Tips on how to remove a ring from your finger if it is stuck due to bloating, swelling or the size is just too small.
The first thing to remember if your ring is stuck on your finger is never try to force the ring off. A ring can easily bend which may make it even tighter, or it might break which will not only damage your ring, but could also cut your finger.
Apply ice to your hand and see if the swelling goes down enough to remove the ring. If that does not work, you might want to try lubricating the area with liquid soap, hand lotion or oil and then try to work the ring free. This is a time tested method, and one that does work if the ring is not immovable. Gently twist the ring back and forth, as you attempt to move it up your finger. Continue to add lubricant as necessary.
If soap, lotion, or oil does not help, spray your finger with window cleaner. It may sound a little strange but even some jewelers recommend window cleaner for removing rings. Window cleaner will also not become embedded in intricate carvings or stick to your stone.
Another option is to use masking tape. Push the ring down as far as it will go toward you hand, and wrap your finger tightly (but not too tightly) with masking tape. Wrap the entire finger starting at the bottom. As soon as you wrap the lower section of your finger, push the ring up onto the taped area. Your finger will begin to swell a bit at the bottom due to the pressure from the tape. The tape will only be in place for a matter of seconds, so do not be terribly concerned. Just make sure you do not leave the tape on for more than one minute. This should be a sufficient amount of time in which to remove the ring, if you are going to be able to get it off this way. Once the ring comes off, or if it becomes obvious that this method is not going to work, you need to remove the tape quickly. Whatever the outcome, if your finger appears swollen once the tape has been removed, apply ice until the swelling goes down.
If none of these options work, and the ring is not causing you discomfort, is not cutting off your circulation, and is not causing your finger to swell further, wait until tomorrow to try to remove it. Drink lots of water and limit your salt intake. Keep your hand elevated as much as possible. As soon as you wake up in the morning, see if you can get the ring off.
If you still cannot get it off by yourself, you may need to have it cut off. Most jewelers are equipped for this and have special tools that will allow them to cut the ring off quickly and easily. You may be able to have the ring repaired, but if you do, make sure that you have it sized properly so you will not ever have to go through this again.
