How To Resize Your Wedding Ring: Making It Bigger

Whether you're looking to resize a wedding ring or an engagement ring, it's always best to consult a professional. While it may be tempting to resize your ring at home, especially if it's an inexpensive piece, a professional jeweller will be able to advise on the best method for your ring type, and ensure that any work is carried out safely.

There are limitations to resizing rings, and some rings cannot be resized at all. For example, jewelers can only resize a ring by a maximum of two sizes up or down, and some metals are prone to breakage or are otherwise difficult to work with. Rings with intricate designs or stones that go all the way around the band also cannot be resized without adding or removing gems.

If you need to make your ring bigger, a jeweller will typically cut a small portion out of the band and then add a piece of metal to expand the circumference. This process is known as ring shanking and 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. Another method involves stretching the metal by using a ring mandrel and a hammer to gradually expand the size of the band.

The cost of resizing a ring will depend on various factors, including the type of metal, the complexity of the task, and the amount of metal that needs to be manipulated.

When is ring resizing necessary?

• Temperature and Weather Conditions: Extreme temperatures or weather conditions can cause your fingers to swell or shrink, affecting your ring's fit. If your ring feels tighter during hot weather or loosens up in cold temperatures, you may need to consider resizing or alternative solutions.
• Frequent Spinning or Readjusting: If your ring frequently spins on your finger or needs readjustment during daily tasks, it may be a sign that the ring is too big and needs to be resized smaller.
• Sliding Off Easily: When a ring slides off your finger too easily without any resistance, it is a clear indication that it is too big and needs to be resized.
• Difficulty in Removing: On the other hand, if you struggle to remove your ring due to a tight fit, it may be too small, and resizing is necessary.
• Inconsistent Sizing: Pay attention to the consistency of the ill-fitting. If your ring consistently feels too tight or too loose, a permanent resizing solution is advisable. However, if the fit varies due to factors like temperature, pregnancy, weight changes, or diet, temporary resizing alternatives may be more suitable.

It is important to consult a professional jeweler to determine the best course of action for resizing your ring. They can guide you on whether a permanent resize is required or if alternative solutions, such as sizing beads, spring inserts, or adjustable shanks, would be more appropriate for your situation.

How to make a ring bigger

There are several ways to make a ring bigger, but it is generally recommended to consult a professional jeweller before attempting to resize your ring. Here are some methods for making a ring bigger:

Ring Shanking

This method involves cutting a small portion out of the band and then adding a piece of metal to expand the ring's circumference. The new piece of metal is carefully fitted to the existing band, soldered in place, and then smoothed and polished to blend the seams. This process can be time-consuming and expensive, especially if the ring has intricate designs or rare gemstones.

Stretching with Pliers

This method requires putting on the ring and marking the centre of the band. Then, using wire cutters or pliers with a cutting edge, cut along the mark. Gently bend the ring open with flat-nose pliers, ensuring that both sides are bent evenly. File the cut edges to ensure they are smooth, and then try on the ring to check the size. If it is still too tight, repeat the process until the desired size is achieved.

Using a Mallet and Mandrel

Lubricate the ring with soap and slide it onto a ring mandrel, which is a graduated metal cone used for sizing rings. Gently tap the ring with a wooden mallet or jeweller's hammer, turning the ring as you strike to stretch it evenly. This method can only stretch a ring about half a size.

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. It flattens when putting on the ring and then springs back into place, past the knuckle. This method requires an experienced jeweller and can alter the ring size by up to one whole size.

Fold-Over Sizing Bar

This method involves soldering a hinged bar to the bottom of the ring to reduce its size. The bar is opened, the ring is put on, and then the bar is clicked back into place. This option allows for easier removal and can reduce the ring size by up to two sizes.

It is important to note that rings can typically only be resized by up to two sizes in either direction. Additionally, some rings made of certain metals, such as titanium, tungsten, and stainless steel, cannot be resized due to the risk of damage. In such cases, alternative methods such as adding sizing beads or using a spring insert may be more suitable.

How to make a ring smaller

Making a ring smaller typically requires the help of a professional jeweller, especially if you need to resize it by more than half a size. However, there are some temporary methods you can try at home. Here are some ways to make a ring smaller:

Using a Ring Adjuster

Silicone coils are one of the most convenient ring adjusters as they are made from soft rubber and will not damage your ring. They are also a temporary solution, so you can remove them whenever your ring feels tight. You can buy silicone coils in various sizes to suit your tightening needs. Thicker coils will help tighten the ring further.

Knotting the Ring Band

Another way to make a ring smaller is by tying a knot in the ring band. Depending on the material of the band, you can use thread, floss, or monofilament fishing line. Push one end of the chosen material into the band and tie a knot around itself. Secure both ends by tightening them and applying nail glue or superglue. This method typically reduces the ring size by around a quarter to half an inch.

Squeezing the Prongs

If your ring has prongs, you can hold the ring by its edges and carefully squeeze the prongs of the stone to hold it in place. Be cautious, as excessive pressure may lead to breakage. After squeezing the prongs as much as possible without breaking them, use a pair of pliers to give them additional compression. This will keep the stone in place and ensure a better fit.

Tape Reshaping

This method requires measuring the circumference of your finger and the ring. Take some strong adhesive tape, such as masking tape, and wrap it tightly around the inside of the ring, slightly overlapping the layers. Then, use pliers to carefully bend the ring's edges inward until you achieve the desired size. Finally, remove the tape, and your ring is ready to wear!

Using Heat Shrink Tubing

Heat shrink tubing is a plastic tube that shrinks when exposed to heat, allowing you to reduce the size of a ring. Cut the tube slightly larger than your finger's circumference, place it over the ring, and apply gentle heat with a hairdryer or another heat source until it shrinks to the desired size. Be careful not to overheat the ring, as it may get damaged. Trim off any excess tubing with scissors when you're done.

Adding Sizing Beads

Adding sizing beads is a simple and inexpensive way to reduce the size of a ring by up to half a size. A jeweller can solder two small metal bumps onto the inside of the band, helping the ring stay upright on your finger and get over your knuckles more easily. However, some people may find these beads uncomfortable.

Using a Spring Insert

A spring insert is a thin metal band attached to the inside of the ring. It flattens when putting on the ring and springs back into place past the knuckle. This method is more complicated and requires an experienced jeweller, but it can alter the ring size by up to one whole size and is often more comfortable than sizing beads.

Using a Fold-Over Sizing Bar

A fold-over sizing bar is a hinged bar soldered to the bottom of the ring to reduce its size. You open the bar, put the ring on, and close it, allowing the ring to fit over your knuckle easily while sitting snugly on your finger. These bars tend to be more comfortable than sizing beads and can reduce the ring size by up to two sizes.

Ring types that can't be resized

While resizing a ring is a common practice, there are some rings that cannot be resized. This is due to the type of metal used, the complexity of the design, or the number of sizes being adjusted. Here are some types of rings that cannot be resized:

Tungsten Rings

Tungsten rings are a popular choice for men's wedding bands due to their durability and eye-catching designs. However, resizing tungsten rings is challenging because the metal cannot be stretched or cut without risking breakage.

Titanium Rings

Titanium rings are known for their sleek design and toughness. While titanium is resistant to scratching, bending, or chipping, these same qualities make it difficult to resize. Titanium does not lend itself to the same malleability as gold, platinum, or silver, requiring special equipment and expertise for any adjustments.

Stainless Steel Rings

Stainless steel rings are also difficult to resize due to the high temperatures needed to work with this metal. Most local jewellers do not have the specialised equipment required to resize stainless steel rings.

Eternity Rings

Eternity rings, especially those with complex settings or minimal spaces between stones, can be challenging to resize. The wraparound design of diamonds or gemstones leaves little room for a jeweller to cut into the metal without compromising the structure or requiring additional stones.

Non-Metallic Rings

Rings made from non-metallic materials such as resin, crystal, or ceramic cannot be resized. The composition of these materials does not allow for cutting and bending, making them unsuitable for the resizing process.

Plated Metals

Rings made from plated metals, commonly found in costume jewellery, are not suitable for resizing. The process can cause the plated material to flake, damaging the ring's appearance.

Rings with Intricate Designs

Rings with intricate designs or ornate patterns spanning the full circumference are often difficult to resize. Heating these rings can damage or destroy the intricate details, making them unsuitable for permanent resizing methods.

Temporary ring resizing methods

There are several temporary methods to resize a ring, which can be carried out by a professional jeweller or at home. Here is a list of some of the most common methods:

Plastic Size Adjusters

Plastic size adjusters are a temporary and inexpensive solution to making a ring smaller. They are essentially a plastic wedge that is attached to the bottom of the band, with the thickness depending on the amount of resizing needed. This method typically only reduces the ring size by half or one whole size.

Sizing Beads

Sizing beads are small metal bumps soldered onto the inside of the band. They are a good choice when looking for a slight size adjustment or dealing with a spinning ring. They are one of the most common and inexpensive solutions but can only make the ring up to half a size smaller.

Spring Insert

A spring insert is a thin metal band attached to the inside of the ring, which is particularly good for people with large knuckles. It flattens out when putting on the ring and springs back into place, past the knuckle, as it sits on your finger. This method can alter the ring size by up to one whole size.

Fold-Over Sizing Bar

A fold-over bar is a hinged bar soldered to the bottom of the ring to reduce its size. You open the bar, put the ring on, and click the bar back into place. This method can reduce the ring size by up to two sizes and is more comfortable than sizing beads.

Silicone Sealant

Silicone sealant can be applied to the inside of the ring to make it smaller. It is important to use clear silicone, such as food-grade or aquarium-grade silicone, and to smooth it out as much as possible as it will be directly against your skin. This method typically takes 24 to 48 hours to cure.

Ring Guard or Sizer

A ring guard or sizer is inserted into the band to adjust the size without permanently altering the ring's structure.

Knot the Band

Depending on the band's material, you can use thread or fishing line to tie a knot in the band, tightening the ends and securing them with nail glue or superglue. This method can reduce the size of the ring by about a quarter to half an inch.

Frequently asked questions