Find the perfect ring style to flatter a short finger
As per the blog on hand and finger shapes, we focus on engagement ring style advice, this time for short fingers and hands.
Short fingers are uncharitably referred to as fat fingers, or chubby fingers, but they are very common and short hands are pretty hands. A short finger is judged in comparison to the palm length. Soif the palm is longer than the fingers, this is what makes them appear shorter. Palms have a soft square appearance. Sometimes hands can look a little plump or fleshy. This has nothing to do with lifestyle! These hands don't stand up well to being overwhelmed with rings because of their diminutive appearance, but we're only talking about one here!
Enhance short fingers
Short fingers suit jewellery and settings that will create a sense of elongation. So the ideal engagement ring style is going to create a lengthening effect on the finger.
Engagement ring tips
It is very important that with short fingers the ring shank is not tight around the finger. Be very mindful of fit, as if the ring digs into the skin it is going to make them look plumper than they are. This isn't a great look on any hand, but in particular for people who are already conscious about their fingers, it will truly emphasise the argument that they have 'fat hands'! If you are planning a surprise, we can work with you to get a better read on finger size.
Choose stones that are set length-ways along the finger but are of small or medium size. Also consider outline features that are softer and therefore less graphic.
Don’t overpower short fleshy fingers with too much metal, it will exaggerate their width. The best band width for an engagement ring is no more than ¼ of the phalynx length. Split shoulder rings are good on these hands, creating a feeling of space. Like with square fingers, rings that play with space on the hand, can work really well - so consider looks where the band is shaped too.
When matching wedding rings keep with bands, that don’t (in combination with the engagement ring) cover the whole lower half of the finger.
Good stone shapes
Emerald or narrow oval (set lengthwise), Pear or Marquise shaped stones are good for short fingers. They shouldn’t be too wide as this can make the finger look a little stubby.
Three stone rings work well where the centre stone is bigger than the outer two.
Short fingers—engagement ring shape suggestions
Here is my engagement ring style advice with some shapes for consideration that will look good on short fingers. There is still an endless list of options out there, so keep more of the principles in mind, rather than getting bogged down on the ring styles. We approach each client commission based on what we’ve been told about wearer tastes and styles, no two rings are exactly the same as everyone chooses the diamond that's right for them.
Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring with split shoulders
A marquise diamond is great on several levels; it’s unusual, it is slimming on short fingers and cost wise, you get a lot of diamond for your buck. The split shoulders create more space, and the band is just the right width to feel balanced, rather than too wide or too thin. It's drawing the eye in and then along the finger, great for those who think that they have fat fingers.
Three Stone Emerald Diamond Engagement Ring
A long emerald shape centre stone flanked by two tapered baguettes draws the eye along the finger. It is a soft look because of the octagonal corners, and the tapered side stones slim the band. Elegant and unobtrusive this engagement ring will look up to date whatever era it occupies. Great for short fingers.
Two Stone Round Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring
When you are trying to create length but not overcrowd the finger, two smaller stones can make the right impact. This sweeping design takes two round brilliant diamonds and lines them up to draw the eye. The shank is also narrower on top than underneath, keeping a slim feel while retaining proportion on the hand. This is a more modern and sleek look. Too often ladies rule themselves out of more modern and linear designs when they feel they have 'chubby fingers' because they think they can't work the look. I can assure you that this is well suited to that kind of finger shape, and it is a personal choice as to preferred stone shapes for making these rings from matching to complimentary shapes.
Oval Diamond Engagement Ring with Split Shoulders
Ovals are good on short fingers, again they take the eye up and down the finger rather than side to side. The split shoulders also lighted the overall setting, creating the impression of space on the finger. Depending on the size and proportions of the finger impacts what works with split shoulders, but in general, the more space you allow, the more lengthening the effect.
Pear shape engagement ring
Also inaccurately termed pear cut diamonds, these stones make opulent and classic looking engagement rings. Soft and round at one end, they draw the eye towards the point end, good stones worn lengthwise on short hands. Longer (rather than fatter) pear shapes are best, if a larger stone, try to avoid going too wide. Keep the shoulders slim, or tapered for best effect.
Art Deco Style Split Shoulder Engagement Ring
Round stones can accentuate the roundness of short fingers. Here however, the stone is set in an octagonal halo, which gives it more presence, and with the split shoulders on the ring, creates a feeling of more space on the hand.This look works because of the diffused effect of the shoulders. And we were still able to give the ring more heft from the side without it overpowering the hand. Another option to consider would be Anjuli (here in our gallery) with her curved setting, and also Ella (here) where the setting maximises stone size, and the shank is shaped too.
Inspired? Want to sort out your own engagement ring? If you want to start a conversation, email us here.
More hand shape ring information
Visit the other hand shape blogs to get more detail on looks and styles that will work best with each shape.
- Engagement ring style advice for long fingers and hands
- Engagement ring style advice for square fingers and hands
- Engagement ring style advice for short fingers and hands
- Or back to our summary of working out your hand shape
