Shrinking His Ring: Quick Fixes For A Loose Wedding Band

There are many reasons why a wedding band may not fit, from weight loss to seasonal changes causing fingers to shrink or expand. If your ring is too big, there are several ways to resize it. You can use a rubber band, candle wax, or glue as a temporary solution, or you can use sizing beads, a spring insert, or a ring guard for a more permanent fix. If you want to resize your ring, it's best to consult a professional jeweller, who will be able to advise on the best course of action.

Using a rubber band

Method 1: Using a Rubber Band Under the Ring

Firstly, you'll need a thin, transparent rubber band that matches your skin tone as closely as possible. This will ensure that it isn't obvious that you're using a rubber band to fit your ring. Place the rubber band on your finger, under the ring. The thickness of the rubber band will fill the gap between the ring and your finger, making the ring fit more snugly. Just be sure that the rubber band isn't too tight, as this can be uncomfortable and restrict blood flow to your finger.

Method 2: Wrapping a Rubber Band Around the Ring

For this method, you'll need a rubber band that fits the bottom of your ring (the portion that sits closest to your palm). If the rubber band is too long, simply cut off the excess. Wrapping the rubber band around the base of the ring will add thickness to the ring, making it fit more tightly. This method is best if you have a rubber band that is not thin or transparent, as it will be more visible.

Using candle wax or glue

If your wedding band is too big, candle wax can be an effective way to resize it. This method is slightly messier than some other options, but it's a good temporary solution if you're in a pinch. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Light a candle and let the wax melt.
• Carefully drip the melted wax onto the interior bottom of the ring.
• Let the wax dry completely before putting on the ring.

It's important to add enough wax to the ring. You can always shave away excess wax, but it's more difficult to add more wax once a layer has dried. This method requires some estimation, as you'll need to guess how much wax to add to achieve the right fit.

Liquid glue is another option for resizing a ring, but it can be messier due to its stickiness, and it may ruin the finish of the ring, depending on the material. If you choose to use glue, squeeze a generous strip directly onto the inside of the band and let it dry completely before wearing the ring.

While candle wax and glue can be effective temporary solutions, they are not long-lasting. For a more permanent solution, it's best to consult a professional jeweler. They can advise you on the best method for resizing your ring, depending on the material and complexity of the design.

It's worth noting that certain materials, such as tungsten carbide and black ceramic, are challenging to resize due to their hardness and brittleness. In such cases, a professional jeweller may need to remake the ring from scratch.

Using dental floss

To resize a ring using dental floss, start by cutting off a long piece of dental floss, around 35 inches. It is best to use waxed dental floss, as body temperature will soften the wax over time, allowing it to adjust to the shape of the finger. Next, overlap the floss at least twice and join one of the edges with a lighter. Pass the ring through the floss and hold both ends together, so the ring dangles like a pendant. Pass the burnt edge through the other edge to make a loop and create the first knot. Repeat this process until the floss covers a significant portion of the back of the ring, trying the ring on at intervals to check the fit. When the ring fits, cut off the excess floss with scissors or burn it off with a lighter.

An alternative method is to cut a piece of dental floss about a foot long. With your palm facing up, thread one end of the floss under the ring, leaving a small piece sticking through. Wind the floss in a circular motion down the length of your finger, concentrating on the area around the knuckle. Secure the end of the floss through the last loop. Unwind the floss by going back to the piece near your palm and rolling the floss back down your finger; the ring will move with it until you can slip it off easily.

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, flattening when the ring is put on, and then springing back into place once it is past the knuckle. This method can alter the ring size by up to one full size, giving more flexibility than sizing beads.

A spring insert is a more complicated procedure and requires an experienced jeweller. However, it is still an affordable choice and wearers typically find it more comfortable than sizing beads. It also maintains the integrity and strength of the metal, as it doesn't involve cutting the band of the ring.

If you are looking for a temporary solution, a plastic ring size adjuster is a good alternative. These are plastic wedges that attach to the bottom of the band, with the thickness depending on the amount of sizing needed. They are a cheap, temporary solution, but they can make the ring sit awkwardly off your finger and are less reliable than a spring insert.

Using a ring guard

Ring guards are a great option if you don't want to commit to resizing your ring. They are also a good choice if your ring size fluctuates.

Ring guards are virtually invisible and can be purchased in a variety of sizes. They are made from metal and require a bit of finesse to install, but you don't need to be a professional jeweler. You will, however, need needle-nose pliers.

Ring guards are a more permanent solution than rubber bands, candle wax, or glue, which can be messy, obvious, and difficult to apply. They are also more secure than these temporary fixes, which may not be able to withstand the constant friction of everyday wear.

If you are unsure about using a ring guard, you could try a transparent ring size adjuster as a temporary solution. These are widely available and can be purchased cheaply online. However, they may make your ring sit awkwardly off your finger and are not as reliable as a ring guard.

Frequently asked questions