Customizing Your Wedding Band: A Perfect Fit Without Resizing

A wedding band is a piece of jewellery that you'll ideally wear for the rest of your life. So it's important to make sure it fits comfortably and securely. While resizing is an option, it's not possible with all materials. Harder metals like tungsten and titanium are too tough to be resized, whereas softer metals like gold, silver, and platinum can be adjusted. If you're unable or unwilling to resize your ring, there are other ways to make it fit. You can try different methods like adding sizing beads or inserts, or using the cut and solder method. Additionally, factors like diet, temperature, time of day, and other variables can affect your finger size, so taking these into account can help you find the right fit.

Softer metals like gold, silver, and platinum can be resized by a jeweller

So, you've got your hands on a wedding band, but it doesn't fit as well as you'd hoped. It's a little loose, and you're worried it might slip off. Don't panic! This is a common issue, and there are a few solutions to explore. Firstly, consider the material of your ring. Is it made of a softer metal like gold, silver, or platinum? If so, you're in luck! These metals can be resized by a jeweller with relative ease. Gold, for example, is soft enough to be resized as much as you want, which is why it's a popular choice for wedding bands.

When resizing a softer metal ring, the jeweller will typically heat the ring, making it pliable and soft. They may use a compression device, which will make the ring smaller without changing its circular shape. This method is standard and won't compromise the strength or appearance of the ring. You can expect the same amount of metal to be retained, and a skilled jeweller will ensure there is no noticeable difference in the ring's appearance.

If the ring only needs to be resized by a small amount, the jeweller may instead choose to cut and solder the ring. This method involves cutting a small piece out of the band and then soldering the two ends back together. While this method can be effective, some jewellers prefer not to use it, especially on brand new rings, as it involves adding a solder joint.

Resizing a softer metal ring usually incurs costs for additional metal, labour, and overhead. You can expect to pay around $200 to $300 for a resize, depending on the metal and the craftsmanship involved. It's worth noting that the join where the jeweller has added more metal may become visible over time, especially if you spend a lot of time in a pool or spa. However, this discolouration can be removed with a microfibre cloth and some elbow grease.

Now, let's talk about timing. It's recommended to get your ring resized as soon as you notice it doesn't fit correctly. A ring that is too tight can cause discomfort and even decrease blood circulation, leading to pain and loss of movement in the finger. On the other hand, a ring that is too loose might slip off and get lost. To avoid these issues, don't hesitate to take your ring to a jeweller as soon as you notice a problem.

Harder metals like tungsten and titanium are too tough to resize

Titanium rings with gemstone settings or ultra-thin "stealth" rings should not be reshaped. Stretching or compressing the metal is likely to split or damage the shape of the ring. The most effective way to enlarge a titanium ring is by carefully shaving off the inside surface of the ring to create some wiggle room. Most jewellers can increase the ring measurement by up to half a size using this method. If a larger increase is required, the ring may need to be re-crafted.

When a titanium ring is too loose, material can be added to the inside of the band to reduce its size. Jewellers often use tightening rods to help the ring fit more snugly without sacrificing comfort. However, this method may alter any engraving on the inside of the band.

Similarly, tungsten rings cannot be physically resized. This is due to the hardness of the metal. On the Mohs scale of hardness, tungsten carbide ranks at 9-9.5 out of 10, making it much harder than gold, platinum, or steel. As a result, tungsten rings cannot be cut or altered after they are cast without breaking.

A ring should be snug but not too tight

A ring that is too tight can be uncomfortable and cause panic when trying to remove it. It can also leave imprints on your finger. On the other hand, a ring that is too loose can fall off and be lost.

The fit of a ring is a personal preference and should feel comfortable to the wearer. It's important to get your ring size measured by a professional jeweler. Your finger size can change depending on factors such as diet, temperature, and time of day, so it's recommended to get sized multiple times at different times of the day.

If your ring doesn't fit perfectly, there are temporary solutions such as "ring sleeve" things that can be used on cold days when the ring is too small, or rubber adjusters that can be used when the ring is too big.

A ring that is too tight will be difficult to remove and may cause discomfort

To avoid this, it is important to ensure that your wedding band fits snugly but comfortably. It should be easy to slide over your knuckle with a little friction and fit snugly around the base of your finger. There should still be a small amount of movement in the ring, and it should not be too tight or too loose. When sliding the ring off, there should be resistance as the band passes over the knuckle, but this should not be uncomfortable.

If you are unsure whether your ring is too tight, consider the following questions:

• Is the band difficult to remove?
• Is my finger discoloured or painful?
• Have I lost movement in my finger?
• Is there swelling around my knuckle?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, your ring may be too tight, and you should consider having it resized by a professional jeweller.

It is worth noting that your ring size may change over time due to factors such as weight fluctuation, temperature, and time of day. Therefore, it is recommended to have your finger sized multiple times at different times of the day to ensure an accurate fit.

A ring that is too loose will move around on your finger and may fall off

There are a few ways to determine if your ring is too loose. Firstly, if the band moves around when you move your hand, it is too loose. Secondly, if it slips over your knuckle with little to no resistance, it needs to be adjusted. Thirdly, if it keeps falling off your finger, it is too big. Lastly, if you push against one side of the ring and there is a significant gap between your finger and the band, it is too loose.

If your ring is too loose, you can get it resized by a jeweller. The cost of resizing will depend on the metal and the craftsman, but you can expect to pay around $200-300. However, keep in mind that certain materials cannot be resized. For example, tungsten and titanium wedding bands are too tough to be resized. On the other hand, softer metals such as gold, silver, and platinum can be resized by jewellers.

Frequently asked questions