Resizing Men's Wedding Bands: What You Need To Know

There are many reasons why a man might need to resize his wedding band. Weight gain or loss, for example, can result in a ring that no longer fits comfortably. Perhaps the ring is too tight, or maybe it's too loose and at risk of being lost. Some men might want to resize their wedding band so they can wear it on a different finger. Whatever the reason, resizing is a common practice, but it's important to note that not all rings can be resized.

Resizing a ring that is too small

Professional Ring Resizing

Firstly, it's important to understand that resizing a ring involves some risks, especially if the ring has intricate designs or precious stones. Professional jewellers have the expertise and tools to resize a ring without causing damage or altering its original design. They will use specialised tools and techniques to ensure a precise fit. This process typically involves cutting a small section of the band and then soldering the ends back together to form a tighter circumference. The jeweller will then shape and polish the ring to restore its original look.

DIY Ring Sizers

If you need a temporary solution before getting a ring professionally resized, there are some DIY methods you can try. These include using plastic ring adjusters, ring guards, tape, or string wrapped around the interior of the band to create a tighter fit. You can also add sizing beads or a spring insert to the inside of the ring, which will help the ring fit tighter without technically altering its size.

Making Adjustments to the Metal Band

For more permanent solutions, you can attempt to make adjustments to the metal band yourself, but this should be done with caution. One method is to wrap the band with masking tape where it needs to be resized to avoid scratching or damaging the metal. Then, use a metal file to gently file down the metal around the entire circumference of the band until it has been reduced to your desired size. Be careful not to file too much, as this could weaken the metal and cause breakage.

Another method is to cut the ring in half carefully with a fine-toothed saw and then use pliers to secure the two pieces together before soldering them. This method works best with gold or silver rings, as other materials may not withstand the heat during the soldering process.

When to Consult a Jeweller

It is recommended to consult a professional jeweller for resizing if the ring needs to be smaller than half a size or if the ring has intricate designs or precious stones that could be affected. Additionally, certain metals such as stainless steel, titanium, tungsten carbide, and cobalt are challenging to resize due to their strength and durability.

Resizing a ring that is too big

If your wedding band is too big, there are several methods a jeweller can use to resize it. The resizing process will depend on the type of metal your ring is made of, and how much bigger the ring is than your finger.

Firstly, it's important to note that rings can only be resized up to two sizes larger or smaller. If your ring is only slightly too big, a jeweller can add two small beads to the inside of the band. These beads grip your finger, taking up extra space and keeping the ring upright. This method is also good for those with large knuckles. Alternatively, a horseshoe-shaped, tensioned metal strip can be placed on the inner surface of the ring, gently closing on the inserted finger to keep the ring in place.

If your ring is significantly too big, a jeweller will need to cut a small section from the bottom part of the ring, leaving a gap. They will then use heat to soften the ring and bring the ends together. After soldering and polishing, there will be no visual signs that the ring was ever cut.

If you need to resize your ring, it's always best to go back to the original jeweller. If this isn't possible, ask for referrals from friends or family to find a reputable jeweller.

Metals that can be resized

Gold, silver, and platinum are the classic metals used for wedding bands and are the easiest for jewellers to resize. They are softer metals, so they can be melted and reformed without much difficulty. Gold, in particular, is very soft and can be resized as much as you want. Platinum is a metal that not all jewellers can work on, but it can be resized using laser welders, which create a section that is just as strong as the original.

Other metals that can be resized include cobalt chrome and wood. Cobalt chrome can be resized by 0.5 or 1 from its original size. Wood can only be resized by 0.5 from its original size.

Some metals that have become more popular for wedding bands, such as tungsten, titanium, tantalum, and carbon fibre, are harder to resize or may be impossible to resize. For example, resizing tungsten is possible but difficult and may not be worth the time and money. Titanium is another hard metal that is too tough to resize.

Metals that can't be resized

While resizing a ring is a common practice, there are certain metals that cannot be resized due to their hardness or brittleness. Here are the metals that are challenging or impossible to resize:

• Tungsten: One of the most commonly mentioned metals that cannot be resized is tungsten. Its hardness makes it extremely difficult to cut and shape, and resizing attempts can damage the metal.
• Titanium: Titanium rings are also challenging to resize due to the metal's toughness.
• Black Zirconium: Black zirconium shares similar properties with titanium and tungsten, making it impossible to resize.
• Ceramic: Like tungsten, ceramic is a very dense metal. It is challenging to add or remove material without altering its size and shape.
• Stainless Steel: Stainless steel rings can be resized, but they require special equipment and very high temperatures, which most jewellers don't have access to.
• Damascus Steel: Damascus steel rings cannot be resized, and you may need to exchange them if they don't fit.
• Resin: Rings made from unconventional materials like resin cannot be cut and bent for resizing.
• Jade: Jade rings also fall into the category of unconventional materials that are not amenable to the resizing process.
• Wood: While wood can be resized, it is limited to adjustments of .5 from its original size.

It is important to note that some metals, like gold, silver, and platinum, are generally considered soft enough to be resized by jewellers. However, the complexity of the ring design and the number of sizes needed to achieve the correct fit can also impact whether a ring can be effectively resized.

How to resize a ring

Resizing a ring is a common practice, but it depends on the type of metal and the design of the ring. Rings made of softer metals such as gold, silver, platinum, and cobalt chrome are easier to resize, while harder metals like tungsten, titanium, and ceramic are difficult or impossible to resize.

When resizing a ring, the process involves either upsizing or downsizing. To make a ring larger, a jeweler can cut the ring and add extra metal, then solder it together. This method can be used for rings with precious stones. Alternatively, the ring can be stretched, but this method is not recommended as it can compromise the structure and quality of the ring.

To make a ring smaller, a jeweler will typically cut off a strip of metal and then solder the ends together. For rings with stones, a sizing assistant or ring guard can be used to reduce the size without affecting the stones.

The cost of resizing a ring depends on the metal type, design, and size. Simple rings with small changes in size may cost less, while complex rings with large changes in size may be more expensive. It is recommended to seek help from experienced jewelers who can perform the resizing meticulously, ensuring no lines are visible and the ring maintains its original brilliance.

It is important to note that some rings, especially those with intricate designs or certain types of metals, may not be suitable for resizing. In such cases, exchanging the ring for a different size or opting for a new ring may be necessary.

Frequently asked questions