Resizing Wedding Rings: Can They Be Made Smaller?

Wedding rings can be sized down, but it depends on the material. Softer metals such as silver, gold, and platinum can be resized by a jeweler. Harder metals like tungsten and titanium are too tough to resize. Resizing a ring usually involves cutting the metal and either adding or removing extra material. This process is generally inexpensive and quick, but it can be more complicated and costly if the ring has intricate gemstone stylings.

How to make a wedding ring smaller

Wedding rings can be made smaller, but it depends on the material. Generally, rings made of softer metals such as silver, gold, and platinum can be resized by a professional jeweller. Harder metals like tungsten and titanium are too tough to resize.

If you need to resize a ring, it's best to consult a professional, preferably the original jeweller who sold you the ring. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action and perform the resizing for you.

To make a ring smaller, a jeweller will typically cut out a small portion of the band, join the remaining pieces back together, and polish the ring to smoothen its surface. This process usually leaves no indication that the ring has been altered. However, for rings with intricate designs or ornaments around the band, resizing may be more challenging and could require remaking the design.

Resizing a ring typically costs around $20 for a simple job, but it can go over $100 for more complicated work. The cost depends on factors such as the type of metal, the complexity of the design, and the time and labour required.

How to make a wedding ring bigger

Making a wedding ring bigger is a more complicated process than making it smaller. The method used to increase the size of a ring depends on how much larger it needs to be. If it only needs to be slightly bigger, stretching the metal of the band is usually enough to reach the desired fit. However, if the ring needs to be increased by more than half a size, the band will need to be cut and an extra piece of metal added to achieve the correct fit.

The cost of resizing a ring will depend on the type of metal used, the complexity of the process, and the time it takes to complete the work. While a simple resizing can cost as little as $20, more intricate designs or rare gemstones can increase the price. Rings that have been previously manipulated may also cost more.

It is always best to consult a professional to resize your wedding ring, especially the original jeweller who sold you the ring. If that is not possible, ask for referrals from friends or family to find a reputable jeweller. It is important to note that rings can typically be increased or decreased by up to two sizes without causing too much stress on the metal.

Before resizing, it is important to determine whether the ring can be resized at all. Rings made of softer metals such as silver, gold, and platinum can usually be resized. Harder metals like tungsten and titanium are often too tough to work with and may not be able to be resized. Additionally, rings with intricate gemstone settings or certain band designs may be difficult or impossible to resize.

If resizing is not possible or desired, there are alternative ways to make a ring fit better. Sizing beads, for example, can be inserted on the inside of the band to make the ring feel more snug. Spring inserts are another option, providing a thin cushion between the band and the finger to prevent spinning or movement.

When to resize a wedding ring

Wedding rings can be resized, but it depends on the metal and design. Generally, rings made of softer metals such as silver, gold, and platinum can be resized, while harder metals like tungsten and titanium are too tough to resize.

• The ring easily spins on your finger.
• The ring has fallen off your hand one too many times.
• The ring is uncomfortably tight.
• The ring slips off with no resistance.
• You have gained or lost weight, and the ring no longer fits comfortably.
• You want to wear the ring on a different finger.

It is recommended to consult a professional jeweler to determine if your ring can be resized and to ensure a proper fit. The cost of resizing will depend on the type of metal, complexity of the process, and the labor involved.

Cost of resizing a wedding ring

The cost of resizing a wedding ring depends on several factors, including the type of metal, the complexity of the ring design, the type of resizing needed, and any additional fees or charges. Here is a breakdown of the factors that can influence the cost:

Labour Costs:

The labour costs involved in resizing a ring depend on the time and expertise required from the jeweller. A skilled jeweller will carefully manipulate the ring's metal to achieve the desired size while preserving the ring's integrity and aesthetics. The more intricate the design and gemstone settings, the higher the labour cost is likely to be.

Type of Resizing:

Resizing a ring may require adding or removing metal. When making a ring larger, the jeweller may need to source additional metal, whereas reducing the ring size typically involves cutting out a portion of the band. The cost of materials, such as gold or solder, will contribute to the overall expense. Significant adjustments to the ring's size may also require additional work, such as reshaping prongs or resetting gemstones.

Material of the Ring:

The type of metal used in the ring is a significant factor in determining the cost of resizing. Common ring materials like yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, platinum, sterling silver, and various alloys have different properties and require specific techniques and tools for resizing. Platinum rings, for example, are generally more expensive to resize due to the metal's density and higher melting point. On the other hand, softer metals like silver or gold alloys may be more affordable to resize.

Complexity of the Design:

The complexity of the ring's design can also affect the cost. Rings with intricate patterns, filigree work, or extensive engraving may require more time and attention to detail, resulting in higher labour costs.

Additional Fees:

There may be additional fees or charges associated with resizing, such as charges for handling precious stones or design modifications. For example, if the ring contains loose stones, the jeweller may need to remove, reset, or adjust them during the resizing process, incurring extra costs. If significant resizing is required, the ring's features may need to be modified, such as reshaping prongs or adjusting intricate patterns, resulting in additional charges. White gold rings may also require rhodium plating to restore their original colour and luster, adding to the overall cost.

Average Costs:

While the cost of resizing can vary depending on factors such as location and jeweller, here are some average cost ranges for common scenarios:

• Resizing a ring to make it smaller typically costs between $30 and $60.
• Resizing a ring to make it larger usually ranges from $40 to $80.
• Adjusting the width of the ring without changing its size can cost between $50 and $100.
• Reshaping or repositioning loose stones can add an extra $20 to $50 per stone.

In summary, the cost of resizing a wedding ring can vary significantly depending on the specific circumstances and the jeweller performing the work. It is always a good idea to consult with a local jeweller to get an accurate estimate based on your ring's unique characteristics.

Metals that can be resized

Gold, silver, and platinum are the easiest metals for jewellers to resize. These classic metals are softer and more malleable, allowing for more room for error when resizing. For example, resizing a ring made of gold typically involves cutting out a small portion of the band, joining the pieces back together, and then soldering and polishing the ring so that there is no indication that it was resized.

However, it's important to note that there are limitations to how much a ring can be resized. While technically, a ring can be resized up to four or five sizes, it is not recommended as it can damage the structural integrity of the ring. A good rule of thumb is to limit resizing to up or down two sizes and not to resize more than twice if possible.

In addition to gold, silver, and platinum, other metals that can be resized include:

• Palladium: Master jewellers can resize palladium rings, but not all jewellers may have the necessary expertise or equipment to work with this metal.
• Bronze and brass: These metals can also be resized, but they are less common for wedding rings.

It's worth noting that the design of the ring also plays a role in whether it can be resized. Rings with intricate designs or patterns that surround the band may be more challenging to resize, especially if the pattern needs to be removed or altered during the process.

Frequently asked questions