Wedding Band: Too Big?

A wedding band that's too big can be a problem for several reasons. Firstly, there's the risk of losing it if it comes off your finger. It can also spin around and look awkward, or slip sideways. If it's too tight, it can be uncomfortable and cut off circulation. Fortunately, there are several ways to make a ring fit better, ranging from temporary DIY hacks to professional resizing.

Temporary solutions: rubber bands, candle wax, and dental floss

A wedding band that is too big can be a problem for many reasons. It might come off and get lost, or it could slip sideways and look awkward on the finger. There are a few temporary solutions to fix a ring that is too big, including using rubber bands, candle wax, and dental floss.

Rubber Bands

A simple DIY solution to a ring that is too big is to use a rubber band. Ideally, use a thin, transparent rubber band, or one that matches your skin tone. There are two ways to do this: place a tiny rubber band on your finger, under the ring, to fill the space between the ring and your finger; or, wrap a rubber band around the bottom of the ring (closest to your palm) to make the ring circumference smaller.

Candle Wax

Using candle wax is another temporary solution to a ring that is too big. Light a candle and, when the wax starts to melt, carefully drip it onto the interior bottom of the ring. Let it dry, and then put the ring on. You can always shave away excess wax, but it is harder to add more wax once a layer has dried.

Dental Floss

If you have dental floss, thread, or fishing line, you can use it to make your ring fit tighter. Wrap the thin, string-like material around the bottom of the ring (closest to your palm) until you get a perfect fit. Avoid getting your ring wet, as this method will likely unravel.

These temporary solutions can help you get the perfect fit for your wedding band without having to resize it.

Permanent solutions: resizing by a professional jeweller

If you've tried the temporary fixes and you're still not happy with the fit of your wedding band, it might be time to consider a permanent solution: resizing by a professional jeweller.

Most jewellery stores offer ring resizing services, so take your ring to any reliable jeweller near you. Typically, professionals can alter rings by a maximum of two sizes – they can make the ring two sizes larger or two sizes smaller. The cost of getting your ring resized will depend on the type of metal you have and how complicated and time-consuming the process will be. Most rings will likely take one to two weeks to complete, with the average price ranging from $20 for a simple resizing to more than $100 for a difficult job.

If your ring is too big, the jeweller will cut out a piece of the band, solder it back together, and then clean and polish it. Once the process is finished, there will be no evidence that the ring was ever cut. If your ring is too small and you need to increase the size, the process is a little more complicated. If you need to increase the size by more than half a size, the jeweller will have to cut the band and add an extra piece of metal to get the right fit. However, if you only need to go up by half a size, the jeweller will simply stretch the metal of your band to reach the desired fit.

When deciding whether to resize your ring, keep in mind that the process can weaken the metal. Every cut and solder point on a ring is a place where it's a little bit weaker than before. Additionally, if your ring has significant meaning, is an antique family heirloom, or is an expensive piece of jewellery, it's essential to choose a reliable and trustworthy jeweller to ensure the best outcome.

Signs your ring is too big: it falls off, or spins on your finger

If your wedding band is too big, you risk losing it. Here are some signs that your ring might be too big and what you can do about it:

It falls off

An obvious sign that your wedding band is too big is if it falls off your finger. If you find yourself regularly picking your ring up off the ground, then it's definitely too big and you should consider resizing it. You can test this by holding your hand outstretched and pointing your fingertips towards the ground. If the ring slides off when you wiggle your fingers, it's too big.

It spins on your finger

Rings that are slightly too big may spin left and right on your finger without rotating a full 360 degrees. This can usually be remedied with a ring assistant, such as sizing beads, a sizing bar, or a spring insert. These are little bits of metal that jewelers can solder onto the inner side of your ring to give it a tighter fit. If the ring spins all the way around, however, causing the head to dig into your palm, you will need to get it resized by a professional.

Temporary solutions

If you don't want to resize your ring, there are some temporary solutions you can try. These include using a rubber band, candle wax or glue, dental floss, or clear nail polish. For example, you can put a thin, transparent rubber band around your finger under the ring to fill the space. Alternatively, you can wrap a rubber band around the bottom of the ring itself. You can also fill the space with candle wax or glue, or use dental floss or clear nail polish to build up a layer on the inside of the ring.

Ring sizing assistants: beads, bars, and spring inserts

A wedding band that is too big can be a problem for several reasons. It might fall off your finger and get lost, or it might slip and slide around, looking awkward and feeling uncomfortable. If it's too loose, you might find yourself constantly checking that it's still there.

If your wedding band is too big, there are several options to resize it. However, if you want to avoid permanent resizing, you can use ring sizing assistants, such as beads, bars, and spring inserts. These solutions can be ideal if you're dealing with temporary conditions that affect the size of your finger, such as cold weather or weight loss.

Ring Sizing Beads

Sizing beads are small metal balls, usually made of precious metals like gold, that are soldered onto the inside of your ring to decrease its inner circumference. They are a semi-permanent solution that can be removed by a jeweller without affecting the integrity of the ring. Sizing beads are a good option if you want to reduce the size of your ring by half. They are also useful for keeping your ring upright on your finger and helping get it over your knuckle. However, some people may find them uncomfortable.

Fold-Over Sizing Bar

A fold-over sizing bar is a small metal bar that is soldered to the bottom of your ring to make it fit more snugly. It has a hinge on one side and a latch on the other, allowing you to open it, put the ring on, and then swing it shut. This method can reduce the ring size by up to two sizes and is generally considered comfortable.

Spring Insert

A spring insert is a thin metal band, usually made of white gold, that is attached to the inside of your ring. It flattens out when you put the ring on, allowing it to get past your knuckle, and then springs back into place to fit snugly at the base of your finger. This option can alter your ring size by up to one whole size and is considered more comfortable than sizing beads.

When not to resize: family heirlooms, engravings, and certain ring types

If you have a family heirloom ring that has been passed down through the generations, you may want to think twice before resizing it. Resizing a ring can alter its original beauty and continuity, especially if it has an intricate design or pattern. In addition, resizing an heirloom ring may not be possible if the band is made of certain materials, such as titanium, tungsten, or stainless steel.

Engravings on the inner shank of a ring can also complicate the resizing process. The repolishing and replating process that often accompanies resizing can make engravings less visible or even remove them entirely.

Furthermore, certain types of rings are not suitable for resizing. These include stainless steel rings, eternity rings with gemstones around the entire band, and rings with an invisible tension setting. For these rings, altering the size may damage the gemstones or affect the ring's tensile strength and durability.

If you are unsure whether your ring can be resized, it is always best to consult a skilled and reliable jeweler. They will be able to assess the ring's condition and provide expert advice on the resizing options available to you. Remember, it is better to avoid resizing if it will compromise the integrity of the ring or alter its original design and beauty.

Frequently asked questions