Resizing Your Wedding Ring: Making It Bigger

If your wedding ring no longer fits, resizing it is a great option to ensure you can continue to wear it comfortably. Wedding rings can become too tight or too loose over time, and resizing allows you to achieve the perfect fit. While resizing is best done by a professional jeweler, there are also some simple homemade tricks you can try to adjust the size of your ring. In this article, we will explore the different ways to make your wedding ring bigger, whether through professional methods or temporary at-home solutions.

Stretching the metal

Using a Ring Stretcher

Firstly, you will need to get your hands on a ring stretcher tool or a steel mandrel. A ring mandrel is a tapered, metal rod with ring sizes marked on it, which you can use to measure and resize rings. You can purchase one at a hardware store or online.

Once you have your tool, follow these steps:

• Place your ring around the hollow mandrel and insert the pin.
• Use a rawhide hammer to gently hammer the top of the stretcher. Do not hit the exact same place repeatedly. If your ring has a solid band with no gems, you can hit all sides equally. If your ring has a mounting or gems, only strike the lower half of the shank, staying away from any gemstones.
• Try on the ring to check if the size is correct. If not, hammer it again.

Using a Steel Mandrel

Alternatively, you can use a steel mandrel and a rawhide hammer to stretch your ring:

• Place the ring on the mandrel at the narrow end and slide it down as far as it goes without forcing it.
• Tap all the way around the ring with the rawhide hammer. Make sure to tap the top of the ring, not the side, and rotate the ring as you tap to ensure even pressure.
• Flip the ring over and tap it on the other side. This is necessary because the mandrel is tapered, and tapping only one side will result in an uneven stretch.
• Continue hammering and flipping the ring until it is the right size. Remember, it is easier to stretch the ring further than to reduce the size, so proceed gradually.

Cutting and welding

If you want to resize your wedding ring by cutting and welding, it is best to consult a professional jeweller. They will be able to perform this task with the necessary tools and expertise, ensuring that your ring is resized safely and effectively. Here is a step-by-step guide to the process:

• Cutting the Ring: The jeweller will carefully cut a small section out of the band of your ring. The cut is usually made at the bottom of the band, and the amount of metal removed will depend on how much larger you need the ring to be.
• Adding Metal: After cutting, the jeweller will add a new piece of metal to the existing band. This process, known as ring shanking, involves carefully fitting the new metal to the cut section of the ring.
• Welding: Once the new piece of metal is in place, the jeweller will use a soldering agent to weld it to the existing band. This process joins the two pieces of metal together securely.
• Smoothing and Polishing: After welding, the surface of the ring will be smoothed and polished to blend the seams. This step ensures that there are no visible signs of the resizing process, leaving your ring looking as good as new.

It is important to note that this method of resizing may be more complex and costly if your ring has intricate designs or rare gemstones. Additionally, some types of metal, such as titanium, cobalt, tungsten carbide, and stainless steel, are difficult to work with and may not be suitable for this process. Therefore, it is always best to consult a professional jeweller who can advise you on the best course of action for your specific ring.

Using plastic size adjusters

Plastic ring size adjusters are a great option to make your wedding ring fit better, especially if you don't want to permanently resize it. They are inexpensive, easy to use, and can be bought online or sometimes obtained from your local jeweller for free. They are perfect for those who experience finger size fluctuations, as they provide a temporary solution.

These adjusters are essentially plastic or silicone wedges that you attach to the bottom of the band, with the thickness depending on how much of a size adjustment is needed. They are available in different colours, such as clear, yellow gold, and rose gold, so you can choose the option that best matches your ring.

To use a plastic ring size adjuster, first, wipe the ring with a clean cloth to ensure the adjuster will stick. Then, select the correct size strip and press the adhesive sticker onto the inside of the ring. Allow around 10 minutes for the sticker to adhere properly. This method is best for rings that only need to be adjusted by one or two sizes, as adjusters usually only reduce the ring size by a maximum of two sizes.

While plastic ring size adjusters are a convenient solution, it is important to note that they are not permanent. The material can wear away over time, so you will need to check and replace the adjuster occasionally. It is recommended to buy a few adjusters in bulk, as they are affordable and it is better to have spares on hand.

If you are unsure about using a plastic ring size adjuster, consult a professional jeweller for advice. They can provide guidance on the best type of adjuster to use and may even offer to apply it for you.

Adding sizing beads

The process is simple and cost-effective, with sterling silver sizing beads typically costing around $35 to solder. The turnaround time is usually one day, but additional work such as polishing may extend this. It's important to note that sizing beads may not be suitable for all rings, especially those made of certain metals like ceramic carbide, tungsten, or titanium.

The number of sizing beads required depends on the desired size reduction. While it is possible to add larger beads for a more significant size reduction, this may result in a visible gap between your finger and the ring, affecting the aesthetics of the jewellery. Typically, sizing beads can reduce a ring size by up to three sizes while maintaining a discreet appearance.

Sizing beads are a non-permanent solution, and their effectiveness may vary depending on individual factors such as finger shape and fluctuations in hand size. For example, some people have reported that their fingers swell or contract due to changes in temperature or after exercising. In such cases, sizing beads provide a comfortable option that can be easily adjusted as needed.

If you're considering adding sizing beads to your wedding ring, consult a professional jeweller to assess the suitability of this method for your specific ring and finger size. They will be able to guide you through the process and ensure a secure and attractive result.

Using a spring insert

A spring insert is a good option for those with large knuckles. It is a thin metal band that is attached to the inside of the ring, which flattens out when putting on the ring and springs back into place, past the knuckle, as it sits on your finger.

This method is a little more complicated for the jeweller than sizing beads, but it is still an affordable choice. Wearers typically find a spring insert more comfortable, too.

The insert is horseshoe-shaped and is basically springy for easy use. The insert can make the ring up to one whole size smaller and is a good choice for those who want to avoid cutting the band of the ring.

To use a spring insert, the jeweller will put a hinge and a lock at the bottom of the ring so that the wearer can easily open and close the ring. It is recommended that you try a sample ring with a spring insert before ordering to ensure it is comfortable for you.

Frequently asked questions