Enlarging Wedding Bands: Easy Ways To Make Your Ring Bigger

Wedding rings are precious gifts, but over time, your ring may no longer fit your finger. Whether your wedding ring has become too tight or too loose, resizing it can ensure a perfect fit. While changing the size of your ring is best left to specialists, there are some simple methods you can use at home to make your wedding ring bigger.

Using a jeweller

If your wedding ring is feeling a little too snug, a professional jeweller will be able to resize it for you. Typically, a jeweller will use one of several methods to make your ring bigger.

One method is to cut a small portion out of the band and then add a piece of metal to expand the circumference. This process is known as ring shanking and involves carefully fitting the new piece of metal to the existing band, soldering it in place, and then smoothing and polishing the surface to blend the seams. This method can safely enlarge rings by half a ring size.

Another method involves stretching the metal by using a ring mandrel and a hammer to gradually expand the size of the band. The jeweller may also use a hydraulic press or roller to stretch the metal, depending on the type of ring and the extent of the resizing needed. This method can only stretch a ring about half a size.

If your ring has stones that go all the way around the ring, like a diamond eternity band, it cannot be resized without adding or removing additional gems, which can be a costly and labour-intensive process. Additionally, some rings cannot be resized because the metals they are made with are prone to breakage or are otherwise difficult to work with. This includes rings made of titanium, cobalt, tungsten carbide, stainless steel, and rose gold.

Resizing a ring typically takes a matter of days, but it's a good idea to allow a month or so, especially if you need the ring by a certain date. The cost of resizing will depend on the complexity of the task and the labour involved. It always costs more to enlarge a ring because metal is added, and the thicker the ring, the higher the price.

Cutting and welding

If you are making the ring bigger, a piece of metal is added to expand the circumference. This process is known as ring shanking and involves carefully fitting the new piece of metal to the existing band, soldering it in place, and then smoothing and polishing the surface to blend the seams.

If you are making the ring smaller, the two ends are soldered together to form a tighter circumference.

This method works best on rings made from gold or silver, as other materials may not hold up well when heated during the soldering process. It is also important to note that the ring will be weaker at the point of cutting and welding, and is more likely to break if pressure is applied to that area.

While it is possible to cut and weld a ring at home, it is not recommended as it requires specialised tools and expertise to avoid damaging the ring.

Stretching

• Place the ring on a steel mandrel, which is a tapered rod used by jewellers for sizing rings. The bottom of the ring should line up with the corresponding size marked on the mandrel.
• Use a rawhide hammer to gently tap the ring, being careful not to tap the same place repeatedly. If the ring has mounted gems or diamonds, only strike the lower half of the shank, staying away from the gemstones.
• Turn the ring over on the mandrel so that both sides get stretched equally.
• Check the size of the ring by trying it on your finger or using a ring mandrel.
• Repeat the process until you achieve the desired size, but be cautious not to overstretch the ring.

If you are not comfortable performing this process yourself, you can always take your ring to a professional jeweller to have it stretched.

Adding metal

If your wedding ring is made of a durable metal such as platinum or titanium, a jeweller may recommend adding metal to the band to increase the ring size. This process, known as ring shanking, involves carefully cutting the band, adding a piece of metal to expand the circumference, and then soldering the new piece in place. The surface is then smoothed and polished to blend the seams, creating a seamless finish.

Ring shanking is a complex process that requires precision and expertise, so it's important to choose a reputable and experienced jeweller for this service. The cost of this method will depend on the type of metal used and the complexity of the ring design.

Before proceeding with any ring resizing method, it's important to determine whether your ring actually needs a size adjustment. Factors such as temperature, physical activity, and weight fluctuations can cause temporary changes in finger size. It's recommended to wear the ring while performing daily tasks to assess whether it needs frequent readjustment or slides off too easily, indicating that it may be too big.

If your ring is only slightly too big, alternative solutions such as sizing beads or a ring guard may be more suitable. Sizing beads are small metal balls soldered onto the inside of the ring band, providing a snugger fit. On the other hand, a ring guard is a thin piece of metal placed around the inside of the ring band, best suited for rings with thin bands. These options can be reversed by a jeweller if needed.

Using plastic adjusters

Plastic ring adjusters are a cheap, quick, and temporary solution to making your wedding ring fit better. They are small silicone wedges or sleeves that sit between your ring and your finger. They are available in different colours, such as clear, yellow gold, and rose gold.

To use a plastic ring adjuster, simply slip the adjuster onto the ring's band to reduce the inner circumference, making the ring fit more snugly on your finger. You can also cut and shape the adjusters to fit the width of your ring.

However, plastic ring adjusters may cause the ring to sit awkwardly on your finger and are not as reliable as a jeweller's solution. They can also get dirty and discoloured over time, and may be visible when you gesture with your hands. They are ideal for temporary adjustments, such as when your finger size changes due to cold weather or weight loss.

If you decide to use plastic ring adjusters, it is recommended to buy a few in bulk, as they won't last forever and may need to be replaced. You can usually get them for free from your local jeweller or buy them online.

Frequently asked questions