Ms,
I had this happen too. My left hand ring finger swelled up so badly, that my wedding ring was litterly cutting my finger! I saw the rheumy and asked for a shot of cortizone in my finger, so that i could get my rings off and not have to cut them off. It worked, the swelling went down and I got them off. For me, the swelling in my hands comes and goes. I don't like not wearing my wedding rings. What i have done, is i went to QVC and bought a diamonique wedding set, a full size larger. Untill this darn disease shakes itself out, I don't want to ruin my wedding rings. So in the meantime, I just wear the fake ones. (people have told me they like this set better! shhh don't tell my husband!)

Give that a try before you alter your beloved rings. If in time, your hands don't return to your pre-RA condidtion then consider it.

Just my thoughts, from someone who has been there.
Good luck!

I've put away my rings for now. To cover my tan line, I bought an inexpensive wedding band (2 sizes larger), but I don't wear it much any more. When I'm sure that my swelling is pretty much under control, I may get my old rings resized. Even then, I won't wear them overnight--I woke up one morning just before I was dx'd and my hands were so swollen that barely got my rings off. Scary.

call me sentimental... but I could never go without my rings, or melt them down, or wear something else. For me it isnt the ring itself, but all the meaning held within them. Mine have gotten tight and very rearely can I slide them off. (I really dont try that often anyway beceause I never go without them except when I am cleaning them... and thats only for a few moments. I say it is well worth the effort and cost to resize them. It is what I plan to do myself. Good luck with your choice... I know its not an easy one.

I'm going to get some of my favorite rings resized - my fingers have been swollen for seven years now so change is not likely.

I know it's a tough decision to make but my vote is resizing,

Lynne

my fingers go up and down... resizing sounds good.

Well, I got a new 3-diamond ring for my anniversary because I was unable to wear my original wedding set!! So, I say...GO SHOPPING!

get them cut and have an extension put in to adjust to your fingers, similar to a watch bands closure with a little latch.

You could always wear them around your neck, just a thought

I definitely wouldn't melt anything down if they are pieces close to your heart. That's just the way I am. I'd rather take them out of the box to look at them from time to time.
My fingers seem to have permanently gotten bigger too. They don't even look swelled to me now but my wedding set strangles me so I don't wear it. I think I'll get mine resized.

Same problem. BUT - I discovered a fix - it's expensive,($250 or so) but there is a device that a jeweler can put on your ring that will let you open and close it to get over the knuckle. I've had some rings sized twice, and if I can get them over the knuckle, they are too loose.I've forgotten (imagine that! LOL)the name, but I found it by google 'arthritis ring'.There are two companies that sell these, but only a jeweler can do it. OR, better yet,if you have jeweler in town that does repairs, call them. They can probably do this "fix".
I can't afford it right now, but jeweler is going to let me sell them a couple of rings I don't wear, and with the price of gold what it is, make me a trade.

It's not trivial. We have to make an awful lot of adjustments to our lives because of RA. My thinking is that things that are sentiimental and meaningful to us are as important as ever and I would vote to have them resized. But I would wait until I had the RA under control as much as possible to see if swelling would go down. I have a diamond wedding band that my husband bought me for our 30th anniversasry and some days I can't wear it. But I also gained weight since I bought it, so when I get down to the weight I'm supposed to be, if my rings are still snug I will have them sized. We have to do what makes us feel good. Take care!

I couldnt wear my rings for the first year. My feet swelled up another size as well. I gave away all my beautiful shoes (they are my weakness), and wouldn't you know? The swelling went back down. Thank God I didnt give away my rings! I'd either size up (you can always size down again), or put in the jewelry box for now. Lisa

I also have trouble with my fingers swelling and the finger joints getting bigger. I have had my rings resized, and some of my favorites are in the drawer waiting their turn. I would never melt anything down if they mean alot to you. I have been told the damage to the joints will never reverse itself, so you are stuck with the bigger fingers. I say resize so you can at least wear your favorite rings. Good luck with your decision!! Sandy

I had my wedding rings made larger about 20 years ago when I got tired of waiting for the extra weight to go away. But I've always had trouble with inflammation in my hands that require me to remove them at some point. I've tried wearing them continuously but I remove them in my sleep and find them in the bed somewhere. So I don't know what to do at this point, because at the very least I'd like to be able to wear my wedding rings.

My mother had rings that she couldn't wear that had belonged to her mother and grandmother. She had the stones removed and designed a new ring created with the metal and stones.

Let us know what you decide, I could use some suggestions too. Hugs jilly

Thanks everyone, I knew you would have some great ideas. I must admit that I'd never consider melting the rings down, but did think about having them recreated like you suggested Jilly.
I appreciated everyones support in getting them resized, however my rings are actually loose on my finger, but the swelling of my knuckles is making them really hard to remove, if I had to. I really like your idea Virgila of the clasp-concept. I have not seen them but will look them up - sounds like it might be just what I need.
My grandfather served in WW1 in India and he bought back some beautiful uncut gems. He had 2 rubies and 3 diamonds made into a ring for my mum's 21st birthday. This ring is now 65yrs old and like you said CharlieLouise - it's their significance and meaning behind them thats important, not their value or worth. Tessie, loved your suggestion to about Go Shopping - I wish!
I'm pleased I can stay sentimentally mushy in the meantime. Thank you.