How To Resize Your Wedding Ring To Fit Perfectly

Wedding rings can be adjusted, but the method of adjustment depends on the design and materials of the ring. Soft metals like gold or silver can be resized by stretching or compressing the metal, but more complex designs with gemstones or diamonds may require the addition or removal of stones, which can be costly. Adjustable wedding bands are also available, featuring a small hinge or clasp mechanism, but these may not be as durable or secure as traditional bands. There is no right or wrong time to adjust a wedding ring, and it can be an exciting way to commemorate a special anniversary or life event.

Adjustable rings can be a convenient option for people with fluctuating finger sizes

Adjustable rings are a convenient option for people with fluctuating finger sizes. They are designed to adapt to the ever-changing needs of your fingers, ensuring a perfect fit all year round. For example, you might experience swollen fingers in the summer and shrunken fingers in the winter.

Adjustable rings are also ideal for gift-giving, as they can fit any finger size and take the guesswork out of ring shopping. They are also a good option for those with arthritis or larger knuckles, as their flexible design allows for easy wear and removal.

Adjustable rings are usually made from metal, such as silver, gold, or stainless steel, and feature a variety of different stones and metals to create unique, one-of-a-kind looks. Popular options include opal, amethyst, aquamarine, garnet, sapphire, turquoise, and topaz.

When it comes to engagement and wedding rings, adjustable rings can be a convenient choice for couples who want to ensure a perfect fit without the hassle of resizing. They are also versatile and can accommodate a wide range of finger sizes, making them an excellent choice if you're unsure about the ring size or plan on losing or gaining weight in the future.

However, it's important to note that adjustable rings might not be as durable or secure as traditional non-adjustable rings, as the added mechanism or gap can potentially weaken the structure or increase the risk of the ring falling off the finger. Additionally, not all styles of rings are suitable for adjustable designs, especially those with intricate designs or gemstones.

Resizing a ring can be costly, especially if it has a complex design

For example, yellow gold is usually cheaper to resize because it is easier to work with, while rose gold can be more expensive due to its tendency to crack during the process. The thicker the ring, the higher the price of resizing as more metal needs to be manipulated. Additionally, rings with intricate patterns, filigree work, or extensive engraving will require more time and attention to detail, increasing the labour and skill required, resulting in a higher cost.

The type of resizing needed also affects the cost. Making a ring smaller typically involves cutting and removing metal from the band, while making it larger may require adding metal, which can be costly. If the ring has gemstones, they may need to be reset or adjusted, further increasing the cost.

Furthermore, some rings cannot be resized at all due to their design and internal structure. For example, eternity bands with stones set all around the band cannot be resized as there is no bare metal to work with. Similarly, tungsten and titanium rings are too hard for jewellers to manipulate.

Therefore, it is always recommended to consult a professional jeweller, especially the original one who sold the ring, to determine the best course of action for resizing. While resizing a ring can be costly, it is worth it to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.

Adding a gemstone in your favourite colour is a fun way to upgrade your ring

Adding a gemstone in your favourite colour is a fun and creative way to upgrade your wedding ring. It is a great way to reflect your personality and tastes, especially if your style has evolved over the years.

There are many ways to add a gemstone to your ring. You can opt for a simple approach by gluing a gemstone to a flat plate setting. Or, if you love decorative finishes, a gallery wire setting might be more your style. This involves placing your chosen gemstone into the setting and using a bezel rocker to gently push the claws over the stone to secure it in place.

If you're feeling more adventurous, you can try wire wrapping, which allows for creative designs and experimentation with different styles. You can also set your gemstone using a bezel cup, a ready-made setting that can be soldered onto your ring band. Bezel cups are available in various metals, shapes, and sizes, but adjustments may be needed to ensure the perfect fit for your gemstone.

For an even more customised look, you can make your own bezel setting from scratch. This advanced technique requires more tools and supplies but offers a stronger setting and is ideal for irregularly shaped stones.

When adding a gemstone to your wedding ring, it's important to consult with a professional jeweller to ensure the modification is feasible and won't compromise the structural integrity of the ring. They can guide you through the process, source the gemstone, and set it securely.

Upgrading your wedding ring with a gemstone in your favourite colour is a wonderful way to reflect your unique style and add a pop of colour to your jewellery. It's a fun project to embark on, and the end result will be a ring that truly represents you and your partner's love.

If you're resizing, it's best to consult a professional jeweller

Resizing a ring can be a complex process, and it's always best to consult a professional jeweller to determine the best approach. While some simple modifications can be made without affecting the ring's structure, more intricate designs or rings with gemstones may require extra care and expertise.

If your ring is made of a soft metal like gold or silver, a jeweller will typically use specialised tools to stretch or compress the metal. This process can be done without compromising the ring's appearance or structure. However, resizing a ring with a delicate design may be more challenging as it can potentially damage the intricate details.

Rings with gemstones or diamonds require extra caution as these stones must be protected during the resizing process. In some cases, the jeweller may need to remove the stones, resize the ring, and then reset them. This intricate process requires a high level of skill and expertise to ensure the stones are securely aligned with the ring's design.

The cost of resizing varies depending on the complexity of the process and the materials used. Simple modifications like resizing or polishing may cost between $20 and $100, while adding or removing stones can cost several hundred dollars or more. The reputation and location of the jeweller can also impact the price, with renowned jewellers in major cities typically charging more.

It is worth noting that resizing a ring does not necessarily reduce its quality, but it can affect its appearance and durability. Resizing a soft metal ring may cause slight changes in its shape or thickness, which can be corrected with polishing or refinishing. However, resizing a ring with a complex design can potentially damage the overall look, and it may weaken the setting that holds the stones in place.

To summarise, consulting a professional jeweller is the best course of action when resizing a ring. They can assess the ring's structure and guide you on the potential risks and benefits of the resizing process. With their expertise, you can ensure that your ring maintains its quality, appearance, and comfortable fit.

It's generally easier to size down a ring than to size it up

Wedding rings can be adjusted, but it's important to note that not all rings can be resized. Some rings, like those made of tungsten, ceramic, or titanium, cannot be resized because the material is too hard and prone to breakage. Additionally, rings with intricate gemstone settings or very strong materials may also be difficult or impossible to resize.

If your ring can be resized, it's generally easier to size down than to size up. When making a ring smaller, a jeweler will typically cut out a small portion of the band and then solder the ends back together to form a tighter circumference. This process is relatively straightforward and doesn't require adding any additional metal. On the other hand, making a ring larger usually involves cutting the band and adding a piece of metal to expand the circumference, which is a more complex and costly process.

It's worth noting that rings can typically be adjusted up to two sizes in either direction without causing too much stress on the metal. However, resizing a ring more than once is not recommended as it can degrade the strength of the ring. Therefore, it's essential to get an accurate measurement before resizing and to consult a professional jeweler to determine the best course of action for your specific ring.

While it is generally easier to size a ring down, it's always wiser to size up if you're unsure of your correct ring size. This is because it's much easier to resize a ring that's too big than one that's too small. Additionally, your ring finger size can change slightly throughout the day due to swelling, so it's better to err on the side of a larger size.

Frequently asked questions