Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding rings are a symbol of love and commitment, but over time, they may no longer fit comfortably. This could be due to weight gain, swelling, or changes in finger size. Thankfully, it is possible to resize a wedding ring to make it bigger, depending on the material and design. Common methods include ring stretching, adding sizing beads or a ring guard, replacing the shank, or adding a ring sizer. However, resizing may not be possible for certain ring types, such as stainless steel rings or ornate rings with designs spanning the full circumference. The cost and time required for resizing vary depending on the complexity of the design and the method used.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons for resizing | Weight gain, swelling, changes in finger size, incorrect size guessed |
| Ring materials that can be resized | Gold, silver, platinum |
| Ring materials that cannot be resized | Tungsten, titanium, rose gold, stainless steel |
| Ring styles that cannot be resized | Eternity bands, ornate rings with designs spanning the full circumference |
| Ring resizing methods | Ring stretching, sizing beads, ring guard, ring shank replacement, ring sizer, cutting and soldering, polishing |
| Time taken for resizing | A few hours to several weeks |
| Cost of resizing | $20 to a few hundred dollars |
Ring stretching
During the ring stretching process, the jeweler slips the ring onto a mandrel-like appendage of the ring-stretching machine and uses a lever to crank the machine until the ring is the correct size. This method can increase the ring size by up to half, but it cannot be used for rings with stones, certain patterns, engravings, enamel, plating, or non-circular shapes as these features may be damaged during the process. Additionally, only certain types of metals such as sterling silver, gold, and platinum can be stretched.
Stretching a ring is generally faster and less expensive than other ring resizing methods, but it may not be suitable for all types of rings. If the ring has intricate designs or is made of a harder metal like tungsten or titanium, other methods such as cutting and soldering may be required.
It is important to choose a reputable jeweler who can assess the ring's material, design, and condition to determine the best method for resizing it. While ring stretching may be a convenient option for making a ring bigger, it is not suitable for all types of rings, and there are other methods available for resizing rings that cannot be stretched.
Which States Allow Self-Solemnization for Weddings?
You may want to see also
Sizing beads
The beads are a semi-permanent solution and can be removed by a jeweler if needed, with no visible impact on the ring. They are a more affordable option than resizing, costing around $40, and can be a good choice for people whose fingers fluctuate in size throughout the day.
The Significance of Ordaining a Wedding: A Guide to the Rituals and Meanings
You may want to see also
Ring guard
A ring guard is a small, thin piece of metal placed around the inside of a ring band to create a tighter fit on the finger. It is a temporary solution to make a ring smaller and can be used if you don't have time for a proper resizing. Ring guards are best for rings with thin bands. They can be made of silicone or metal.
While a ring guard can be a quick fix to a ring-sizing problem, it may damage the band over time. It is not a permanent solution, and if you need a long-term fix, it is best to get your ring resized by a professional jeweler.
If you are experiencing problems with your ring size, it is important to take care of your hands and remove your ring when necessary. For example, if you are exercising or spending time in hot weather, it is a good idea to take off your ring to prevent discomfort and potential damage.
How to Finance Your Dream Wedding
You may want to see also
Ring shank replacement
The first step in the ring shank replacement process is to assess the damage to the ring. If the ring has a small cut, it may only need to be soldered back together. However, if the ring is missing a large portion of the shank, the repair may be more extensive and labour-intensive.
Once the damage has been assessed, the jeweller will determine the appropriate type of shank replacement. There are typically three types of shank replacements: quarter-shank, half-shank, and full-shank replacements. The type of replacement will depend on the extent of the damage, the thickness of the original shank, and the preferences of the customer.
The next step is to select the appropriate metal in terms of karat and colour. The new section of the shank will be fabricated to fit seamlessly into the existing ring. The jeweller will then shape and attach the new section, ensuring that the connections are smooth and polished.
Finally, the jeweller will confirm that all gemstones are secure in their settings and will give the ring a final polish to restore its original shine.
It is important to note that ring shank replacement can be a more expensive option compared to other resizing methods. The cost will depend on factors such as the type of metal, the thickness of the shank, and the complexity of the work involved.
Buddhist Monk-Led Weddings: Can They Officiate?
You may want to see also
Ring sizer
A ring sizer is a small piece of metal that can be placed inside the band of a ring to make it fit more tightly on the finger. They are typically used for rings with wider bands. A jeweller can add or remove the sizer to adjust the size of the ring as needed. This method is best if you only need to adjust the size of your ring by a small amount, as the ring will be slightly thicker or thinner after resizing.
If you need to adjust your ring size by more than half a size, you may need to have your ring resized by a professional jeweller. This can be done by stretching the metal, cutting and soldering the band, or replacing the band entirely.
Officiating Your Own Wedding: Is It Possible?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The time it takes to resize a wedding ring depends on the type of ring and the jeweller. It can be done in as little as a few hours, or it could take several weeks.
There are several ways to make a wedding ring bigger, including ring stretching, adding sizing beads or a ring guard, replacing the ring shank, or adding a ring sizer.
If you don't have time to get your ring resized, you can ask your jeweller to add a ring guard to reduce the size of the ring and make it fit better. However, this is not a permanent solution as the ring guard may damage the band over time.
