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 and securely. Wedding rings can become too tight or too loose over time, and resizing can help you achieve the perfect fit. While resizing is best done by a professional jeweller, there are also some simple adjustments and homemade tricks you can try to make your ring bigger. In this article, we will explore the different ways to make your wedding ring bigger, including both professional and DIY methods. We will also discuss the limitations of resizing and provide tips on how to know if your ring needs to be resized.

Stretching the metal

Using a Ring Mandrel and Hammer:

• Purchase a steel ring mandrel, which is a tapered rod used by jewellers for sizing rings.
• Check the current size of your ring by sliding it onto the ring mandrel. The bottom of the ring will line up with a marked number on the mandrel.
• Slide the ring onto the mandrel at the narrow end, without forcing it on.
• Use a rawhide hammer to tap all the way around the ring. Tap the ring at the top, 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. Tap the top of the ring with the hammer, just as you did on the other side.
• Continue hammering and flipping the ring until it reaches the desired size. Check the size by sliding it onto the mandrel or trying it on your finger. Remember that it is easier to stretch the ring further than to shrink it, so stretch in small increments.
• If the ring is stuck on the mandrel, gently tap it in the opposite direction with the hammer until it loosens.

Using a Ring Stretcher:

• Purchase a ring stretcher, which consists of a nylon base, a slotted hollow mandrel, and a top pin.
• Slide the hollow bottom of the stretcher into the base.
• Place the ring around the hollow mandrel and insert the pin.
• Use a rawhide hammer to gently hammer the top of the stretcher.
• Check the size of the ring by trying it on or measuring it on a ring mandrel. If it is not big enough, place it back on the stretcher and hammer it again.

It is important to note that stretching a ring at home can be risky as it may snap or become misshapen. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a professional jeweller, especially if the ring has stones or engravings.

Cutting and welding

If you are making the ring smaller, a fine-toothed saw can be used to cut the ring in half carefully. The two pieces are then secured together with pliers, ensuring they fit snugly, and then soldered together with a soldering iron and solder wire. This method works best on gold or silver rings, as other materials may not withstand the heat.

If you are making the ring bigger, a small portion of the band is cut out, and then a piece of metal is added to expand the circumference. This process is called ring shanking, and it 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.

It is important to note that resizing a ring can weaken the metal, and it is generally recommended that a ring is not resized more than twice. Additionally, some rings cannot be resized due to the materials used or the presence of gemstones.

Using plastic size adjusters

Plastic ring size adjusters are a great option to make your wedding ring fit better, especially if it's only slightly loose. They are an inexpensive and temporary solution, perfect for people prone to finger size fluctuations. They are also a good option if you are not ready to resize your ring permanently.

Plastic adjusters are small plastic wedges that you attach to the bottom of the band of your ring. The thickness of the wedge will depend on how much bigger you need your ring to be. You can usually get these adjusters from your local jeweller for free, or you can buy them online. They are typically available in clear or neutral colours, so they are subtle and shouldn't affect the look of your ring.

To insert a plastic ring size adjuster, first, wipe the ring off with a clean cloth. Then, choose the correct size strip for the width of your ring and press the adhesive side onto the inside of the ring. Allow the adjuster to adhere for about 10 minutes.

While plastic adjusters are safe, reversible, and comfortable, they are not a permanent solution. Over time, they will undergo wear and tear and may fall off, so be sure to check on them and replace them when needed.

Sizing beads

The cost of adding sizing beads to a ring is typically low, with some people reporting a cost of around $40. In some cases, jewellers may even add them for free. Sizing beads are a good option for those who are unsure about permanently resizing their ring, as they can be removed if needed.

Spring insert

A spring insert is a good option for those with large knuckles. It is a thin metal band attached to the inside of the ring, which flattens when putting on the ring and springs back into place once it sits on your finger. This option is more complicated to install and will require an experienced jeweler.

Frequently asked questions