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Resize A Ring: How, Where, And How Much?
All your rings must fit you properly. When a ring is too loose, there’s always the risk that it’ll slip off your finger, and it could be gone forever. If it’s too small, it won’t be comfortable, and you’ll find it hard to remove.
When a ring doesn’t fit properly anymore, the first thing that springs to mind is to have it resized. While that is usually a safe and long-lasting choice, it’s not always necessary as specific temporary solutions may be equally effective. This article will tell you what you need to know about ring resizing, such as how it’s done, and where, and how much it costs.
How To Resize A Ring
When a ring no longer fits you properly, it makes sense to return to the jeweler it originally came from. If that isn’t possible, friends or family members may be able to recommend an expert who could help you. Especially for treasured items such as wedding or engagement rings, the priority is to find a reputable professional whose advice and craftsmanship you can trust.
To reduce the size of a ring, the jeweler will remove a piece of the metal, re-shape it so it’s once again a perfect circle, and then re-attach the open ends. As a finishing touch, the ring will be cleaned and polished. When this is done professionally, there’ll be no trace left of the cut. The ring will appear exactly as it did previously, and it will fit correctly. This process is incredibly uncomplicated with a simple band.
Increasing the size of a ring larger is understandably a more intricate process than reducing the size. It involves stretching the metal, which can only be achieved up to half a size larger. Should you need it to be made bigger than that, the jeweler will need to cut the band to incorporate an extra piece of metal. Once this has been soldered, and the join is imperceptible, the ring will be cleaned and polished.
How Long Does It Take To Resize A Ring?
Adjusting the size of an engagement ring will typically take up to two weeks, depending on when the jeweler can schedule the work and the complexity of the adjustment required.
Resizing a simple ring without stones can be accomplished in less time. If the adjustment only involves one half-size or less, an expert jeweler might only need a few minutes to stretch it to the size you need.
Type Of Rings That Can Be Resized
If a ring is made from a metal such as silver, platinum, or gold, which a jeweler can work, it can be adjusted. The only caveat is that there needs to be enough space on the ring for the work to be carried out.
For instance, if your favorite rock is set in a full eternity band, with stones inset all the way around, it isn’t practical to resize it. This is because, depending on the design, there may not be enough plain metal to work.
Also, certain types of metal can’t be resized. For example, tungsten is too hard, while rose gold is too brittle and prone to cracking. Some jewelers will refuse to resize titanium rings, as it’s so hard to work with.
When Not To Resize Your Ring
A question many people ask is: Does resizing a ring damage it? As explained above, if your ring is suitable for resizing, the answer should be ‘no.’ However, resizing is a permanent solution, so many not always be the best option.
If you suddenly notice that your ring is loose, and find your ring spinning on your finger, the first thing to do is identify the cause. There can be several reasons why fingers seem to shrink, ranging from freezing weather to extreme weight loss.
Also, think about the situation when your ring was first fitted. While some reasons, such as pregnancy, could account for why your fingers were larger at the time, the cause could also be something as simple as water retention due to a high-salt meal before the fitting.
Ring Resizing Options
Most people imagine that when a jeweler resizes a ring, the circumference is permanently reduced. That’s not necessarily the case.
It’s essential to be aware that each time a ring is resized, the metal becomes progressively weaker. That’s why to maintain its integrity; it makes sense to add metal to the ring instead of cutting it away. Here are some ring resizing techniques that your jeweler can apply:
- Sizing Beads: Sizing beads are two metal balls on the back section of the interior of your ring. Your jeweler can add these without any cutting of the metal. However, as some people find them uncomfortable, it’s a good idea to ask your jeweler to let you try on a sample to check before you decide.
- Spring Insert: A horseshoe-shaped spring insert that consists of a metal strip that sits at the bottom 3/4 of the interior of your ring. It will spring open, allowing the ring to move over your finger joint, and then spring back to fit securely at the base of your finger.
- Fold-Over Device/Sizing Bar: If you don’t like continually squeezing your finger through a too-tight ring to put it on or remove it, a fold-over could be the solution you need. A jeweler can attach a U-shaped bar to the base of your ring. Hinged on one side, there’ll be a latch on the other. Simply open the latch, put the ring on and close the device to hold it safely in position.
Cost To Resize A Ring
Once we’ve understood the implications and the options, the next question is, naturally, how much does it cost to resize a ring? As every ring is different, costs can be expected to vary.
In many cases, the jeweler who originally sold you the ring will offer resizing on a complimentary basis. Certain major jewelry chains, also include resizing as part of their warranties on specific wedding and engagement bands.
It’s always worth bearing in mind the possible need to resize in the future so you’ll understand the options. When you’re using a jeweler, who didn’t initially sell you the ring, various factors will affect the cost of resizing. These include:
- The style of the ring. An engagement ring with an intricate design will be more complicated to resize than a plain band or solitaire diamond ring. This is likely to mean the cost will increase due to the time required and the precision required.
- The thickness and style of the band. Thicker rings are more problematic to resize than thinner ones, so expect the cost to increase.
- How much the ring needs to be resized. If the ring needs a significant change of size, the work is more complicated, so you should expect to pay more.
- The jeweler you choose. Naturally, the reputation, experience, and location of the jeweler you select will impact the cost. However, when dealing with your precious wedding or engagement ring, it’s not the moment to cut corners.
- The ring’s material. Certain metals, such as titanium, are hard to work with and require more time for the work to be accomplished.
To summarize, it’s not possible to give an exact formula for the cost of resizing an engagement ring. A simple band, requiring minor changes, could cost less than $50. A ring with a complicated design, needing a significant adjustment, may require an investment of several hundred dollars.
Some Final Advice
When your ring stops fitting correctly, the first thing to do is remove it, place it in a protective pouch or box, and head to your jeweler. He or she is an expert who’ll be able to suggest whether it should be permanently resized or whether a temporary solution will be more appropriate.
Bear in mind that each time you resize your ring, the metal will become progressively weaker, so the fewer times you resize, the better. Many jewelers will only carry out one complimentary resizing, to avoid damaging the integrity of the ring.
