How Wedding Bands Can Be Sized Up

can wedding bands be sized up

Wedding bands are often a topic of discussion for many people, especially when it comes to sizing. It is a common question that people ask themselves and others: How tight is too tight? or How loose can I wear it?. A ring should fit snugly on your finger but not too tight. It should provide some resistance when removing it, and you should be able to feel a slight friction when sliding it over your knuckle. There are various methods for resizing a ring, whether making it smaller or larger, and professional jewellers can guide you on the best approach for your ring.

Characteristics Values
Should you size up your wedding band? If your engagement ring is slightly too snug, a small increase in half-a-finger size will provide a little more room when both rings are in place. Wider bands fit tighter, so you will often have to size up for a wider band.
How to size up a ring? The jeweler skillfully cuts the ring’s bottom and adds metal into the shank to spread the ring to the precise size. After soldering and polishing, no visual signs of the procedure remain.
Limitations Jewelers can only resize a ring to a maximum of two sizes up or down. Not all ring types are good candidates for permanent resizing methods requiring heat.

shunbridal

How to know if your wedding band is the right size

Wedding bands can be sized up, but it's important to get the right size from the start as resizing too many times can damage the ring. So, how do you know if your wedding band is the right size?

Firstly, it's worth noting that the shape of your finger will determine the size and type of ring that will be the best fit for you. If you have wide fingers and small knuckles, you'll want a ring that fits nice and tight around your finger. This should be snug but not uncomfortable. If you have large knuckles and small fingers, you'll want to choose the smallest size that you can slide over your knuckle without discomfort.

When trying on a ring, you should be able to slide it over your knuckle with a little friction and it should fit snugly on your finger. You should feel resistance when removing the ring and need to apply a little extra force to take it off. If your ring is too loose, it will likely spin around on your finger.

It's also important to consider the width of the band. Wider bands will feel tighter, even if the ring measures the same inner diameter as a thinner band. If you plan on wearing multiple rings, such as an engagement ring and a wedding band, you may need to size up as the combined width of the rings can make them feel tighter.

Finally, remember that your body is always changing, and this can affect the fit of your ring. Your fingers may swell in hot weather or after eating certain foods, and they can shrink in the cold. It's best to measure your finger size when it is most stable, usually in the mid-afternoon after lunch. If you know your fingers tend to react to certain scenarios, choose a size that will be comfortable in all situations.

shunbridal

How to size up a wedding band

Wedding bands can be sized up, but there are a few things to consider before making that decision. Firstly, it's important to confirm the size of your engagement ring and ensure it fits correctly. If it's too loose, it will spin around on your finger, and if it's too tight, it may cause discomfort. If your engagement ring is correctly sized, it's recommended that your wedding band matches that size. However, if your engagement ring is slightly snug, you may want to consider sizing up by a quarter or half a size for your wedding band.

Now, here's a guide on how to size up a wedding band:

Consult a Jeweller:

It's always best to seek the advice of a professional jeweller when it comes to ring sizing. They will be able to accurately measure your finger and recommend the appropriate size for your wedding band.

Consider the Width of the Band:

The width of the band can affect how the ring fits. Wider bands tend to feel tighter, even if the inner diameter is the same as a thinner band. Therefore, if you plan to have a wider wedding band, consider sizing up slightly to ensure comfort.

Account for Finger Changes:

Your finger size can fluctuate throughout the day and due to various factors such as weather, diet, and time of day. For example, fingers tend to be more swollen in the morning and evening, and they may swell in humid weather or during pregnancy. Consider these factors when deciding on your wedding band size, opting for a size that will be comfortable in various scenarios.

Try Before You Buy:

Take the time to try on different ring sizes and widths to see what feels most comfortable. Wear the ring for a few minutes, or longer if possible, to ensure it feels natural during a range of activities. Move your hands around, type on a keyboard, and simulate various daily tasks to ensure the ring doesn't slip or feel too tight.

Be Mindful of Resizing Limitations:

Keep in mind that resizing too many times can damage a ring, especially if it has intricate settings or stones. Additionally, some ring styles, such as eternity rings or rings with certain metals, cannot be resized at all. Therefore, it's crucial to be confident about the size before finalising your wedding band.

Final Fitting:

Insist on a final fitting a few weeks before your wedding to ensure the size is perfect for the big day. This will allow for any last-minute adjustments if needed.

Remember, the most important factors are comfort and personal preference. You want your wedding band to feel just right and complement your engagement ring, so take the time to find the perfect size for you.

shunbridal

How to know if your wedding band can be sized up

It is possible to size up your wedding band, but there are a few things to consider before doing so. Firstly, understand that your wedding band should be snug but still comfortable. If your ring slides on and off your finger with no resistance, it is too big, and if it can't be moved at all or causes discomfort, it is too small.

A good test to determine if your ring fits well is to try taking it off and putting it back on. If your ring slides on easily but pulls a little when taking it off, it's the right size. If you feel that your ring is too tight or too loose, you may want to consider resizing it.

Resizing a ring to be smaller is a more straightforward process than making it bigger. To make a ring smaller, a jeweler will cut a piece from the band, reshape it, and solder it back together. However, resizing a ring to be larger is a more complicated process. A jeweler can stretch the metal to make the ring larger, but this is usually limited to a maximum increase of half a size. For a more significant increase, the jeweler will need to cut the band to add additional metal.

It's important to note that not all rings can be resized. For example, eternity bands with gemstones all around may be challenging to resize due to the lack of bare metal to work with. Certain metals, like tungsten or titanium, are also too hard to alter. Additionally, there may be limitations on resizing rings with intricate designs or certain types of stone settings.

Before resizing, consult with a professional jeweler to understand the options available for your specific ring. They can advise you on the best course of action and provide guidance on potential costs and timing, which can vary depending on the complexity of the resize.

shunbridal

How much does it cost to size up a wedding band?

The cost of sizing up a wedding band will depend on several factors, including the band's popularity, demand, size, geographic location, and performance duration. The number of musicians in the band and the length of their performance will also impact the overall cost.

On average, a live wedding band in the United States costs around $5,000, plus a 10% gratuity, for a band with three to six musicians. However, prices can range from $2,850 to $6,488 or even higher, depending on the specific circumstances.

When budgeting for a wedding band, it is essential to consider additional costs such as travel expenses, equipment rental, and learning new songs. These factors can significantly impact the final price.

To save money, consider booking the band for a shorter duration, opting for a smaller band, or choosing an off-peak date for your wedding.

shunbridal

How to care for a wedding band that has been sized up

Wedding bands can be sized up, but it's important to know how to care for them after resizing. Here are some tips on how to care for a wedding band that has been sized up:

Choose a Reputable Jeweler

It is always best to consult a professional to resize your wedding band. Preferably, go to the original jeweler who sold you the ring. If that's not possible, ask for referrals from friends or family to find a reputable jeweler. Request to see their previous work and check their reviews online.

Understand the Limitations of Resizing

Rings can typically be increased or decreased by up to two sizes without causing too much stress on the metal. If your ring needs to be resized by more than two sizes, it may be more complicated and costly. Additionally, some ring designs and metal types cannot be resized. For example, eternity bands with stones set all around and tungsten or titanium bands are challenging for jewelers to manipulate.

Timing is Important

The tissue on your fingers fluctuates in size throughout the day. Therefore, it is best to measure your finger size when it is most stable, usually in the mid-afternoon after you've eaten lunch. Additionally, your hands may be more swollen in the morning and late at night, and they can shrink in the cold and swell in the heat. Consider these factors when deciding on the timing of your resizing appointment.

Understand the Impact of Width

The wider the band, the tighter the fit will feel, even if the inner diameter remains the same. When choosing your new size, consider the width of your wedding band and use a ring sizer with a similar width for accurate measurement.

Be Mindful of Future Changes

Our bodies are always changing, and it's natural to notice changes in your ring's fit over time. Consider factors such as weight gain or loss, water retention, and bloating, which can affect ring fit. If you plan to start a family, keep in mind that pregnancy can also cause finger size changes. Additionally, if your family has a history of arthritis or other conditions that may affect your knuckle shape, choose a ring style that can be easily sized in the future.

Final Thoughts

Remember that proper fit and comfort are key for a lifetime of wear. A resized wedding band should feel snug but not too tight, and it should slide over your knuckle with a little friction. Always consult a professional jeweler if you have any concerns or questions about the care and sizing of your wedding band.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, it can be sized up. However, resizing a ring to be bigger is a more complicated process than sizing it down. The jeweller stretches the metal to make the ring larger, but this can only be done up to half a size larger. If the ring needs to be made bigger than that, the jeweller will cut the band to add additional metal.

The cost of resizing a wedding band varies depending on the complexity of the process and the type of metal used. A simple job can cost as little as $20, while a more intricate resize can cost hundreds of dollars.

Yes, certain types of rings cannot be resized or are at high risk of damage. These include eternity bands, which are filled with gemstones and have very little bare metal to work with, and rings made of tungsten or titanium, which are too hard to alter.

Your wedding band should be snug but still comfortable. If your ring slides with no resistance, then it is too big and should be sized down. If you can't move your ring at all or if it's uncomfortable, then it's too small and should be sized up.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment