Deborah Chan
Wedding rings are a symbol of marriage and continuous relationships. However, weight gain or loss, pregnancy, and ageing can cause our fingers to change shape and size, affecting how our rings fit. For example, during pregnancy, women may experience fluid retention and swelling due to hormonal changes, resulting in larger fingers. Men may also experience swollen knuckles as they age due to a loss of cartilage and slight thickening of bones in their fingers. So, what can be done when wedding rings no longer fit comfortably?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons for ring not fitting | Pregnancy, water retention, arthritis, age |
| Solutions | Resizing, remodelling, buying a new ring, wearing on a different finger, using a silicone ring |
| Resizing process | Slicing the band and adding metal, or removing a segment and rejoining the ends |
| Considerations | Ring width and thickness, setting style, cost, time of day for fitting |
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What You'll Learn
Pregnancy and post-pregnancy ring fit
Pregnancy is a time of great change for the body, and this can include changes in finger size. Fluid retention and swelling due to pregnancy hormones can make it difficult for women to wear their wedding rings. This is a common occurrence, and many women opt to stop wearing their rings during pregnancy, storing them in a safe place until they can be worn again. Some women choose to wear their rings on a chain as a necklace, or on a different finger, such as the middle or pinky finger, where they may be more comfortable.
For most women, changes in ring size become visible around the 20th week of pregnancy, and for some, it may be even later. It is important to take off your rings as soon as they start becoming tight, as they may get stuck on a swollen finger, which could be painful and may even require cutting the ring off.
After giving birth, it may take some time for your fingers to return to their pre-pregnancy size. This will depend on how much your fingers have changed during pregnancy, as well as factors such as ring width and thickness, and setting style. Thinner bands are more flexible and may be more comfortable during this transition period. It is recommended to wait at least a couple of weeks before considering resizing your rings, as it may be unnecessary if the swelling goes down.
If your rings no longer fit after the swelling has decreased, you may need to get them resized. However, keep in mind that resizing a ring can be expensive, and there is a risk of damaging the ring or losing stones. It may be a better option to consider having your wedding band redesigned or purchasing a new ring that fits your new finger size.
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Resizing vs remodelling
Wedding rings may stop fitting due to various reasons, including weight gain, arthritis, or swelling during pregnancy. If your ring no longer fits, you have two main options: resizing or remodelling. Here are some detailed insights into these two options:
Resizing
Resizing a ring involves making it larger or smaller to achieve a comfortable fit. This process typically requires the expertise of a skilled jeweller, goldsmith, or stone setter. The cost and complexity of resizing vary depending on several factors. Firstly, the type of metal used in the ring influences the cost, with precious metals like gold and platinum being more valuable. Secondly, the presence of gemstones adds complexity and risk, especially for pavé and invisible-set stones. The positioning of the stones must be carefully evaluated to determine if they need to be removed and reset, increasing the cost and time required. Additionally, rings with intricate designs, rare gemstones, or previous manipulations may also contribute to a higher price tag.
The time required for resizing can range from one to two weeks, depending on the complexity of the task. The average price can vary from $20 for a simple resizing to over $100 for a challenging job. It's worth noting that not all rings can be resized, especially those with certain styles or intricate gemstone settings. In such cases, resizing may be extremely difficult, costly, and may not guarantee success.
Remodelling
Remodelling a ring involves creating a new design while reusing the existing precious metals and gemstones. This option is ideal when resizing is not feasible or if you desire a different style. Remodelling allows you to transform your ring into a new precious metal, such as white or yellow gold or platinum. The cost of remodelling depends on the type of ring and the complexity of the new design. It typically takes several weeks to remake a ring, including the time required for design and craftsmanship.
When deciding between resizing and remodelling, it's essential to consider your preferences, the condition of your ring, and your budget. Resizing is generally more straightforward and may be more cost-effective for simpler rings. On the other hand, remodelling offers the opportunity to create a new design while preserving the sentimental value of your original ring's metals and gemstones.
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Custom sizers
Wedding rings are a symbol of marriage and continuous relationships. However, it is not uncommon for wedding rings to stop fitting over time. This can be due to various reasons, such as fluid retention, swelling, weight changes, arthritis, or age-related changes in finger joints.
- Accurate Sizing: Custom sizers allow you to find the perfect ring size that accounts for fluctuations in finger size. Minter + Richter Custom Sizers, for example, recommends wearing their sizers for at least two days to understand how your finger size changes. This is especially important for women who may retain water cyclically. By wearing the sizers for an extended period, you can discover that you are more than one ring size, and choose a size that is comfortably loose when your finger is larger and doesn't spin when your finger is at its smallest.
- Consideration of Width and Lifestyle: Custom sizers help you gauge not only the size but also the width of your ring. This is particularly relevant for men who tend to have wider knuckles due to age-related changes in finger joints. By wearing custom sizers, you can decide on a ring size that fits your lifestyle and comfort choices. For example, a ring that slides easily over the knuckle may be too loose below it, and vice versa.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Some jewellers, such as Minter and Richter Designs, offer lifetime sizing exchange guarantees. If your ring doesn't fit, they will make a new ring at a discounted cost. Using their custom sizers also gives you a 30-day window to change your ring size for free. Custom sizers can help you avoid the additional cost of resizing or redesigning your ring.
- Crafting Custom Rings: If you are designing a custom wedding ring, it is crucial to ensure you order the correct ring size. Partner with an in-house design team or browse settings, gemstones, and metal types to create a ring that fits perfectly and reflects your unique style and preferences.
In summary, custom sizers are a valuable tool to ensure your wedding ring fits comfortably and securely. By understanding your finger size fluctuations and preferences, you can choose a ring size that works for you most, if not all, of the time. Custom sizers can also help you make cost-effective decisions and guide the design process if you opt for a custom wedding ring.
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Ring width and thickness
When it comes to ring width and thickness, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to understand the difference between these two terms. Ring width refers to the width of the band, while ring thickness refers to the thickness of the profile or the depth of the ring.
While there is no standard measurement for ring thickness, it is usually correlated with the width. Wider rings tend to be thicker, and the thickness can vary depending on the manufacturer. Industry-standard ring widths include even measurements such as 2mm, 4mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, and 20mm. Ring widths of 6mm and smaller are typically considered women's ring sizes, while widths of 8mm and greater are considered men's sizes. However, these are not strict rules, and individuals should choose a width that suits their preferences and comfort.
The width and thickness of a ring can impact its durability. Thinner bands with a thickness of less than 1.5mm may be more comfortable for those sensitive to the feeling of a ring on their finger, but they are more likely to bend or change shape over time. Adding 0.25mm to the thickness can increase durability. For this reason, comfort-fit bands are usually 1.5mm thick or thicker.
When pairing multiple rings, such as an engagement ring and a wedding band, it is generally recommended to match the thickness or come close to it. This creates a cohesive look and ensures that one band does not overshadow the other. However, mixing widths can also create a unique and interesting look, especially if the wider band is at least twice the width of the narrower one.
It's worth noting that ring width and thickness can also be influenced by fluctuations in finger size. For example, during pregnancy, fluid retention and swelling can occur due to hormonal changes, affecting finger size and ring fit. Additionally, as men age, their finger joints may lose cartilage and the bones may thicken slightly, resulting in wider knuckles. Custom sizers can be helpful in these cases to gauge size and width fluctuations and ensure a comfortable fit.
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Alternative ring options
There are several alternative options to consider if your wedding ring no longer fits. Firstly, it is important to acknowledge that fluctuations in finger size are normal and can be caused by factors such as fluid retention, weight changes, arthritis, or seasonal variations. Understanding the cause of the size change can help determine the best course of action.
If your ring feels too tight, a jeweler can resize it by delicately slicing the band, adding a matching piece of metal, and increasing its circumference. This process is suitable for minor adjustments and can be done within certain limits without altering the ring's character and significance. However, for more significant adjustments, remodeling might be necessary. This involves constructing a new ring using the materials from the original, allowing for updated styling while retaining the sentimental value.
Another option is to explore custom sizers, which can help gauge your finger size and width fluctuations over several days. This way, you can find a size that is comfortably loose during periods of weight gain and does not fly off when your weight decreases. Some jewelers offer lifetime sizing exchange guarantees, allowing you to exchange your ring for a new size at a discounted cost.
Additionally, you can try wearing your ring on a different finger, such as your middle or pinky finger, until your size returns to normal. This can be a temporary solution if you are not ready for resizing or remodeling. It is important to remember that your wedding ring is a symbol of your commitment, and it is perfectly acceptable to take it off if it becomes uncomfortable.
Finally, if resizing or remodeling is not feasible, you may consider redesigning your wedding band. This could involve adding or changing diamond details or exploring a completely new design. This option allows you to retain the sentimental value of your original ring while creating a piece that aligns with your current taste and lifestyle.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several options to consider if your wedding ring no longer fits. You could purchase a new ring that fits better, or opt for a cheaper alternative that isn't made of precious metal. Alternatively, you could remodel your wedding ring, or have it resized by a professional jeweller.
If a ring is too small, a jeweller can add extra metal to increase its circumference. If a ring is too large, they will carefully remove a segment of the band and rejoin the ends to create a snugger fit.
This depends on how your body changes during and after pregnancy. If the difference in finger size is minor, your ring may fit again once the swelling decreases. Some women return to their original size after giving birth, while others experience permanent changes.
The cost of resizing a ring depends on the material. Plain bands that rotate throughout the day may be unsuitable for resizing, as the added piece of metal may be noticeable. Rings with diamonds or other stones on top are better suited to resizing, as these will hold the ring in place.
Do not try to force the ring over your finger, as this could result in the ring getting stuck. Instead, take the ring to a professional jeweller for resizing.
