Avoid a trip to the hospital by using these tricks to safely dislodge a stuck ring.

You Will Need

Lubricant

such as hand lotion

petroleum jelly

cooking oil

or soap

Cool water

Dental floss

Patience

Steps

STEP 1 Don't force it

Avoid pulling and tugging too hard, which could cause your finger to swell and make it more difficult to remove the ring.

STEP 2 Lubricate your finger

Lubricate your finger and the ring liberally with hand lotion, petroleum jelly, cooking oil, or soap.

STEP 3 Work the ring off

Turn the ring around your finger to get the lubricant underneath. Gently work the ring off the finger, turning it as you go.

Cover the drain if you are working over a sink so that the ring doesn't disappear down the pipe.

STEP 4 Bring down swelling

Dip your hand in cool water for a few minutes to help reduce swelling if the lubricants don't work. Elevating your arm can also help reduce swelling.

STEP 5 Try dental floss

Wrap dental floss tightly around your finger starting just above the ring. Lubricate the floss and then slip the ring off over the compressed knuckle.

In 1477, the Archduke Maximillian of Austria gave Mary of Burgundy the first diamond engagement ring recorded in history.