How To Resize Your Wedding Ring To A Larger Size

Wedding rings can be enlarged, but it depends on the type of ring and the skill of the jeweller. The ring's size can be increased by up to two sizes, and the process can be completed in as little as half an hour or up to several weeks. The cost of resizing ranges from $20 to a few hundred dollars. The time and cost depend on the type of metal, the complexity of the ring design, and the amount of resizing required. For example, resizing a ring with rare gemstones or intricate designs will be more expensive. Some rings, such as those made of tungsten or stainless steel, cannot be resized due to the hardness of the metal.

How to know if your ring needs resizing

A ring that fits you well should feel snug and comfortable. It should slide onto your finger without issue, but there should be some resistance when you try to take it off. If there is no resistance, the ring is too large and may fall off. If it's too tight or cuts off your circulation, it's too small.

• Your ring spins around your finger easily
• Your ring has fallen off your hand
• Your ring is uncomfortably tight or difficult to remove

If you've answered yes to any of the above, you may need to get your ring resized. It's always best to consult a professional jeweler to determine if your ring needs resizing and to perform the job.

Some rings cannot be resized due to their design or the materials used. For example, eternity bands with stones set all the way around cannot be resized, as there is no bare metal to work with. Rings made of tungsten, titanium, cobalt, and stainless steel are also difficult to resize due to the hardness of the metal.

When resizing a ring, a jeweler will typically cut a small portion of the band and either add or remove metal to adjust the size. This process can be done relatively quickly, sometimes in as little as a few hours, but it may take longer depending on the complexity of the ring and the jeweler's workload. The cost of resizing will depend on the type of metal, the complexity of the process, and the labor involved.

Resizing a ring to make it larger

If the ring only needs to be enlarged by half a size, the jeweller will stretch the metal of the band. This is a quick process and can be done in as little as 10 minutes. If the ring needs to be enlarged by more than half a size, the jeweller will cut the band and add an extra piece of metal. This process is more complex and will take between half an hour and three hours. The ring will then be soldered and polished to remove any imperfections.

The cost of resizing a ring will depend on the type of metal and the complexity of the process. Simple resizing can cost as little as $20, while more difficult jobs can cost over $100. It is recommended to take the ring to the original jeweller for resizing, as they will be familiar with the ring and can ensure the ring's integrity is maintained. However, a local jeweller will often be able to resize the ring more quickly, as they can do the work on-site.

Resizing a ring to make it smaller

There are several methods for making a ring smaller. One common technique is to cut out a small section of the band and then solder the remaining ends together, creating a tighter fit. The jeweller will then clean and polish the ring, leaving no visible signs that the ring was cut. This method is typically used for rings with precious metals like gold, silver, or platinum, and it can be completed in as little as half an hour to a few hours, depending on the complexity of the ring.

Another method for making a ring smaller involves bending the band inward using pliers or a ring clamp. This technique is useful if you only need to adjust the size by a small amount. Adding sizing beads or a ring guard inside the ring is another option, especially if you have large knuckles. These methods ensure the ring stays snugly in place without slipping off.

If you're considering resizing a ring, it's always best to consult a professional jeweller, preferably the original jeweller who sold you the ring. They will be able to advise you on the best method for resizing while preserving the integrity of the ring.

Rings that cannot be resized

While resizing a ring is a common practice, there are certain types of rings that cannot be resized due to their design and the internal structure of the metal. Here are some examples:

Eternity Bands

Eternity bands feature a circle of small pavé stones set all the way around the ring. As there is no bare metal to work with, these rings cannot be resized without damaging the perfect continuity of the stones. Eternity bands are custom-made and almost impossible to resize.

Tungsten Bands

Tungsten is a metal that is too hard for jewellers to manipulate and resize. Therefore, tungsten wedding bands cannot be resized.

Titanium Bands

Titanium bands are also challenging for jewellers to resize due to the metal's difficult nature to manipulate. Some jewellers may refuse to resize titanium rings.

Tension Rings

Diamonds in tension settings are held in place by perfect pressure, not prongs. Resizing tension rings will compromise the structural strength that holds the diamond, so they are best avoided when resizing.

Stainless Steel Rings

Stainless steel rings cannot be resized because the metal has an extremely high melting point, and resizing requires specialised machinery that many local jewellers may not possess.

Ornate Rings with Full Circumferential Designs

Rings with intricate designs or ornamentation spanning the full circumference cannot be permanently resized using methods that require heat, as the designs may be damaged or destroyed in the process.

Rose Gold Rings

Rose gold is a delicate metal that can crack easily during resizing. Additionally, as rose gold comes in various tones, from reddish to golden, it may be challenging for a jeweller to match the exact tone of your ring. It is recommended to return to the original retailer for resizing rose gold rings.

Where to get a ring resized

It is always best to consult a professional to resize your wedding ring. While it is possible to resize a ring yourself, it is not recommended as it can be a complex process and may result in damage to the ring.

There are several options for where to get your ring resized. One option is to go to a local, independent jeweller. Local jewellers often have workshops on-site and may be able to resize your ring quickly, sometimes even within an hour. They can also offer more personalised services and may be more affordable than larger chain stores.

Another option is to go to a larger chain jewellery store, such as Kay, Zales, or Jared. However, these stores may need to ship your ring out to be resized, which can take up to a few weeks. Additionally, their services may be more expensive and of lower quality than those of independent jewellers.

When choosing a jeweller, it is important to consider the complexity of the ring and the type of metal. Some rings, such as those made of tungsten, titanium, or stainless steel, cannot be resized due to the hardness of the metal. It is also important to check the warranty on your ring, as some stores or brands may void the warranty if the ring is resized by an unauthorised jeweller.

To find a reputable jeweller, you can ask for referrals from friends or family, read online reviews, or check forums such as Pricescope for information. It is also a good idea to ask the jeweller to show you what your stone looks like under a microscope and to provide sketches of any inclusions or blemishes so that you can be sure the correct stone is returned to you.

Frequently asked questions