Franklin Dean
Wedding rings are precious gifts that symbolise a strong sense of value and thoughtfulness. Over time, your wedding band may no longer fit snugly around your finger, requiring resizing. Resizing a wedding ring involves making it larger or smaller to fit your finger comfortably. This process is typically done by a professional jeweller, who uses specialised tools and techniques to adjust the ring's size without damaging it. The cost and complexity of resizing depend on the type of metal, the design, and the extent of adjustment needed. Some rings, such as those made of titanium, tungsten, or cobalt, may be challenging or impossible to resize due to the metal's properties.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to resize a ring | If it is too snug, it needs to be enlarged. If it cannot fit beyond the knuckles, it needs to be enlarged. If it keeps on rotating around the finger, it should be reduced in size. If it slips off your finger with no resistance, it should be decreased in size. |
| How to resize a ring | Jewelers use specialized tools and training to resize rings. They can cut out a small portion of the band and solder the ends back together to make the ring smaller. They can also stretch the metal using a ring mandrel and a hammer, a hydraulic press, or a roller. |
| Ring materials that can be resized | Silver, gold, and platinum rings can be resized. |
| Ring materials that cannot be resized | Titanium, cobalt, tungsten carbide, stainless steel, rose gold, resin, crystal, ceramic, plated metals, and enamel-coated rings cannot be resized. |
| Ring resizing cost | The cost depends on the complexity of the task and the labor required. It typically costs more to enlarge a ring, and the thicker the ring, the higher the price. Adding diamonds to the band also increases the cost. Simple resizing can cost around $20, while more difficult jobs can cost over $100. |
| Ring resizing time | Most jewelers can complete a ring resizing job in a matter of days, but it's recommended to allow a month, especially if you need the ring by a specific date. Ring resizing typically takes one to two weeks. |
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What You'll Learn
Consult a professional jeweller
Wedding rings are precious items, and resizing them should be entrusted to a professional jeweller. Most good jewellers offer ring resizing services, and it is best to opt for an insight workshop where the resizing can be done on-site. It is always a good idea to ask for quotes and compare prices before committing to a jeweller.
A professional jeweller will be able to resize your wedding ring without damaging the jewel due to their expertise and specialised tools. They will also be able to advise on the best method to resize your ring, depending on its design and the type of metal used. For example, some metals, such as tungsten, titanium, cobalt, and stainless steel, are challenging to work with and prone to breakage, so a jeweller may recommend alternative solutions, such as adjustable shanks.
If you need to enlarge your ring, a jeweller can stretch it by up to half a size using a ring mandrel and a hammer or a hydraulic press. If a larger size is required, they will cut and open the ring, add extra material, solder, and polish it so that the repair is invisible. Enlarging a ring is generally more complex and expensive than making it smaller, as it involves adding metal.
To make your ring smaller, a jeweller will typically cut out a small section of the band and solder the ends together to form a tighter circumference. They may also use a ring guard size adjuster, which occupies the extra space, effectively reducing the size of the ring without altering the band. This method is useful if you only need to reduce the size by a small amount.
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Use a ring mandrel and hammer
Using a ring mandrel and hammer is a popular method for resizing wedding rings. This method is best for rings made of soft metals like gold or silver. It is also best for simple rings without any stones.
A ring mandrel is a large, tapered tool made from steel that is used for forming, shaping, and reshaping rings. Most mandrels have ring sizes marked on them, which can be used to measure ring sizes. It is recommended to use a steel mandrel as it needs to withstand hammer taps.
To resize a ring using a mandrel and hammer, first, place the ring onto the mandrel. If you have any stones on your ring, hold your finger over the settings. Next, use a rawhide mallet to strike the back of the band in a downwards motion. Take the ring off the mandrel and turn it upside down, then place it back onto the mandrel and continue striking the ring. Keep checking the size on the mandrel until you reach the desired size.
It is important to note that you should not use a metal hammer as it can leave marks on the ring. A rawhide mallet is made from leather and will not mark the metal during the process. Additionally, as the ring expands in size, the band gets thinner, so it is important to be cautious when stretching old or used rings.
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Cut and solder the ring
Cutting and soldering a wedding ring is a common method used by jewellers to resize rings. This process is known as ring shanking. It involves carefully cutting out a small section of the band, usually from the bottom of the ring, and then joining the two remaining ends with heat and a soldering agent. The jeweller may use laser technology for precise cuts and re-soldering. Once the ring has been resized, it is polished to make the soldering line invisible and restore the ring's original shine.
If the ring needs to be made smaller, a small portion of the band is cut out and the ends are soldered back together to form a tighter circumference. This process ensures that the ring fits snugly on the wearer's finger. It is important to note that some rings cannot be resized due to the materials they are made with, such as titanium, cobalt, tungsten carbide, and stainless steel.
On the other hand, if the ring needs to be made larger, the jeweller will cut a small portion out of the band and then add a piece of matching metal to expand the circumference. This method allows for significant size increases while maintaining the ring's integrity and strength. The new piece of metal is carefully fitted to the existing band and soldered in place, ensuring a seamless connection. The ring is then reshaped, smoothed, and polished to blend the new metal perfectly with the original band.
In addition to cutting and soldering, there are other methods that jewellers may use to resize a ring. One technique involves bending the band inward using pliers or a ring clamp to create a tighter fit. Another method is to use a ring guard or sizer, which can be inserted into the band to adjust the size without permanently altering the ring's structure. These alternative methods are less invasive and can be a good option for those who do not want to cut and solder their ring.
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Use a ring guard
If you're looking for a temporary solution to resize your wedding ring, a ring guard, or sizing beads, can be a great option. Ring guards are small inserts that can be placed inside the band of your ring to make it fit more snugly without permanently altering the ring's structure. They are ideal if you need a quick fix or are not ready to resize your ring permanently.
There are a variety of different ring guards available, including adjustable shanks, plastic ring size adjusters, and metal sizing beads. Adjustable shanks can be quite expensive, ranging from $400 to $800 or more. Plastic ring size adjusters are a more affordable option and typically come in a coil, spring, or tube form. Metal sizing beads, on the other hand, are small dots of metal that are inserted inside the ring. They are large enough to allow for finger swelling and can be a good option to prevent the ring from spinning.
It's important to note that ring guards and sizing beads should only be used for a short period as they can damage the band if worn for too long. Additionally, some people may find them uncomfortable, especially if their fingers swell in the heat or due to weight fluctuation. In such cases, resizing the ring may be a more suitable option.
When considering a ring guard, it's recommended to consult a professional jeweler to ensure the best solution for your ring. They can advise on the most appropriate type of ring guard and ensure a proper fit. While ring guards can be a convenient temporary solution, they should not be used as a long-term replacement for proper resizing by a reputable jeweler.
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Get an adjustable shank
Adjustable ring shanks are a great option to resize a wedding ring. They allow the wearer to change the size of the shank to accommodate more prominent knuckles and then fit snugly at the base of the finger. This prevents the ring from spinning, twisting, or slipping off and getting damaged. Adjustable shanks are a good option for people with arthritis, as they can accommodate multiple sizes while maintaining a custom fit.
There are several types of adjustable shanks available, such as the CLIQ® shank and the ForeverFit™ shank. The CLIQ shank opens and closes around the base of the finger, providing a snug fit tailored to the wearer. A ForeverFit shank lets you adjust down 3½ sizes and easily slide on and off the wearer’s finger. It is durable and easy to install.
Another option is the Adjusto-Shank, which expands or contracts with a squeeze and can be adjusted to many sizes. Ring guards are a more economical option that can be inserted into the band to adjust the size without permanently altering the ring's structure.
The cost of adjustable shanks can vary, ranging from $400 to $800 or more. It is important to consult a reputable jeweler to determine the best option for resizing a wedding ring. They can advise on the most suitable method and ensure that the ring is resized correctly without causing any damage.
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Frequently asked questions
You can purchase an inexpensive ring sizer online or visit your local jeweller. Alternatively, you can cut a piece of string, wrap it around the base of your ring finger, mark where it ends, and then measure the length of the string in millimetres.
Jewellers typically use one of several techniques to resize the band. One common method is to cut out a small portion of the band and then solder the ends back together to form a tighter circumference.
Jewellers can stretch the metal by up to half its original size using a ring mandrel and a hammer. If a ring needs to be made more than half a size larger, they will cut and open the ring to accommodate extra material, and then polish it so that the repair is invisible.
