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Getting the right size for a ring can be tricky, and in most cases, people find that they will need to resize their ring.
Resizing a ring relies on several factors, such as the ring setting, the material used to create the ring, how much adjustment is required, and so on. In some situations, you can use a quick DIY hack so you won’t need to rush to a jeweler, but for long-term solutions, the best option will be to resize.
Here’s what to know about resizing a ring to avoid potential disappointment down the track.
Why Can’t My Ring Be Resized?
Sadly, not all jewelry is meant to be resized, and in certain situations, your jeweler won’t be able to resize your ring. This happens due to the following reasons.
Too big of a size gap: The jeweler has taken note of the size of your ring and the appropriate size for your finger. Sadly, if the ring needs to be sized greater than two or more size units (either way: up or down), it might damage the ring, and as such, the jeweler will decline.
Material that’s hard to work with: If your ring is made from Tungsten, Titanium, Stainless Steel, Rose Gold, or a non-metal such as Resin or Ceramic, the jeweler may not be able to resize it. As you can tell, this is because these materials aren’t easy to alter, and even if they did, it could compromise the ring.
Design is too intricate: Channel settings, paves, tension settings, and funky baskets, can be painful or near impossible to recreate, resize or readjust. So, if your ring has an elaborate shank, one that includes intricate patterns or gemstones on the band, it probably cannot be resized.
These three aspects will hurt your chances of getting your favorite ring resized. That said, we recommend you check around with other big-name jewelers since some will rise to the challenge of recreating an elaborate design or working with a stubborn material (like Stainless Steel).
How Can I Get My Ring Resized?
As mentioned, the best way to get your ring resized permanently is with the help of a professional jeweler. If your ring is easy to work on, they will measure your finger and figure out the best size for the ring.
Sizing a Ring Down
When reducing the size of the ring, the jeweler will cut a small piece of the shank and take it out. After which, they will shrink the band and solder it back and clean the material.
A ring that’s sized down well will be smaller but look as good as new without any signs indicating the ring was altered. If the colors are consistent and the shank is similar to the original, it’s definite proof that the jeweler has done a good job.
Also, whenever you do this, make sure to ask for the “cutout” or remaining piece of the metal so you can keep it in case you need to size it back up again.
Other Ways to Size a Ring Down
As always, this is the surefire way to permanently downsize your ring. However, there are other methods that jewelers will use to improve the fit without cutting into the ring. These include:
Sizing Beads: Here, the jeweler will solder small beads on the inside of the shank, so the ring is large enough to pass through the knuckles but not big enough to slide or roll around the base of your finger. As such, the beads “latch on” to your finger and prevent it from rotating.
Spring Inserts: Installing thin and flexible half rings or sheets on the inside of the shank, in such a way that they spread out and make way for when you’re passing the ring through the knuckles but contract when it’s on the base of your finger. These create a strong grip and prevent the ring from sliding.
Adjustable Shanks: Some rings will often be designed with a tiny latch, so the wearer can unfasten the shank before putting it on your finger. These are relatively secure but aren’t very common and are meant for extreme situations where the knuckles are too big or pushing a ring through the knuckles can become extremely painful.
Enlarging A Small Ring Professionally
When increasing the size of a ring, the jeweler has three options:
- Stretching the shank
- Cutting into the shank and altering the shape
- Replacing the shank
Stretching the shank is only recommended when you need to make a minor adjustment, ideally no more than half a ring size. It only works for thicker rings and might damage the more you stretch it out.
Apart from that, you can either add extra metal and reshape the existing shank or replace it entirely.
This depends on your sizing requirements, shank material, and setting, so if you have a simple solitaire made of yellow gold, enlarging to two, three, or even more sizes upwards is doable.
How Much Will It Cost to Resize my Ring?
The cost and time it takes to resize a ring will depend on the intricacy of the setting, the base material of the shank, and the required size gap.
Minor adjustments, such as a quick stretch up half a size, can be done within minutes and won’t cost that much (most often free of charge if you’re resizing it from the jeweler you purchased it from).
However, if your ring must be cut and soldered, it will cost you upwards of $50 and might take a couple of weeks or more.
How Do I Know if My Ring Needs Resizing?
For most of us, it can be difficult to know how a ring is supposed to feel. Does your ring need to have some space to move around on your finger or should it be locked in? As always, there’s a good middle ground, so let’s talk about how to tell if your ring needs to be resized.
Is My Ring Too Big?
Your ring is too big if you can take it off easily with no resistance. An oversized ring will easily slip through to the base of your finger and over the knuckles. If you don’t have to exert some force while pulling over the knuckles or if it keeps turning or rolling around at the base, it’s likely too big for your finger.
A ring of the proper size should be easy to put on but slightly more difficult to take out. The ring should have some resistance, especially when it’s being pulled up over the knuckles.
Some people have large knuckles and small fingers, which can mean that finding the right ring size very difficult. We’ve covered that issue in this article: How to Stop Your Engagement Ring from Spinning.
Is My Ring Too Small?
As always, the signs are obvious: you won’t be able to put a small ring on your finger. So, if it won’t budge over the knuckles, it’s almost certainly sized too small.
If you’ve managed to put the ring on but experience pain in your finger, pale skin, and a tingling sensation, it can imply that the ring is too tight and cutting into your circulation.
If this happens, try to take it out immediately using soapy water or vaseline. There’s also a handful of other lubricating materials and methods you can try, such as dipping your hand in icy water or using dental floss.
Besides that, another sign that indicates your ring is too small is when the skin creates a muffin top i.e., when loose skin folds over the ring. It isn’t easy to remedy an undersized ring, so you’ll have to consult a jeweler.
Apart from these, you should also know how your finger adapts to the winter and summer months. Your fingers tend to shrink during the winter and slightly enlarge during summer, so make sure your ring accommodates these small changes without making you uncomfortable.
When Should I Avoid Resizing My Ring?
You might be in a temporary situation or transitional period where your finger is swelling or starting to lose weight. If you’ve started dieting, undergone a medical procedure, or just been stung by a bee, it might be a good idea to wait.
This goes without saying but if your finger is swelling, you must remove the ring using any of the methods mentioned above.
Wrapping Up
As long as you can tell if a ring doesn’t fit you properly and understand the different materials, designs, sizes, and settings that can be worked with, it will be easier to decide whether it’s okay to get your ring resized.
Most often, resizing a ring is unnecessary, and you might find it more comfortable and secure after toughing it out for a couple of days.
Cutting into a ring takes a toll on the ring and it may not always retain its original strength and value. It’s important to resize only when you’re absolutely sure that it needs to be resized.
