Here's the Scoop on Hinged Engagement Rings and Where to Find Them

"Our bodies are organic in shape and require thoughtful accommodation in fashion," says Eric Alulis, president of CLIQ Jewelry. "We commonly rely on fasteners, buttons, ties and zippers to achieve a proper fit in our clothing. Our hands are no different and deserve the same consideration." Enter: hinged engagement rings. A hinged shank ring is one that features a fastener in the band, allowing it to open wider—or completely—in order to fit over larger knuckles. CLIQ is a leader in the space, having crafted technology that can be added to new bespoke rings or preexisting rings.

"By incorporating a hinge into our rings, we can elegantly address the common disparity between knuckle size and actual finger size," Alulis says. "A hinged ring will significantly enhance both the comfort and wearability to what are often the most valuable accessories—both intrinsically and sentimentally—we wear every day."

Those with arthritic hands or large knuckles are top candidates for the hinged-shank engagement ring style, but they aren't the only ones. Hinged rings are made for "anyone who finds that their rings constantly spin around their finger, or that their rings are uncomfortable to place on or remove," Alulis says. And, if your fingers change over time, rings can be retrofitted with the technology rather than simply resized. Here, we explore the concept in detail and showcase some beautiful examples.

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In this article:

• What is a Hinged Engagement Ring?
• Where to Buy Hinged Engagement Rings
• Beautiful Hinged Engagement Rings to Shop

What is a Hinged Engagement Ring?

A hinged shank engagement ring is one in which the band opens up to fit over larger knuckles and ensure a secure fit once it's in place on the finger. And just like the fingers they're made to fit, hinges are not one size fits all: The tech comes in different shapes and sizes. CLIQ's technology, for example, features a secure clip that can only be opened by a stylus (similar to a ballpoint pen nib). This way, the ring fully opens and can be clipped on. Other hinges feature an expander that makes the ring size temporarily larger so it can slide over the knuckle then close again once it's in place.

Wearers can take heart that hinged rings are ultra secure. In the case of CLIQ, "rings lock in place with our patented CLIQ interlocking technology," Alulis says. "You can hear and feel your ring 'click' closed, telling you that it is securely locked until you intentionally engage the mechanism to release it. We provide a stylus to open your ring; it will never release on its own."

Hinges can be put into place on new and custom engagement rings or added to older rings when a wearer's fingers change. Either way, it's a process that typically requires customization. "Our goal is that [a hinge] will never appear as an afterthought," Alulis says. "We want you to enjoy wearing the rings you love because of the way they look or the way they make you feel every day—but with the added benefit of a comfortable, custom fit just for you."

Where to Buy Hinged Engagement Rings

Truth be told, hinged rings are difficult to find online because they're born of a highly customized process that requires in-person try-ons to size correctly; retrofitting older rings even more so. There are many major retailers that simply don't offer this service, but more and more independent jewelers are getting on the size-inclusive wagon. Keep reading to find a few go-to jewelers for hinged rings and search The Knot Vendor Marketplace to find jewelers near you.

CLIQ Jewelry: CLIQ invented the technology that many jewelers use to retrofit existing rings, but the brand also has a range of its own designs. "Our mission with CLIQ technology is that any ring, in any style, can have [hinged] functionality seamlessly integrated into the design," Alulis says. "We can add CLIQ technology through a retrofit process to a ring you already love, but, alternatively, CLIQ makes its own collection of styles with this technology already in place so that you can achieve a true custom fit with your new ring purchase." They'll also work with customers on totally bespoke pieces.

Dana Rebecca Designs: Chicago-based jeweler Dana Rebecca Designs offers bespoke bridal services, and can include a hinge on any fully custom engagement ring project (though they don't retrofit or add to existing rings). And for something as special as an engagement ring, we're all for custom. When it comes to wedding bands, the jeweler offers a readily available hinged style in its Half Way Round band (see it in our list below!). Simply select "add a ring expander" when checking out.

Avanti: Brit brand Avanti has a 40-year history in the jewelry business and its own patent-pending technology for hinged rings, which can be added to existing rings or featured in new custom pieces. (The only caveat is a minimum ring band width; depending on ring size, they require bands to be 2.4-3mm at least to be durable enough for the hinge). Like CLIQ's tech, this hinge is ultra-secure and opened with a stylus.

Fox Fine Jewelry: Located in Ventura, California, Fox Fine Jewelry has a 50-year history and plenty of accolades that prove its merit. It's also a jeweler that offers hinged engagement rings. With a price point starting at $1,900, hinges can be added to any existing engagement ring or wedding band, or the jeweler will work with customers on a custom piece.

Local Jewelers: CLIQ partners with authorized dealers across the country that will integrate its technology into rings for customers. You can search CLIQ's database of jewelers here, or explore The Knot Vendor Marketplace to find jewelers that may offer the service locally—all you need to do is ask!

Beautiful Hinged Engagement Rings to Shop

When it comes to shopping for hinged engagement rings or hinged shank wedding bands, your best bet is to shop in person. Meeting with a specialized jeweler ensures your ring will fit perfectly forever and be secure enough to wear every day. However, there are a handful of options online in a pinch—use these examples to jumpstart your search.

1. Fox Fine Jewelry Hinged Three-Stone Diamond Engagement Ring

Photo: Fox Fine Jewelry

A classic three-stone ring with cushion-cut diamonds, this ring is extra durable in its platinum setting. The type of hinge used here fully opens and closes to snap on below the knuckle.

2. Pruden & Smith Sapphire and Diamond Hinged Engagement Ring

Photo: Pruden & Smith

Colored gemstones are trending in the engagement ring space, and here, stunning sapphire pops against yellow gold. The ring uses CLIQ technology to open and close, and the jeweler will send a specialty hinged sizer to you to measure your engagement ring size below the knuckle before ordering.

3. Avanti Silver HingeFit Diamond Engagement Ring

Photo: Avanti

Avanti has its own patent-pending hinge technology, which it applies to rings and bangle bracelets alike. Here, it's used on a stunning 1-carat round brilliant-cut solitaire set in 18-karat white gold. The UK-based brand lists sizing in the European letter-based system; use their provided sizing chart to convert to US sizing.

4. Gold-Hinged Flat Band Ring

Photo: christinebossler

Hinged engagement rings are one thing, but don't forget the wedding band. This minimalistic 4mm wedding band is available in 10-, 14- or 18-karat gold and can be rendered in yellow, white or rose hues.

5. CLIQ Ridley Solitaire Engagement Ring with Side Stones

Photo: CLIQ

One of CLIQ's own creations available at its partner jewelers, this solitaire style features a trending two-tone metal setting; round brilliant diamonds line each side of the twisted band. While it's available in any hue metal, we especially love the contrast of rose gold.

6. DRD Half Way Round Band

Photo: Dana Rebecca Designs

Chicago-based jeweler Dana Rebecca Designs can add a hinge to any custom creation but offers one style with a hinge readily available: this pretty half-eternity band with 0.35 total carats of round G/H color diamonds. It's the perfect stacker to add bling to your ring or can be worn alone for a shimmering minimalist look.

7. CLIQ Victoria Cluster Diamond Ring

Photo: CLIQ

Vintage-minded brides will love this cluster diamond ring, made to resemble a flower and featuring a double halo of smaller diamonds around the 0.75-carat center stone. It's available in any hue of 14-karat gold and, of course, features the cool CLIQ hinge.