How To Resize Your Wedding Ring To Fit Your Finger

Wedding rings are often considered precious gifts, but over time, they can become too tight or too loose. The good news is that they can be resized, and there are several ways to do this. One option is to take the ring to a jeweler, who can resize it by up to two sizes. Jewelers can enlarge a ring by stretching the metal, cutting and soldering it, or adding beads to the inside. They can also reduce its size by cutting a small piece of metal from the ring. Alternatively, people can resize their rings at home using a mallet, pliers, or silicone sealant.

Enlarging a ring with a jeweller's help

One method is to cut a small portion of the band and then add a piece of metal to expand the circumference. This process is known as ring shanking, where the new piece of metal is carefully fitted to the existing band, soldered in place, and then smoothed and polished to blend the seams. The amount of extra material needed will directly impact the overall price of the resizing.

Another technique involves stretching the metal by using a ring mandrel and a hammer to gradually expand the size of the band. This method is not recommended by many jewellers as it can easily ruin the quality of the ring.

Additionally, a hydraulic press or roller may be used to stretch the metal, depending on the type of ring and the extent of resizing required. This method is often used for more substantial rings that need more significant enlargement.

When it comes to the cost of enlarging a ring, several factors come into play. The type of metal, the amount of metal that needs to be manipulated, and the complexity of the design will all affect the price. Enlarging a ring typically costs more than making it smaller since added materials are required.

It is important to note that some rings cannot be resized due to the materials they are made of. For example, rings made of titanium, cobalt, tungsten carbide, and stainless steel are prone to breakage and are challenging to work with during the resizing process. Similarly, non-metallic rings, such as those made of resin, crystal, or ceramic, cannot be resized.

Enlarging a ring at home

There are two main methods for enlarging a ring at home: using a ring stretcher tool or a steel mandrel.

Using a Ring Stretcher Tool

First, slide the hollow bottom of the ring stretcher into its base. Then, place the ring around the hollow mandrel and insert the pin. Use a rawhide hammer to gently tap the top of the stretcher. Finally, try on the ring to check if it is now the correct size. If not, hammer it again.

Using a Steel Mandrel

Place the ring on the narrow end of the steel mandrel and slide it down as far as it goes. Tap all the way around the ring with a rawhide hammer, rotating the ring as you tap to ensure an even application of force. Then, flip the ring over and tap the other side. Continue hammering and flipping the ring until it reaches the desired size.

Other Methods

If you do not have access to the tools mentioned above, there are some other methods you can try, but they may be less effective and could damage the ring. These include:

• Wrapping thread or dental floss around the inside of the band
• Applying soap, lotion, or lubricant to your finger to make it easier to slide the ring on and off
• Using ring guards, which are small, adjustable clips that attach to the inside of the ring's band
• Using hot glue, silicone glue, or aquarium glue on the inside of the ring to add an extra layer and make the ring fit more snugly
• Using a pin and a hammer to slowly and firmly hit the ring, rotating it as you tap to ensure an even application of force
• Using pliers to cut the bottom part of the ring and then adjust the size with pliers

Please note that these methods may not produce the same level of results as the first two methods or as taking the ring to a professional jeweler.

Reducing a ring with a sizing assistant

A sizing assistant is a great option to reduce the size of your ring. It is composed of beads that, when fitted into your ring, reduce its circumference and keep any precious stones in place. Sizing assistants are also helpful in preventing your ring from twisting on your finger.

Sizing assistants are available in 14K and Platinum, but not in 18K. They are typically mid-range in price and have a rounded surface. They are especially useful if your fingers tend to swell from time to time. They can be opened by pulling on the top of the ring, and the locking device will pop open. Sizing assistants work well with rings that have a large top or a head that stands up. Flatter rings may be more challenging to use with a sizing assistant, but a plastic "puller" device can be used to aid in opening the ring.

Another option for reducing the size of your ring is to use a ring guard. A ring guard size adjuster fills the extra space in your ring, making it fit more snugly. If neither of these options works for you, a jeweller can cut off a piece of metal from your ring, solder it back together, and polish it to perfection.

It is important to note that resizing your ring may not always be the best choice, and temporary solutions like sizing assistants or ring guards can be ideal under certain circumstances. For example, if your ring feels loose due to temporary factors such as cold weather or weight loss, a temporary adjuster may be a better option. Additionally, each resizing negatively affects the strength of the metal, so it is recommended to minimise the number of times your ring is resized to maintain its integrity.

Reducing a ring with a ring guard

A ring that fits correctly should be snug and require a twist or wiggle to take off. If your wedding ring spins around your finger, it should be reduced in size.

Reducing the size of your wedding band can be done using a ring guard. Ring guards are hardly noticeable and can be found at some department stores and on Amazon. They are made from metal and require a bit more finesse to install—you'll need needle-nose pliers. This set comes with step-by-step installation instructions. When you're done, you'll have a perfectly fitted ring.

Another option is to use a jeweler-applied ring sizing assistant, which is composed of beads that, when fitted into your ring, reduce its circumference and hold precious stones in place.

Ring resizing limitations

Ring resizing is a common practice, but there are limitations to how much a ring can be altered. The general rule is that a ring can be resized by up to two sizes, but this depends on the design of the ring and the material it is made from. Rings with intricate designs or patterns that surround the band are more difficult to resize, as the pattern may be damaged or distorted during the resizing process.

Some metals, such as titanium, tungsten, and stainless steel, are very difficult or impossible to resize due to their toughness and material properties. For example, resizing a ring with an intricate setting style like an invisible tension setting can affect the ring's tensile strength and cause durability issues or misalignment of the centre stone if done incorrectly. Additionally, non-metal bands such as wood, glass, or quartz cannot be modified or reshaped.

When increasing the size of a ring, there are generally two methods: stretching and cutting. Stretching is limited to a maximum increase of half a size, and it can only be done on certain materials and designs. For larger increases, the ring must be cut and additional pieces of metal soldered into the gap. This process can affect the shape of the ring, and if the ring has multiple stones, they may need to be rearranged to maintain the setting's balance and beauty.

When decreasing the size of a ring, a small portion of the band is typically cut out and the pieces joined back together. This process can affect the integrity of the ring, especially if it is not performed correctly.

In conclusion, while ring resizing is a common practice, there are limitations to how much a ring can be altered. The limitations depend on the design, material, and complexity of the ring, as well as the skill and equipment of the jeweller performing the resizing. It is important to consult a professional jeweller to determine if resizing is possible and to ensure that it is done correctly.

Frequently asked questions