightly or clenching your fists, as this can make your fingers look more substantial.
- Hand creams: Moisturizing your hands regularly can improve the overall appearance and skin texture, making them look more refined.
- Avoid tight-fitting rings: Wearing rings that are too tight can cause swelling and make your fingers appear chubbier. Make sure your rings are the right size for a comfortable fit.
- Finger stretches: Gently stretching your fingers throughout the day can improve blood circulation and temporarily reduce puffiness.
The shape and size of your fingers are unique to you, and there’s no need to feel self-conscious about them. Embrace your natural features, as confidence and self-assurance can make any feature look attractive.
How to Make Rings Look Good on Chubby Fingers
Choosing the right ring for any finger, whether it’s chubby or thin, depends on a few factors such as ring size, design, and personal style. If you’re shopping for rings to wear on chubby fingers, consider the following tips:
Opt for Bigger Stones or Wider Bands
Bigger, more substantial stones or wider bands can make your fingers appear slimmer. If you go with a thin band on a larger finger, it could potentially make your finger look bigger in comparison.
Choose Angular Designs
Angular designs, like square or rectangular stones, can help to elongate the look of your finger. Rings with vertical line designs can also create an illusion of length.
Proper Sizing
It’s very important that the ring fits you properly. If a ring is too tight, it can dig into your finger and accentuate its size. Conversely, a ring that’s too loose could slide around and be uncomfortable.
Avoid Clutter
Having too many rings on one finger or across multiple fingers can make your hands look cluttered. It’s best to choose one or two statement pieces to wear on each hand.
Coordinate with Your Nail Shape
A well-groomed hand always helps in enhancing the appearance of the rings you wear. If you have chubby fingers, longer nails can help create an illusion of elongated fingers. Avoid very round shapes and opt for more elongated nail shapes, like almond or oval.
Balance with Other Jewelry
Try to balance your rings with your other jewelry. If you’re wearing a large, statement ring, consider wearing a simpler bracelet or watch. Too much large jewelry can overwhelm the eye.
Bold Colors and Unique Designs
Don’t shy away from bold colors and unique designs. These can be a great way to express your personal style and draw attention to your beautiful jewelry, rather than the size of your fingers.
Ring Shopping Tips for Chubby Fingers
Shopping for rings can be a delightful experience, filled with endless styles, gemstones, and metals to choose from. When it comes to finding the perfect ring for chubby fingers, the journey is no different. It’s all about understanding your hand’s unique characteristics and choosing pieces that not only suit your personal style but also complement and flatter your finger shape. Here are some tips on ring shopping for chubby fingers:
1. Check your ring size.
Before shopping, ensure you know your correct ring size. Visit a jeweler to have your ring size measured, or if you’re shopping online, use a ring size chart and follow the instructions to measure at home. Your ring should fit comfortably—it should slide on relatively easily, but resist a bit when you take it off. If it’s too tight, it can dig into your finger and draw attention to its size. If it’s too loose, it can be uncomfortable and easy to lose.
2. Choose wider bands.
As a rule of thumb, wider bands look better on larger fingers as they can make your fingers appear slimmer. Thin bands might accentuate the size of your fingers, so opt for medium to wide bands.
3. Go for larger, bold stones.
Large stones can distract from the size of your finger and create a focal point on the ring itself. A large, solitary stone or a cluster of smaller stones can both work.
4. Consider the shape of the stone.
Stones with elongated shapes, such as oval, pear, or marquise, can help create an illusion of length. Also, rings with vertical designs can give the same effect.
5. Be mindful of the metal color.
The color of the band can also affect how a ring looks on your hand. Darker metals, such as black or hematite, can give a slimming visual effect. However, it’s also important to consider your skin tone. Some metals look better with warm skin tones, while others complement cool skin tones.
6. Avoid rings with small stones or details.
Small stones or intricate details may be lost on larger fingers. Instead, opt for rings with larger details that can be easily seen and appreciated.
7. Try before you buy.
If you can, always try on a ring before you buy it. This will allow you to see how the ring looks on your hand and if it feels comfortable.
8. Don’t be afraid of unique or custom designs.
If you don’t find a style you love, consider having a ring custom made. This will allow you to choose the band width, stone size, and overall design that’s perfect for your finger.
Where to Buy
1. Blue Nile
Blue Nile is one of the largest online jewelry retailers, known for its vast selection and educational resources. They have a broad range of sizes and styles, perfect for finding rings that fit and flatter larger fingers. Plus, their detailed product information and high-quality images make it easy to get a sense of how a ring will look on your finger. They offer a free printable ring sizer on their website so you can measure your ring size at home, ensuring a proper fit.
2. James Allen
James Allen is known for their 360-degree HD viewing feature on the website, which gives a detailed look at their rings from every angle. This feature can be particularly helpful when shopping for rings for larger fingers, as it allows you to get a real sense of the scale and proportions of a ring. James Allen offers ring sizes up to size 15 in some styles, catering well to those with larger fingers. They also provide an online ring sizer tool to help you determine your correct ring size.
3. Angara
Angara is a family-owned jewelry business that has a wide variety of rings. They are particularly known for their gemstone jewelry, so if you’re looking for a ring with a large, bold stone, Angara might be a great choice. Their customer service is excellent, with jewelry consultants available to help guide you in your selection, making it easier to find flattering styles for larger fingers.
Each of these retailers also offers customization options, so if you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, you can create a ring that’s perfectly suited to your style and finger size. It’s also worth noting that all three provide easy and free return policies, in case you aren’t completely satisfied with your purchase.
Wrapping Up
If you have thicker fingers, it doesn’t mean that your engagement ring choice is limited and that you can’t find a ring that looks stunning on your hand. On the contrary, you have a world of options out there, even more than those with thinner fingers. You just need to be daring and creative, and your imagination will get you far. With our tips and advice, we’re confident you can find the right ring that you’ll love and cherish for decades to come.