Deborah Chan
Whether your wedding ring is sliding off your finger or cutting off your circulation, it might be time to resize it. Before you head to the jeweler's, it's worth knowing that finger size fluctuates with temperature and humidity, so you may find it fits perfectly in the morning and too tightly at night. You can, of course, have a jeweler resize your ring, but there are also a few ways to do it yourself at home, especially if it's a simple ring without any stones. To resize a ring to make it smaller, you can use a coffee stirrer to apply silicone sealant along the inside of the ring. To make it larger, you can use a ring stretcher tool or a steel mandrel, which is a tapered rod that jewelers use for sizing rings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to resize a ring | If the ring is too tight, too loose, or cutting off circulation |
| Ring resizing options | Taking it to a jeweler, using a ring stretcher, or a ring guard |
| Tools required for resizing | Ring stretcher, ring mandrel, hammer, wooden mallet, silicone sealant, dish soap, coffee stirrer |
| Ring types that can be resized | Plain rings without stones or engravings |
| Ring types that cannot be resized | Rings with stones, intricate designs, or very thin bands |
| Cost of resizing | Depends on the type of metal, complexity, time, and added materials |
| Average price range | $20 for a simple resize to over $100 for a difficult job |
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What You'll Learn
Stretching a ring at home
Before stretching your ring at home, it is important to check that it does not have any stones or engravings, as stretching the ring may cause the stones to pop off or the engravings to become misshapen.
To stretch a ring at home, you will need a steel mandrel and a hammer. A mandrel is a tapered metal rod with ring sizes marked on it, which can be purchased at a hardware store or online. Place the ring on the mandrel at the narrow end and slide it down as far as it goes without forcing it. Then, gently tap the ring with the hammer. Strike at a downward angle and turn the ring as you strike to evenly stretch it. If you have access to one, use a vice to secure the mandrel. If you only have access to a carpenter's hammer, cover the ring with a soft cloth to prevent damage to the band.
Another option for stretching a ring at home is to use a ring stretcher, such as the Rathburn ring stretcher. This tool comes in two parts: an outer section consisting of flexible segments and an inner shaft that fits down the centre. To use the Rathburn ring stretcher, place the ring onto the ring resizer, ensuring it sits flat on the tool. Then, hit the central shaft with a hammer, which will cause the outer segments to expand and stretch the ring.
It is important to remember that stretching a ring at home can be unpredictable, and it is easy to stretch a ring too far. Therefore, it is recommended to stretch the ring in small increments and to be cautious, especially if the ring is thin.
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Using a ring stretcher tool
There are several types of ring stretcher tools available, including the Rathburn ring stretcher, which is ideal for both beginner jewellery makers and expert jewellers. The Rathburn ring stretcher comes in two parts: an outer section made of flexible segments and an inner shaft that fits down the centre. To use it, simply slide the slotted, hollow bottom of the stretcher into the nylon base, place the ring around the mandrel, and insert the pin. Then, use a rawhide or nylon hammer to gently tap the inner shaft, forcing the outer segments to splay out and stretch the ring. Check the size of the ring by trying it on, and repeat the process if necessary. Remember to work on a firm, hard surface and be careful not to overstretch the ring, as this can weaken the metal and cause it to break.
Another type of ring stretcher tool is the Pepetools ring stretcher, which can also be used to reduce the size of rings. This tool has an upright ring mandrel on top, which expands slightly to stretch the ring when the lever is pushed. For reducing the size of a ring, the Pepetools stretcher has a double-sided disc with holes of increasing diameter at the bottom. The ring is placed in the largest hole and, as the handle is pulled, it is forced down into the hole, making the ring smaller.
Before using a ring stretcher tool, it is important to carefully measure the ring and determine the desired size. If a large stretch is required, it may be advisable to anneal the ring by gently heating and then quenching it to soften the metal. Additionally, some ring stretchers may require lubrication with a small amount of grease or oil to facilitate the process.
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Using a steel mandrel
Stretching a wedding ring using a steel mandrel is a viable option for resizing your ring. This method is suitable for rings with mounted diamonds or other gemstones. It is important to note that this method is not suitable for rings with stones or engravings, as the stones may fall out and the pattern may become misshapen. If your ring is a simple band without any stones, you can use a steel mandrel to stretch it at home.
A ring mandrel is a tapered, metal rod with ring sizes marked on it that you can use to measure ring sizes. It is perfect for forming, shaping and reshaping rings. Most mandrels will also have ring sizes listed on them, so you can ensure you are forming the correct size. Slide the ring onto the steel mandrel at the narrow end, as far as it will go. Put the ring on the mandrel, and slide it down without forcing it on, as you will be pushing it down further with a hammer to stretch it.
To stretch your ring, you will need a rawhide hammer. Tap all the way around the ring with the hammer. Only tap at the top of the ring, not the side, and rotate the ring as you tap to ensure evenness. Flip the ring over and tap the other side. Continue hammering and flipping the ring until it is the right size. It is best to use many light taps, rather than a few hard taps, so that you do not accidentally enlarge the ring too much.
If you want a more secure setup, get a bench pin to secure your steel mandrel to your table. This will allow you to have both hands free to manipulate the ring. The mandrel can move a full 360 degrees, allowing you to tap the ring at any angle.
It is important to note that stretching a ring has some potential problems. For example, rings that are made up of more than one type of metal may be difficult to stretch. Additionally, stretching a ring with a pattern may cause the pattern to become distorted.
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When to get a professional resize
Ring resizing is a common practice, and a professional jeweler can help you resize your wedding ring. If your ring feels too tight or too loose, it might be time for a resize. Your ring should fit securely on your finger while remaining comfortable to wear.
If your ring is only slightly loose, there are some temporary solutions you can try before getting it professionally resized. For example, you could use a ring guard, sizing beads, a spring insert, or a sizing bar to help your ring fit more snugly. These accessories can be added to the inside of your ring without altering the band.
However, if your ring needs to be resized by at least half a size, it's best to consult a professional jeweler. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action, depending on the design and material of your ring. Certain band materials, such as wood, jade, and titanium, are challenging or impossible to resize. Additionally, some jewelers may avoid resizing rose gold due to the difficulty of working with this material.
When resizing a ring, a professional jeweler will use different techniques depending on whether you are sizing up or down. To make a ring bigger, the band is typically hammered and stretched. This is usually a quicker and cheaper option as there are no significant structural changes to the ring. To make a ring smaller, a piece of the band is cut out, and the ring is soldered back together. This process requires skill to ensure that there is no visible evidence of the cut.
It's important to choose a reputable and experienced jeweler for your ring resizing. Costs for resizing can vary widely, depending on the complexity of the work and the type of metal used. While a simple resize can cost as little as $20, more intricate work can range up to $150 or more.
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How much a resize costs
The cost of resizing a wedding ring varies depending on several factors. Firstly, the type of metal used in the ring plays a significant role in determining the cost. Precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum are generally easier to resize due to their purity, whereas base metals like copper, brass, and bronze can be more difficult because of their element mix and can cause great difficulty when resizing. So much so particular jewelers may not want to work with base metals. Setting – Depending on where the stones in the ring sit and how many you have will affect the price of the resizing. This is because when the ring's metal changes size, it can loosen the stone setting, which will need to be tightened. This is extra labor that will incur more costs. Design – Depending on the ring's detailing, there may be more cost if resizing is possible. This is determined again by labor and depends on the ring's exact design, which varies. We will go into more detail in the next section of this blog! For example, resizing a platinum ring can be more expensive due to its density and durability, while softer metals like silver or gold alloys may be more affordable.
The complexity of the ring's design is another factor that influences the cost. Intricate patterns, filigree work, or extensive engravings may require more time, attention to detail, and expertise, resulting in higher labour costs. Additionally, the number, type, and location of gemstones or diamonds in the ring can affect the price. Rings with multiple stones may need to be adjusted or tightened during the resizing process, and there is a risk of gemstones cracking under pressure if the size change is too significant. Eternity bands, for instance, are considered extremely complex to resize and can be quite expensive.
The direction of the resize also matters. Making a ring smaller typically costs less than making it larger since increasing the ring size requires additional materials, which adds to the overall price. The thickness of the ring band can also impact the cost, with thicker bands requiring more material and labour to resize.
In terms of specific prices, a basic resize can range from $10 to $60, while a more complex resize can surpass $50 to $150 or more. For example, a simple solitaire ring with a plain band may cost between $40 to $120 to resize, whereas a ring with more complex details like a pavé setting or side stones may range from $90 to $200. In some cases, resizing a white gold ring by half a size can cost around $50 to $250, while a plain gold band should not cost more than $150.
It is worth noting that some jewellers may offer free resizing services, especially if the ring was recently purchased and is still under guarantee. It is recommended to contact the original jeweller or store to inquire about their policies and explore your options.
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Frequently asked questions
Your wedding ring should fit snugly but comfortably on your finger. If it feels too tight, it may be time to stretch your ring.
If your ring is plain, without any stones, you can stretch it at home using a ring stretcher tool or a steel mandrel. For rings with stones, it is best to consult a professional jeweler.
You will need a ring stretcher tool or a steel mandrel, which is a tapered rod used for sizing rings. A rawhide or wooden hammer is also required to gently tap the ring into place.
First, check the size of your ring and finger. Then, slide the hollow bottom of the ring stretcher into its base and place the ring around the mandrel. Gently hammer the top of the stretcher and check the size by trying on the ring. Repeat if necessary.
Stretching a ring at home can distort its shape and weaken its structural integrity. It is also easy to damage any stones or engravings on the ring. It is recommended to consult a professional jeweler, especially for rings with intricate designs.
