Resizing Wedding Bands: Is It Possible And What's The Process?

Wedding bands are often considered one of the most precious gifts exchanged between partners. However, over time, they may not fit as well as they used to. Fortunately, resizing is a common practice and can be done depending on the metal and precious stones on the ring. While resizing is possible, it is important to note that certain materials cannot be resized. Harder metals such as tungsten and titanium are too tough to be manipulated, whereas softer metals like silver, gold, and platinum can be resized. The cost of resizing depends on the complexity of the process and can range from $20 for a simple resize to a few hundred dollars for more intricate designs.

Resizing a ring that is too small

Professional Ring Resizing

The most common method is to take the ring to a professional jeweller, who can use their expertise and tools to resize the ring without damaging it. This process typically involves cutting a small section of the band, soldering the ends together, and then shaping and polishing the ring to restore its original look. This method is suitable for rings made of softer metals such as silver, gold, and platinum.

DIY Methods

If the ring only needs to be adjusted slightly, some DIY methods can be used. One approach is to wrap the band with masking tape at the spot where it needs to be resized to protect the metal. Then, use a metal file to gently file down the metal around the entire circumference of the band until the desired size is achieved. Another DIY method is to add sizing beads or a spring insert to the interior of the band, making the ring fit tighter without altering its size. These methods are temporary and may not offer the same precision and durability as professional resizing.

Ring Guards or Inserts

Ring guards or inserts are metal pieces that can be clipped or inserted onto the bottom of the ring band to create a tighter fit. Silicone inserts, in particular, are comfortable and nearly invisible, providing a snug fit without permanently altering the ring's structure.

Knot the Band

For certain ring types, sliding a piece of thread or fishing line inside the band and knotting it can help reduce the ring size by about a quarter to half an inch. Securing the knot with nail glue or superglue ensures added security and a tighter fit.

Tape Reshaping

Tape reshaping is a method that uses strong adhesive tape wrapped around the inside of the ring. By carefully bending the ring's edges inward with pliers, the ring can be made smaller. This process requires patience and precision to achieve the desired size without damaging the ring.

It is important to note that some rings, such as those made of tungsten, cobalt, or titanium, are challenging to resize due to the strength and durability of the materials. Additionally, rings with continuous gem settings or intricate patterns may also pose difficulties for resizing.

Resizing a ring that is too big

If your wedding band is too big, it is best to remove it and keep it in a safe place before getting it resized. This is because if you keep wearing it, you run the risk of losing it.

When resizing a ring to make it smaller, the jeweller will typically cut out a small piece of the band and then join the remaining pieces back together. The ring is then soldered back together and cleaned of any oxidation caused during the process. It is then polished to smoothen its surface. When the job is completed, there should be no indication or visible details that the ring was ever cut.

The cost of resizing a ring will depend on the type of metal, the complexity of the process, and how time-consuming it is. Most rings will likely take one to two weeks to complete, with the average price range being from $20 for a simple resizing to more than $100 for a difficult job. Rings with intricate designs and rare gemstones may increase the price, as can rings that have been previously manipulated in the past.

It is always best to consult a professional to get this job done, particularly the original jeweller who sold you the ring. If you cannot return to the place where you bought the ring, ask for referrals from friends or family to find a reputable jeweller.

Metals that can be resized

When it comes to resizing a wedding band, not all metals are created equal. Some metals are softer and more malleable, making them easier to resize, while others are harder and more challenging to work with. Here are the most common metals used in wedding bands and their resize capabilities:

Gold

Gold is a soft metal that can be resized as much as you want, making it a popular choice for wedding bands. It can be enlarged by stretching or by cutting and adding more metal. Resizing gold rings is generally straightforward, but the process may vary depending on the intricacy of the ring design.

Silver

Silver is another soft metal that can be resized. Similar to gold, silver rings can be enlarged by stretching or by cutting and adding extra metal.

Platinum

Platinum rings are also easy to resize and can be adjusted to your preference. Like gold and silver, platinum rings may be enlarged by stretching or cutting and soldering additional metal.

Cobalt Chrome

Cobalt chrome rings can be resized, but there is a catch. They can only be resized by half a size or one full size from their original size.

Wood

Wooden wedding bands are unique and can be resized, but they have their limitations. Wood wedding bands can typically only be resized by half a size from their original size.

Metals that cannot be resized

While the above metals are commonly used in wedding bands and can be resized, there are other metals that are challenging or impossible to resize. These include:

Tungsten

Tungsten is a hard metal that cannot be resized. Its solid structure does not allow for soldering or stretching.

Titanium

Like tungsten, titanium is a hard metal with a solid structure that does not take soldering. Titanium rings cannot be resized.

Damascus Steel

Damascus steel wedding bands cannot be resized, regardless of how much resizing is needed.

Black Zirconium

Black zirconium rings come as they are and cannot be resized under any circumstances.

Carbon Fibre

Carbon fibre wedding bands are not designed to be resized and cannot be altered to fit.

Metals that can't be resized

While resizing a wedding band is quite common and can be done in most cases, there are certain metals that cannot be resized. Harder metals such as tungsten, titanium, and cobalt chrome are extremely challenging to resize due to their toughness and strength. Tungsten, for instance, is known as one of the hardest metals and is completely scratch-resistant, making it impossible to resize. Titanium is as strong as steel but much lighter, and while it may be possible to size it up slightly, it is generally too tough to work with. Cobalt chrome, a strong metal slightly less hard than titanium, may also be able to be sized up slightly, but it is still very difficult to resize.

Additionally, stainless steel rings are another type of metal that can be problematic for resizing. They require very high temperatures to resize, and most local jewelers do not have the specialized equipment needed to work with this metal. Resin, ceramic, jade, and wood are other unconventional materials that cannot be resized because they cannot be cut and bent like traditional metals.

For those with wedding bands made from these metals that no longer fit, there are still options available. Some companies offer an exchange service, allowing customers to receive a replacement ring for a small fee. Alternatively, a skilled jeweler may be able to recreate the ring in the desired size through their custom creation process. While resizing may not be possible for these metals, finding a solution to ensure a perfect fit is still achievable.

How to find your new ring size

It's quite common for rings to need resizing, and it's important to get the right fit. A well-fitted ring should be snug enough to stay on your finger but loose enough to slide over your knuckle with some resistance. If your ring spins around your finger, it's too loose. If it's too tight, it may leave an indent on your finger or cut off circulation.

• Measure your finger at the end of the day when your fingers are warm. Finger size changes depending on the time of day and the weather, and your fingers are smaller in the early morning and in cold weather.
• Measure 3 to 4 times for more accuracy.
• If your knuckle is bigger than the base of your finger, measure both places and pick a size in between.
• Consider the band thickness. The more a ring covers your finger, the tighter it will fit.
• If you're resizing a ring with precious stones, be aware that the number of stones may need to be reduced.
• Use a ring sizer. You can get a free plastic ring sizer mailed to you from some jewellers, or you can buy a ring-measurement tool online.
• Measure an existing ring. If you have a ring that fits you well, you can measure the inside of the ring and find the corresponding size on a ring size chart.
• Measure your finger with string or paper. Take a piece of string or paper and wrap it around the base of your finger, marking where the ends meet with a pen. Then, measure the length with a ruler and divide by 3.14 (or Pi) to get the diameter. Finally, find the closest measurement on a ring size chart.

Frequently asked questions