Lyla Dejesus
Wedding rings are often worn every day, so it's important that they fit perfectly. While it's possible to adjust a ring size by up to two sizes, it's generally easier to make a ring smaller than it is to make it bigger. To make a ring smaller, a jeweller will cut a piece out of the band, solder it back together, clean it and polish it. To make a ring bigger, a jeweller will cut a small portion out of the band and then add a piece of metal to expand the circumference. This is known as ring shanking. However, not all rings can be resized. For example, rings made of titanium, cobalt, tungsten carbide, and stainless steel cannot be resized.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ring resizing limitations | Jewelers can only resize a ring by a maximum of two sizes up or down. |
| Ring resizing cost | The cost of resizing a ring depends on the type of metal, complexity, and time consumption of the process. |
| Ring resizing time | Ring resizing can take anywhere from one to two weeks, or up to a month for more complex cases. |
| Ring resizing methods | To make a ring smaller, jewelers cut and remove excess material from the band, solder, clean, and polish it. To make it bigger, they may cut and add metal, stretch the metal, or use a ring mandrel and hammer to expand the size. |
| Rings that cannot be resized | Rings made of titanium, cobalt, tungsten carbide, stainless steel, resin, crystal, or ceramic cannot be resized. Plated metals and rings coated in enamel are also difficult to resize without damage. Rings with stones or engravings require special care and may be more expensive to resize. |
| Ring sizing alternatives | Ring coils or adjustable shanks can be used to adjust the size of a ring without altering the band. Ring guards can also provide a snug fit for rings that are slightly loose. |
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What You'll Learn
Rings with stones all around the band can't be resized
It is generally advised that rings with stones all around the band, known as eternity bands, cannot be resized. This is because resizing these rings would require adding or removing individual stones, which is a task that many jewellers are unwilling to take on due to the labour involved and the potential risk of damage. The presence of diamonds or gemstones means that the jeweller must carefully work around the stones to avoid loosening them or causing damage.
Additionally, the process of resizing a ring typically involves either stretching the metal or adding/removing a small section of the band. For rings with extensive diamond coverage, the jeweller may need to cut the band and add or remove a small piece of metal, which can be difficult or impossible for eternity bands.
Some alternative solutions to resizing an eternity band include using ring adjusters, such as silicone bands or metal clips, or opting for a custom remake to ensure a proper fit without compromising the design or material quality. It is important to entrust resizing jobs to reputable jewellers, as they have specialised tools and years of training to handle the task safely and inexpensively.
While resizing an eternity band is generally not recommended, there may be some jewellers who are willing to attempt it. It is important to note that the complexity of the task and the labour involved will likely result in higher costs.
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Non-metallic rings can't be resized
While resizing a ring is a common practice, not all rings can be resized. Non-metallic rings, for example, cannot be reshaped or modified due to their properties. This includes rings made of resin, crystal, ceramic, wood, or quartz. The non-metallic composition of these rings means they cannot withstand the techniques used in traditional resizing methods, which typically involve heating and manipulating the metal.
Rings made from plated metals, such as those used in most costume jewellery, are also challenging to resize as the process can cause the plated material to flake. Similarly, resizing is not recommended for jewellery coated in enamel as it cannot withstand the heat required. Rings with epoxy inlays or polymer elements are also incompatible with the heat-intensive techniques used in traditional resizing methods.
Additionally, certain metal types and intricate designs can hinder the resizing process or even make it impossible. Titanium, for instance, is a challenging metal to resize due to its high melting point and inability to be soldered like precious metals. Tungsten, cobalt, tungsten carbide, stainless steel, and even rose gold are also difficult to resize because they are prone to breakage and are generally difficult to work with.
Eternity rings, which feature stones that go all the way around the band, are another type of ring that is difficult to resize. To resize these rings, additional gems must be added or removed, increasing the complexity and cost of the process. Intricate and thin bands may also be challenging to resize while maintaining the ring's durability.
While resizing a ring is possible in many cases, it is important to consult a reputable jeweller who can advise on the best course of action. They will be able to determine whether the ring can be permanently resized, adjusted with an adjustable ring sizer, or fitted with a plastic guard to ensure the perfect fit.
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Plated metals can't be resized
While resizing a ring is a fairly common and straightforward process, not all rings can be resized. Rings made of plated metals, for instance, cannot be resized. Plated metals are used in most costume jewellery, and the resizing process can cause the plated material to flake.
Rings made from harder materials like tungsten, titanium, tantalum, carbon fibre, cobalt, stainless steel, and ceramic are also difficult to resize. While it is possible to resize tungsten, for example, it is challenging and potentially not worth the time and money. These metals are resistant to manipulation, and resizing them can risk damaging the ring's structural integrity.
On the other hand, malleable metals like gold, platinum, and silver are ideal for resizing. These metals can be easily manipulated by a skilled jeweller, allowing for adjustments to accommodate changes in finger size. However, since these metals are more malleable, they may develop scratches and wear out faster than harder metals.
When resizing a ring, it is important to consider the design and any gemstones or engravings. Rings with stones that go all the way around, like diamond eternity bands, cannot be resized without adding or removing gems, which increases the cost and labour involved. Similarly, resizing a ring with an engraving requires careful consideration to ensure the engraving is not cut out or stretched and distorted.
In general, rings can be adjusted up to two sizes larger or smaller, and it is easier to make a ring smaller than it is to make it bigger. When making a ring bigger, a jeweller will typically cut a small portion out of the band and add metal to expand the circumference, a process known as ring shanking. To make a ring smaller, the jeweller will cut open the band and remove metal before closing the cut and soldering it in place.
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Rings can be made smaller by cutting away excess material
While resizing a ring, a jeweller will typically use one of several methods. One method to make a ring smaller is to cut away excess material from the band of the ring. Professionals are careful to heat the band until it's just hot enough to cut, without distorting the shape of the ring. Rings are usually resized by up to two sizes in either direction.
If the ring is made of gold or silver, it can be resized by heating the metal and reshaping it. This process is known as ring shanking and involves carefully cutting a small portion out of the band and then adding a piece of metal to expand the circumference. The new piece of metal is then soldered in place, and the surface is smoothed and polished to blend the seams.
If you are less concerned about the value of the ring, you could try sizing it down at home, either by cutting into the band yourself with some basic tools or by adding a silicone liner to the inside of the ring as a temporary fix. However, it is important to have a professional do this to avoid damaging the ring.
Some rings cannot be resized due to the materials they are made of. For example, rings made of titanium, cobalt, tungsten carbide, stainless steel, resin, crystal, or ceramic cannot be resized. Rings with certain settings, such as tension settings, can also be affected during the modification process.
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Rings can be made bigger by adding metal
Wedding rings are often made of precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum. These rings can be resized by a professional jeweller, but there are limitations. For example, rings can only be resized by a maximum of two sizes in either direction. Additionally, not all ring types are suitable for permanent resizing methods that require heat, as this could damage or destroy the ring.
Another method for making a ring bigger involves stretching the metal using a ring mandrel and a hammer or a hydraulic press to gradually increase the size of the band. This method is suitable for plain bands or wedding rings without gemstones, as stretching a ring with stones could displace or pull them out of their setting.
It is important to note that not all rings can be resized. For example, rings made of titanium, cobalt, tungsten carbide, stainless steel, or rose gold cannot be resized due to the risk of breakage or difficulty in working with these metals. Similarly, non-metallic rings made of resin, crystal, ceramic, or plated metals cannot be resized without damaging the material.
When resizing a ring, it is always recommended to consult a reputable jeweller with the necessary tools and expertise to ensure the ring is adjusted safely and effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
Your wedding ring should fit securely on your finger while remaining comfortable to wear. If your ring is uncomfortably tight or slips off with no resistance, you should consider resizing.
Most jewellers can resize rings, but it's important to only trust reputable jewellers with your ring. Independent local jewellers may be able to offer more affordable solutions and payment plans.
Jewellers typically cut out a piece of the band and solder, clean and polish the ring so that there is no evidence it was ever cut.
Yes, non-metallic rings such as those made of resin, crystal, or ceramic cannot be resized. Rings with certain types of settings, such as tension settings, are also not good candidates for resizing.
