Mens Wedding Band: Too Big?

There are many factors that can affect the fit of a ring, and it's not always easy to find the perfect fit. Fingers change size with the weather, diet, and physical activity, so it's important to be open to the idea that a ring won't always fit the same. A good fit is one that feels comfortable most of the time. When trying on a ring, it should slide over the knuckle with a little friction and fit snugly on the finger without being too tight. It's normal to need to turn and tug for two to three seconds to remove a ring, and it should barely fit over the knuckle to ensure it doesn't fall off. If a ring is too loose, it might fall off and be lost, but if it's too tight, it might be uncomfortable to wear.

How to tell if your ring fits right

A ring that fits right should be snug but comfortable. While there is no such thing as a perfect fit, you can still find a good one. Here are some tips to help you determine if your ring fits right:

• A ring that fits properly should slide on with ease but need a little extra push going over the knuckle.
• It should fit snugly at the base of your finger but not feel uncomfortably tight.
• When taking the ring off, you should feel a little resistance going over the knuckle.
• Your ring should be able to move slightly in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction without scraping up or twisting the skin at the base of your finger.
• If your skin is bulging out of the top or bottom of the ring, making your finger look pudgier, you need a bigger size.
• If you feel pain or a tingling sensation, this could be a sign that your circulation is being cut off, especially if your finger turns bluish or purplish.
• If there are deep indent marks, scrapes, or sores that look purple or red when you remove your ring, it is too small.
• If the centre stone won't sit up straight and is propped up on one side of your finger or entirely inverted, your ring is too loose.
• If someone can slide the ring off your finger without much effort, it is too big.
• If your ring is creating a permanent indent on your finger, it is too tight and needs to be sized up.
• Your ring should be easier to put on than to take off.
• If you think your ring is too big or too small, give it at least a month before resizing it.
• The best time to get your finger sized is between lunch and dinner when most people's fingers are at their largest size.
• The width of the ring matters—the wider the ring, the tighter the fit will feel.
• If you have enlarged knuckles, your ring will have to be more snug.
• If you have large knuckles but slim fingers, choose the smallest size that you can slide down over your knuckle and still remove without discomfort.
• If your ring moves around or spins too freely, consider adding sizing beads or "speed bumps" to the inside of your ring.

What to do if your ring is too loose

It can be frustrating to find that your ring is too loose, especially if it's your wedding band. Here are some tips and tricks to help you deal with a loose ring:

Identify the Cause

First, try to determine why your ring is loose. Have you recently lost weight? Are your fingers swollen due to heat or exercise? Identifying the cause can help you decide on the best course of action. For example, if it's due to weight loss, you may want to consider a temporary solution until your weight stabilizes.

Try a Ring Guard or Adjuster

If your ring is only slightly loose, you can try using a ring guard or sizing bar. These are small plastic adjusters that clip to the inside of your ring, making it fit more snugly. They are affordable, easy to find, and can be a great temporary solution until you decide on a more permanent fix.

Use a Rubber Band

If you're in a hurry and need a quick fix, try using a rubber band. Wrap a small, transparent rubber band around your finger a few times to add some thickness, then put your ring on over it. This method is safe and won't damage your ring.

Resize the Ring

If your ring is significantly loose and you don't anticipate any changes in your finger size, you may want to consider having it professionally resized. A jeweler can cut and adjust the band to make it smaller. However, keep in mind that resizing can be costly, and it may be difficult or impossible for certain metals and styles.

Wear it on a Different Finger

If you don't want to resize your ring or can't due to the style or material, consider wearing it on a different finger where it fits more snugly. This will lower the risk of it falling off.

Avoid Certain Activities

Until you find a solution, avoid activities that may cause the ring to slip off, such as gardening, working out, or cleaning.

Remember, it's normal for your ring to feel looser at certain times, especially during hot weather or after weight loss. If you're unsure about the fit, consult a professional jeweler for advice. They can help you determine the best course of action and ensure your ring fits perfectly.

Solutions for rings that are too tight

It is important to remember that there is no such thing as a perfect fit when it comes to rings. Our fingers change size with the weather, our diet, and our activities. However, if your ring is too tight, there are several solutions to consider:

Resize the ring:

Get a proper measurement of your finger and have a jeweler resize the ring to your comfort. Note that certain materials, such as tungsten, cannot be resized. Softer metals like gold are easier to adjust.

Replace the ring:

If your ring cannot be resized, consider purchasing an alternate ring that is slightly larger. This is especially useful if you know you will be experiencing a period of finger swelling, such as during pregnancy or an intense hiking trip. Silicone rings are a comfortable and affordable option that stretches and shrinks with your finger.

Temporary solutions:

If you are unable or unwilling to resize or replace your ring, there are some temporary solutions to make it more comfortable. Soaking your hand in cold water or applying soap, ointment, or lotion can help ease a tight ring off over the knuckle. Tape and clear polish can also be used to hold down the fort until the ring is no longer too snug.

Medical check-up:

Keep in mind that swollen hands can be a symptom of an underlying medical issue such as diabetes or arthritis. If you are experiencing finger swelling, it may be a good idea to consult a doctor to rule out any serious health problems.

Remove the ring in certain situations:

In some occupations, such as firefighting and construction, wearing a tight-fitting ring can be dangerous. Consider leaving your ring at home or switching to a flexible silicone band when engaging in activities that could pose a risk of the ring getting snagged and causing injury.

Remember, a good ring fit is one that feels comfortable most of the time. If your ring is causing pain, tingling, or restricted blood flow, it is definitely too tight and requires one of the above solutions.

How to resize a ring

If your wedding band feels too big, resizing it is a common and simple solution. Here are some methods to resize a ring:

Making a Ring Smaller

A jeweller will typically use one of several techniques to make a ring smaller. One common method involves cutting out a small portion of the band and then soldering the ends back together to form a tighter circumference. This process is done with care, usually by cutting from the bottom of the band, and then joining the remaining ends with heat and a soldering agent. Another technique involves bending the band inward using pliers or a ring clamp to create a tighter fit.

Making a Ring Bigger

To make a ring larger, a jeweller will usually use one of two methods. One method is to cut a small portion out of the band and then add a piece of metal to expand the circumference. This process, known as ring shanking, 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.

Ring Guards and Adjusters

If you are looking for a quick fix, ring guards or adjusters can be inserted into the band to adjust the size without permanently altering the ring's structure. These are small plastic bits that you can slip onto the band to make it more snug. However, they are not ideal as they can trap dirt and cause skin irritation.

Rings That Cannot Be Resized

It is important to note that some rings cannot be resized due to the materials they are made of. This includes rings made of titanium, cobalt, tungsten carbide, stainless steel, and rose gold. Non-metallic rings, such as those made of resin, crystal, or ceramic, also cannot be resized. Plated metals and rings coated in enamel are not recommended for resizing as the process can cause damage. Additionally, rings with stones that go all the way around, like diamond eternity bands, would require adding or removing gems, making the task more complex and costly.

Cost of Resizing

The cost of resizing a ring varies depending on the complexity of the task and the labour involved. Enlarging a ring is typically more expensive than making it smaller since metal is added. The thicker the ring and the presence of diamonds or other stones will also increase the cost.

When to resize your ring

A wedding ring is a piece of jewellery that you will likely wear every day for many years to come, so it's important that it fits comfortably. Your ring should be snug but not too tight. It should go on and off your finger with a little bit of friction, and you should be able to roll it around on your finger. If you can shake your hand and the ring falls off or moves around a lot, it's too big. If you can't easily take it on or off, or if it feels like it's cutting off circulation, it's too small.

There are many reasons why your ring might not fit anymore. Your weight might have changed, or the weather could be a factor—finger size shrinks in cold weather and expands in warmer weather. Your fingers will also change size depending on factors like your diet, the temperature, the time of day, and other variables.

If your ring no longer fits, you can resize it, but this can be a complicated process depending on the type of metal and the design of the ring. Some materials, such as tungsten, ceramic, and stainless steel, are difficult or impossible to resize. Rings with intricate designs or stones all the way around the band may also be challenging to resize.

If you're not sure whether to resize your ring, consider using a sizing assistant or ring guard to make it more snug. These solutions are only temporary, however, as they can damage the band over time.

If you've gained or lost weight, are pregnant, or have noticed that your fingers are consistently a different size due to factors like diet or temperature, it might be a good idea to resize your ring. Keep in mind that resizing can be costly, ranging from $20 for a simple resizing to more than $100 for a difficult job.

Frequently asked questions