Resizing A Wedding Band: A Simple Guide

There are various reasons why someone would want to resize their wedding band. Weight gain or weight loss, for example, can cause a ring to feel too tight or too loose. Additionally, some people may choose to resize their ring if they want to wear it on a different finger. Resizing a man's wedding band is possible, but it depends on the type of metal and the design of the ring. Softer metals like gold, silver, and platinum are easier to resize, while harder metals like tungsten, titanium, and stainless steel require special tools and may be challenging or impossible to resize. The design of the band, such as the presence of decorative stones, can also impact the resizing process, as resizing may damage or displace the stones.

Resizing a ring made of gold, silver or platinum

Resizing a ring made of gold, silver, or platinum is a common practice and can be done by any local jeweller. However, resizing a ring is not always a simple process, and there are several factors that influence whether or not a ring can be resized.

Firstly, the type of metal the ring is made of is important. Softer metals like gold, silver, and platinum can usually be resized without issue. Harder metals, such as stainless steel, titanium, and tungsten, are difficult or impossible to resize with standard tools.

The design of the ring is another factor. For example, if a ring has decorative stones around the band, resizing it could damage or displace the stones. Eternity bands, which have stones set all the way around, cannot be resized by jewelers as this would disrupt the perfect continuity of the stones.

The amount of resizing that needs to be done will also affect the process. Generally, rings can be resized by up to two sizes in either direction without causing too much stress on the metal. However, if a ring needs to be resized by more than two sizes, this may not be possible without damaging the ring.

The cost of resizing a ring varies depending on the type of metal, the complexity of the process, and the labour required. Platinum rings are the most expensive to resize, costing around $100-$300. White gold rings typically cost $60-$130 to resize, as they need to be re-plated with rhodium. Yellow gold is softer and easier to work with, so resizing is cheaper at around $40-$100. Sterling silver is the least expensive metal to resize, usually costing $20-$40.

The process of resizing a ring differs depending on whether the ring is being made smaller or larger. To make a ring smaller, the jeweller will cut out a piece of the band and solder it back together. To make a ring larger, the jeweller will either add a small piece of metal to the bottom of the ring or stretch the current metal by heating it. However, heating the metal can weaken its structural integrity, so this method is not always recommended.

Resizing a ring made of tungsten, titanium or steel

Resizing a ring made of tungsten, titanium, or steel is not as straightforward as resizing a ring made from softer metals like silver, gold, or platinum. This is because harder metals like tungsten, titanium, and steel are significantly tougher and have a much higher melting point, making them difficult to work with.

For tungsten rings, resizing is typically not possible due to the hardness of the metal. Tungsten carbide is extremely hard and durable, with a rating of 9-9.5 out of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. As such, it cannot be altered or cut after it is cast without breaking. However, some retailers offer exchange services or lifetime resizing warranties, where they will send you a new ring in your desired size if your original ring no longer fits.

Titanium rings can be resized to a certain extent, but it depends on the style of the ring. Rings with inlays, gemstone settings, or ultra-thin designs should not be resized as stretching or compressing the metal is likely to damage the shape. To make a titanium ring larger, a jeweler can carefully shave off the inside surface of the ring to create more room. For a ring that is too large, material can be added to the inside of the band to reduce its size, although this may alter any engravings.

Steel rings, particularly those made of stainless steel, can also be resized, but the process is complex and requires specialized equipment. Similar to resizing other metal rings, a jeweler will cut into the steel ring and add or remove metal to adjust the size. However, steel's high melting point and toughness make it challenging to work with. Additionally, steel rings with complex designs, such as inlays, patterns, or full-band stones, may require alternative resizing methods like sizing balls or sizing linings.

When to resize a ring

There are several reasons why you might need to resize a ring. The most obvious sign is that it doesn't fit. If you're unable to get the ring on your finger, it needs to be adjusted. Likewise, if the ring is uncomfortably tight or hurts your finger, it's too small. On the other hand, if the ring is loose, it's more of a security issue. Even if it feels like it fits, if it comes off with little to no effort, it's probably too big and can be easily lost. A ring that constantly spins on your finger is likely too loose and can lead to damage, especially if it has diamonds.

It's important to consider that ring sizes can fluctuate with changes in your body. For example, during the hot summer months, rings are typically tighter as our bodies retain water. Conversely, in cold winters, rings may feel looser. These temporary changes don't necessarily warrant resizing. Similarly, pregnancy can cause swelling in the hands and feet, which usually goes away after giving birth, so it's not advisable to resize your ring due to temporary pregnancy-related swelling.

Weight changes can also impact ring size. If you've experienced a significant weight loss or gain, and your ring no longer fits comfortably, you may want to consider resizing. Additionally, certain activities can affect the fit of your ring. For instance, if you're swimming in a pool or any body of water, rings tend to come off more easily when your hands are wet, especially in cold water.

When deciding whether to resize your ring, it's important to consider the type of ring and the material it's made of. Rings with intricate designs or those made of certain metals, such as tungsten, titanium, or stainless steel, may be difficult or impossible to resize. On the other hand, rings made of gold, silver, or platinum are typically easier to resize, depending on the design. If your ring has a continuous setting of gems around the band, known as an eternity band, resizing may be challenging as there is no bare metal for the jeweler to work with.

How to make a ring smaller

It's quite common to resize a ring, but it's important to know the limitations and potential risks of the process. Some metals, for example, are challenging to resize, and certain decorative elements can be damaged or displaced.

When making a ring smaller, a jeweller will typically use one of several techniques. One common method is to cut out a small portion of the band and then solder the ends back together to form a tighter circumference. This involves carefully cutting out a small section of the metal, usually from the bottom of the band, and then joining the two remaining ends with heat and a soldering agent.

Another technique for making a ring smaller involves bending the band inward using pliers or a ring clamp to create a tighter fit. The jeweller may also insert a ring guard or sizer into the band to adjust the size without permanently altering the ring's structure.

If you're considering resizing a ring, it's important to determine the type of metal and any decorative elements that could be affected. Some metals, such as stainless steel, titanium, and tungsten, are difficult to resize and may require special tools or be virtually impossible to adjust. Additionally, rings with intricate designs or decorative stones spanning the full circumference may not be suitable for permanent resizing methods that require heat, as they can be damaged in the process.

Before resizing, it's recommended to accurately determine your ring size. You can use a ring sizer, which you can purchase or find online, or seek the assistance of a professional jeweller. It's worth noting that your finger size can vary depending on factors such as diet, temperature, and time of day, so it's advisable to measure your finger at different times for a more precise fit.

How to make a ring larger

There are several methods for making a ring larger. The best method will depend on the type of metal and the design of the ring. It is always best to consult a professional jeweller before attempting to resize a ring, as they will be able to advise on the best method for your ring.

One method for making a ring larger is to stretch the metal. This involves heating the bottom part of the ring and then stretching it. This method can increase the size of the ring by up to half its original size. However, this process can easily ruin the quality of the ring, so many jewellers avoid it.

Another method is to cut the ring and solder an additional piece of metal to it. This method is safer and can be used on rings with precious stones. Once the ring has been polished, it will be difficult to tell that it has been modified.

If the ring is made of a soft metal such as gold, it may be possible to simply sand the inside of the ring to make it larger. This method can increase the size by 0.5 to 1.

For rings with a pattern or polish around the band, the jeweller will usually stretch and press the band to avoid damaging the design. However, not all materials can be stretched or pressed, in which case the band will need to be cut.

Frequently asked questions