If you’re not blessed with features that are universally acknowledged as beautiful, such as almond eyes or an oval face or model-esque legs, shopping can be a struggle. But it wouldn’t be once you understand what best complements your skin or body type, and what pieces help flaunt your assets and downplay your flaws.
With jewellery, especially statement rings, people with long slender fingers can wear anything and look amazing—a blessing that those with short stocky fingers can only look on with envy. Still, there are options aplenty for the ‘short-handed’ and at all price brackets to boot, many of which are not only trendy statements but also forever pieces that will be classics of tomorrow.
Follow these top tips on picking out rings for short fingers.
Avoid harsh lines
Strong angles and hard lines cut the line of vision, making the fingers look shorter than they already are. Opt for soft curves and rings with a thinner shank instead.
Stay away from chunky shapes
These sit too heavily on the fingers. You know how when you have a small room, you shouldn’t choose bulky furniture? Same theory.
Try open-worked designs
Open-worked rings expose parts of the finger, allowing the line of vision to flow uninterrupted from base to tip, thus giving the impression of length.
Asymmetrical designs work wonders
Statement rings with asymmetrical designs bring volume and shapes while distracting the eye, minimising the disruption to the line of vision.
Select elongated shapes
You don’t have to avoid large centre stones. Just choose elongated shapes like ovals and rectangles oriented along the finger rather than across. If you’re going for triangular or shield-shaped stones, position the pointed end towards the fingertip.
So, having laid down the ground rules, which rings do we recommend? Here are our picks to wear this festive season and beyond.
Ana Luisa slim bombé ring with rope motif
Bombé rings can be unflattering for short fingers, but you can choose a slimmer design with extra details adding visual interest.
Luna Skye dome ring with marquise diamond
In 14k gold, this slender dome ring brings a touch of bling, available in different stones such as diamond (featured here), emerald, turquoise, and more.
Mejuri NYC dome ring
Edgy ridges all over this slim number distinguishes it from the usual crop of dome rings.
Messika Glam’Azone 2 Rows ring
In rose gold with one oval-cut centre stone surrounded by a diamond halo, this can even double up as an engagement ring.
Eéra diamond & 18kt gold ring
With its iconic carabiner clip centre, this large statement ring would not cramp your style thanks to the open-worked design.
Susan Foster diamond and 18kt gold ring
Meticulously crafted in the US with a hinged band shaped like four trapezoid plaques, and with just a light dusting of diamonds.
State Property Bering ring
In 18K gold with diamonds and white enamel, this ring is named after Vitus Jonassen Bering as an ode to the voyagers of our time.
Jade Trau Adele diamond and 18K gold signet ring
Done in brushed 18K gold with white diamonds of various sizes, the organic appeal of this signet ring softens the overall look, its tapered form well suited to shorter fingers.
Rina Tairo Lumo diamond line ring
Known for its creative use of gold mesh, here the Lumo ring breaks up an otherwise stocky design with a line of diamonds running down the finger.
Alison Lou 14K gold, enamel and sapphire ring
Wear the pear-shaped yellow sapphire with its tip facing outwards to elongate the finger, and enjoy the pop of blue from the enamel.
Bibi Van Der Velden Floaty Scarab ring
Done in gold with touches of silver and diamonds, Van Der Velden also used real scarab wings along with brown diamonds and amethysts.
Van Cleef & Arpels Frivole Between the Finger ring
Clusters of delicate blooms, some studded with diamonds, define the Frivole by Van Cleef & Arpels, here worn as a toi-et-moi ring.
Boucheron Serpent Bohème two-stone ring
An abstract take on the serpent motif, this ring is perfect for those who love turquoises set against shimmery yellow gold.
Fernando Jorge Ignite emerald ring
The Brazilian designer draws on the dancing shape of a flame to create unexpected silhouettes, this time using a pear-cut emerald with yellow gold.
Anissa Kermiche U ring
This sculptural, three-dimensional form is enhanced by pavé diamonds, a single white sapphire and one freshwater pearl.
Repossi Serti Sur Vide ring
The sheer emptiness surrounding the precious stones in Repossi’s Serti Sur Vide collection make for flattering and memorable designs.
Hirotaka Manhattan pearl diamond cuff ring
With the cultured Akoya pearl sitting off-centred, this 10K gold cuff ring adds a little quirky touch to your jewellery styling.
