Resizing Wedding Rings: Making Your Band Smaller

There are many reasons why a ring might not fit properly, from weight loss to finger swelling due to pregnancy. If your wedding ring is too big, it might fall off and get lost, or it will slip sideways and look awkward on the finger. If it's too small, it can be uncomfortable and cut off circulation. Fortunately, there are several ways to make a ring smaller so it fits perfectly.

When to resize your ring

There are several signs that indicate it's time to resize your ring. Firstly, if your ring easily spins around your finger, it may be too loose and requires resizing. Secondly, if your ring has fallen off your hand on multiple occasions, it is definitely too large and needs to be made smaller. Conversely, if it is challenging to remove your ring, it is likely too tight, and resizing is necessary.

A well-fitting ring should feel snug yet comfortable on your finger. It should slide on effortlessly but require a little effort to pull off. If your ring is uncomfortably tight or slips off with no resistance, it is too loose, and you should consider resizing it smaller.

It is also important to consider the circumstances surrounding the initial fitting of your ring. For example, if you were pregnant at the time, your ring size may have been larger than it typically would be. Temporary factors such as cold weather or weight loss can also cause fluctuations in finger size, so it is worth considering whether the issue is likely to persist before deciding to resize your ring.

In addition to the fit, there are other indicators that it may be time to resize your ring. If your skin bulges out from the top or bottom of the ring, or you experience pain, tingling, or discoloured fingers, these could be signs that your ring is too tight and is affecting your circulation. In such cases, it is advisable to seek help from a jeweller or medical professional.

Jeweller-applied ring sizers

Sizing Beads

A simple and economical way to reduce your ring size by half is to add two small metal balls to the back inner side of your ring. This method is perfect for keeping your ring upright on your finger. However, some wearers may find them uncomfortable, so it is worth asking your jeweller if you can try on a sample ring with sizing beads before committing.

Spring Insert

A spring insert is a horseshoe-shaped metal strip that lines the bottom 3/4 of the inside of your ring band. It springs open slightly to allow the ring to get past your knuckle and then springs back to fit snugly at the base of your finger. This method is a comfortable and affordable choice for making your ring up to one full ring size smaller.

Fold-Over Device/Sizing Bar

If you want to avoid having to squeeze your finger through a tight ring, a fold-over device is a great option. The jeweller will solder a U-shaped bar with a hinge and latch across the bottom of your ring. You simply open the latch to put the ring on and then close it to secure it in place. This method can resize rings by several full ring sizes and is generally reported to be comfortable.

Do-it-yourself ring sizers

If you need to make your wedding ring smaller and don't want to go to a jeweller, there are a few DIY ring sizer options you can try. Firstly, you can purchase plastic ring adjusters, which are a cheap and quick solution. These are small silicone wedges or sleeves that sit between your ring and your finger. However, they may cause the ring to sit awkwardly and are not as reliable as a jeweller's solution. Another option is to wrap some string or yarn around the base of the ring until you achieve the desired fit, ensuring that the ends are securely tied and tucked away.

If you have more time, you can buy food-grade silicone and apply it to the ring to achieve your desired size. This method requires a bit more craftsmanship but yields great-looking and effective results. The silicone can also be easily peeled off if needed.

It is important to note that temporary solutions are ideal under certain circumstances, and there are times when resizing is not the best option. For example, if your finger size changes due to temporary factors such as cold weather or weight loss, a temporary adjuster may be more suitable. Additionally, resizing a ring can negatively affect the strength of the metal, so it is recommended to consider adding to the ring instead of reducing its circumference.

Ring sizers to avoid

You might be tempted to use a DIY method to resize your ring, especially if you need a quick, cheap fix. However, some methods can be risky and should be avoided.

Firstly, it is not recommended to use tape, liquid guard, or food-grade silicone to make a ring smaller. Adhering anything not specifically designed for jewellery could cause a reaction with the metal of your ring, or irritate your skin.

If your ring is a precious item, it is always best to consult a jeweller for advice. They will be able to advise on whether to resize the ring permanently, apply an adjustable ring sizer, or use a plastic guard.

It is also worth noting that resizing a ring multiple times is not advisable, as it can weaken the structure of the ring and increase the chances of damage or loss.

How to resize an engagement ring

There are several ways to resize an engagement ring, and the best method for you will depend on factors such as the type of ring, the extent to which it needs to be resized, and whether you want a permanent or temporary solution.

Professional Resizing

The most straightforward way to resize an engagement ring is to have it altered by a professional jeweller. Most rings can be increased or decreased by up to two sizes without causing too much stress on the metal. To make a ring smaller, a jeweller will cut out a piece of the band, solder it back together, and then clean and polish it. This process typically costs around $20 for a simple resizing, or over $100 for a more complex job.

Sizing Beads

A jeweller can install removable sizing beads on the inside of the ring to reduce its size by up to one full ring size. Adding two beads to the bottom of the ring makes it half a size smaller, and adding two more beads to the top reduces it by another half size. Sizing beads also help the ring stay upright on the finger, better showcasing any gems or decorative details. However, some people find them uncomfortable.

Spring Insert

A spring insert is a strip of metal shaped like a horseshoe that lines the bottom three-quarters of the inside of the ring band. It springs open to allow the ring to get past the knuckle, and then springs back to fit snugly at the base of the finger. This method can resize a ring by up to one full ring size and is typically more comfortable and affordable than sizing beads.

Fold-Over Device/Sizing Bar

A fold-over device or sizing bar involves soldering a U-shaped bar across the bottom of the ring, with a hinge on one side and a latch on the other. The wearer opens the latch to put the ring on and swings it shut to hold it in place. This method can resize rings by several full ring sizes and is typically reported as comfortable.

DIY Ring Sizers

If you don't want to visit a jeweller, there are some DIY options for making a ring smaller. These include plastic ring adjusters, which are cheap and widely available, but can make the ring sit awkwardly off the finger. Another option is to wrap string or yarn around the base of the ring until the desired tightness is achieved. However, it's important to note that DIY methods carry a risk of damaging the ring or causing an allergic reaction, so they may not be suitable for more expensive pieces.

Frequently asked questions