With baby boomers reaching the retirement years, the problems associated with ring fit and finger-joint swelling will become a major issue for jewelers. This paper addresses the medical causes of swollen finger joints due to rheumatoid and osteoarthritis and solutions for the jeweler. Since this has been a problem faced by many generations of jewelers, the historical methods of dealing with it will be explored. Today, there are several major manufacturers of products that effectively address this issue. Their solutions are all very creative and their products range from inexpensive to very high end. This paper will describe these devices, their method of manufacture and how they are installed.

Author:  Fred Klotz