Adjust Your Wedding Rings: Is It Possible?

Wedding rings can be adjusted, resized, or upgraded for a variety of reasons. Whether your ring no longer fits, or you're looking to modernise an old-fashioned style, there are many options available to you. The simplest way to adjust a ring is to have it resized by a professional jeweller. This process can be time-consuming and costly, especially if the ring has a complex design with diamonds or gemstones. In this case, the jeweller may need to remove or add stones, which can affect the overall appearance of the ring. It's important to note that some rings can only be resized within a certain range, usually up or down one or two sizes.

If you're looking for a more substantial change, you can upgrade your wedding ring by altering the existing ring or starting from scratch with a new piece. This could include replacing the centre stone, changing the metal, or adding a pop of colour with a gem in your favourite hue.

For those who have fluctuating finger sizes or are unsure of their ring size, an adjustable wedding band could be a convenient option. These rings typically feature a small hinge or clasp mechanism that allows the ring to be expanded or contracted.

Whatever your reason for adjusting your wedding ring, it's important to consult a professional jeweller to determine the best approach and to ensure that your ring maintains its quality and appearance.

Resizing a ring: the process and cost

The cost of resizing a ring depends on several factors, including the type of metal, complexity of the design, the number of gemstones, and the jeweler's location. Resizing a ring can range from as little as $20 for a simple adjustment to several hundred dollars for intricate designs or rare gemstones.

Resizing a ring to make it smaller

To make a ring smaller, a jeweler typically cuts out a small portion of the band, solders the remaining pieces back together, and polishes the ring to restore its original appearance. This process usually leaves no visible signs of alteration.

Resizing a ring to make it bigger

Enlarging a ring is generally more complex and expensive than making it smaller. For a slight increase in size, stretching the metal may be sufficient. However, for an increase of more than half a size, the jeweler will need to cut the band and insert additional metal, increasing the cost and time required.

Types of rings that can be resized

Rings made of malleable metals such as silver, gold, or platinum are typically good candidates for resizing. However, rings with intricate designs, eternity bands, and those made of tungsten or titanium may be difficult or impossible to resize due to the lack of bare metal to work with or the hardness of the metal.

The process of resizing a ring

The time required to resize a ring can vary from a few hours to several weeks, depending on the complexity of the ring and the jeweler's workload. It is recommended to consult a local jeweler for a more accurate estimate of the time and cost involved.

Making a ring smaller without resizing

There are several ways to make a ring smaller without resizing it. However, it is important to note that the best and safest way is to have a professional jeweller resize the ring. They will use specialised tools and techniques to resize the ring without damaging it.

• Knot the band: Depending on the band's material, you can use thread or fishing line. Slide one end of the chosen material inside the band and knot it around itself. Then, tighten the ends and secure them with nail glue or superglue. This should reduce the size of your ring by about a quarter to half an inch.
• Squeeze the prongs: Hold the ring by its edges and slowly squeeze the stone's prongs or metal pieces holding it in place. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as it may cause them to break. Once you've squeezed the prongs as much as possible, use a pair of pliers to provide extra compression.
• Cut and solder: Use a fine-toothed saw to carefully cut the ring in half. Then, use a pair of pliers to secure the two pieces together, ensuring they fit snugly. Once the pieces are lined up correctly, use a soldering iron and solder wire to join them. This method works best on rings made from gold or silver.
• Tape reshaping: Measure the circumference of your finger and the ring. Take some strong adhesive tape and wrap it around the inside of the ring, overlapping the layers slightly. Use pliers to carefully bend the ring's edges inward until you achieve your desired size.
• Add an insert: Cut away part of the inside of the ring and insert a metal piece between the two ends. This method requires precise measurements and careful artistry, so it is recommended to take your ring to a professional jeweller.
• Put loops on the band: Cut a piece of sturdy wire slightly longer than the ring's measurement. Use pliers to bend each end of the wire into tiny loops, allowing them to overlap in an "S" shape. Slide each loop onto the band of your ring and secure them with glue or solder.
• Heat shrink tubing: Cut a piece of heat shrink tubing, a plastic tube that shrinks when exposed to heat, slightly larger than the circumference of your finger. Slide the tubing over the ring and apply gentle heat with a hairdryer until the tube shrinks and tightens around the ring. Be careful not to overheat the ring, as it may damage it.

Ring settings: can they be altered?

Ring settings can be altered, but it is a complex process that depends on the type of ring and gemstone involved. It is always best to consult a professional, preferably the original jeweller, to advise on the best course of action.

For example, if the ring sits too high, it is possible to replace the centre stone with one that sits lower. If the ring has side stones, it may be preferable to find a new 3-stone setting that fits your preferences, as this will be sturdier than disassembling and redoing the current setting.

If you want to lower all the stones, a local jeweller can remount them in a new mounting. This will be sturdier but more expensive than simply swapping settings.

If you want to change the setting of a ring, it may be more cost-effective to create a new ring and transfer the stone. This is especially true if the new setting will be significantly different from the original.

In some cases, it may not be possible to alter the setting. For example, eternity bands, where stones are set all the way around the band, cannot be resized as there is no bare metal to work with.

It is also important to note that rings can only be increased or decreased by up to two sizes without causing too much stress on the metal. Additionally, certain metals, such as tungsten and titanium, are very difficult to manipulate and resize.

Adjustable rings: are they worth it?

Adjustable rings are a practical and versatile solution for jewellery enthusiasts and those who want to give jewellery a try. They are especially useful for people with arthritis or anyone who experiences fluctuations in finger size. They can be worn on several fingers by different people without any need for resizing, and they are also easy to adjust, making them accessible and sought-after to meet both style and traditional needs.

However, it is important to be careful when picking an adjustable ring. The vast majority of these rings are cheap, low-quality, and break while you try to adjust the size. The crystals soon fall off, and the metal part tarnishes and irritates the skin. These rings are usually made of brass or stainless steel, but these materials are not suitable for frequent bending.

If you want an adjustable ring that will last, opt for a sterling silver or gold model, and resize it with a resizing stick to prevent breaking it. The only truly high-quality maker of adjustable rings mentioned in my search is Satinski, a small family business based in Europe. Their patented design, the Allring, is a reliable, high-quality resizable ring made to last forever.

Another option is to resize your existing ring. Most rings can be increased or decreased by up to two sizes without causing too much stress on the metal. To make a ring smaller, a jeweller will cut out a piece of the band, solder it back together, and then clean and polish it. To make a ring larger, the process is a little more complicated, especially if you need your size to increase significantly. If you need your ring to go up by more than half a size, the band will need to be cut and an extra piece of metal added.

In conclusion, adjustable rings can be a good option, especially for those who need a ring that can accommodate fluctuations in finger size. However, it is important to be wary of cheap, low-quality adjustable rings that are likely to break. If you want an adjustable ring that will last, opt for a high-quality model made from sterling silver or gold, or consider resizing your existing ring with the help of a professional jeweller.

Ring materials: what to use and why

When it comes to wedding rings, the materials used are an important consideration. Not only do they affect the overall look and feel of the ring, but they also play a crucial role in determining whether the ring can be adjusted or resized. Here are some commonly used ring materials and the advantages and disadvantages of each:

Gold

Gold is a popular choice for wedding rings due to its warm colour and malleability. It is a soft metal that can be easily resized by a jeweller using specialised tools to stretch or compress the metal. This process usually does not affect the ring's structure or appearance. However, repeated resizing of gold rings can cause slight changes in its shape or thickness over time. Gold rings may also need to be replated to maintain their colour, especially in the case of white gold.

Silver

Silver is another soft metal that can be resized in a similar way to gold. It is a less expensive option and can be a good choice for those who want a more affordable ring without compromising on style. Like gold, resizing silver rings may result in slight changes to the metal over time, but these can usually be corrected with polishing or refinishing.

Platinum

Platinum is a naturally white metal that is known for its durability and hypoallergenic properties. It is an ideal choice for those with sensitive skin who may have allergic reactions to other metals commonly used in jewellery. Platinum is also less likely to need replating over time, making it a low-maintenance option. However, it is generally more expensive than gold or silver.

Titanium

Titanium is a very strong and lightweight metal that is increasingly being used for wedding rings. It is highly durable and scratch-resistant, making it a good choice for those who lead active lifestyles. However, due to its strength, titanium is very difficult to resize, and some jewellers may not offer this service for titanium rings.

Tungsten

Tungsten is another metal that is known for its strength and durability. It is a popular choice for those who want a low-maintenance ring that will retain its shine over time. However, like titanium, tungsten is challenging to manipulate and resize, and it may not be possible to resize tungsten rings at all.

Diamonds and Gemstones

Diamonds and gemstones are often used to add sparkle and colour to wedding rings. When resizing a ring with stones, extra care must be taken to protect them during the process. In some cases, the jeweller may need to remove and reset the stones, which can increase the complexity and cost of resizing. Additionally, resizing a ring with many stones or intricate settings may not be possible without significantly altering the ring's appearance.

In conclusion, when choosing the material for your wedding ring, it is important to consider not only the aesthetic value but also the practicality of the material. Some materials, like gold and silver, are easier to resize, while others, like titanium and tungsten, may be more durable but more challenging to adjust. Ultimately, the best material for your wedding ring will depend on your personal preferences and the level of adjustment you anticipate needing.

Frequently asked questions