Emergency ring removal
Thankfully I've never had a personal experience where a ring needed to be removed because of an immediate safety risk but it's something I've thought about and I'm curious about other's input or experiences.
Have you or someone you know ever needed a ring removed due to an emergency safety/health situation? If there are details you can share, what was the situation, how was the ring removed, what was the ultimate outcome?
If you make continuous/closed rings (or rings at all), is safe and easy removal in an emergency something you consider in your design? How / does this come into play for you when sizing rings for clients or doing custom commissions or intricate pieces like multi finger rings or full finger rings?
With the right tools a quick and easy removal is always possible, but we don't all always have the right tools with us at all times. Do you have a plan for yourself if something were to unexpectedly happen like a broken finger? If you have clients, is this something you ever discuss?
Is emergency removal something you have ever considered when selecting materials for your pieces?
Have you or anyone you know ever dealt with a non-emergency ring/jewelry related health issue? I think anyone that has ever worn a ring has at least unconsciously noted possibilities of circulation issues or getting a ring stuck. ALL people's hands swell and contract somewhat.
I have one closed copper ring that I wear close to 24/7. I remove it only when I'm working with tools that might cause a safety issue (pretty often), if I'm worried about scratching something else, or to clean it. Occasionally I scoot it up just a bit to "let my skin breath" if my hands have been wet for a long while. It's sized snuggly enough to where it doesn't move around on my finger and is not perfectly circular. The widest part of my finger is at the second knuckle, which the ring sits past. There have been times it's been a little tricky to get off but I've never gotten a ring stuck on my finger. If something unexpected were to happen like a broken finger and I needed to cut the ring I usually have a multi tool in my pocket (emergency option), often another more purpose suited tool nearby, and would be on the way to a medical professional. It doesn't matter what the ring is, my fingers and my health and safety are far more valuable to me. But if I were able, there is a specific place on the ring I would cut to make it easier to repair in the future.
Any input around this topic appreciated, thanks in advance. Be well, keep your tingers safe, and stay cool!