Resizing your engagement ring can be important to ensure it fits perfectly on your finger, providing both comfort and security. In this article, renowned jewelry expert and author Benjamin Khordipour shares his insights on how to resize your engagement ring with precision and care.
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How Are Engagement Rings Resized?
There are two common techniques for resizing engagement rings, each with its benefits and drawbacks.
First Resizing Technique: This method involves stretching the metal by heating the bottom of the ring and then pulling it to the desired size. While this approach can work for minor adjustments, it often compromises the ring’s integrity, making it prone to damage. For this reason, it’s generally discouraged unless the size change is minimal.
Second Resizing Technique: A more reliable method involves cutting the bottom of the ring and inserting a new piece of metal. This creates a seamless “metal bridge” that increases or decreases the ring’s size without weakening the band. This technique is far superior, as it preserves the strength and structure of the ring, and it’s the one most experts, including Benjamin Khordipour, recommend for a durable and long-lasting fit.
Important Note: I spoke with Afshin Shaddaie for advice on choosing the right jeweler for resizing a ring. He emphasized, “Resizing a ring is far from a simple task. A lot can go wrong, and only a skilled expert knows how to adjust the size without compromising the integrity of the entire ring.”
1. How to Resize a Ring Smaller
Resizing a ring to make it smaller typically involves removing a small section of the band. The jeweler cuts the bottom of the ring, removes the necessary amount of metal, and then carefully solders the two ends back together. Afterward, the ring is polished and reshaped to maintain its original appearance. This process reduces the size and ensures the ring remains structurally sound with no visible signs of alteration.
2. How to Resize a Ring Bigger
Jewelers generally use one of two methods mentioned above to resize a ring larger. The most reliable technique involves cutting the ring and adding a small piece of matching metal to increase its circumference. This method ensures the ring retains its strength and appearance. After inserting the new metal, the jeweler carefully solders reshapes and polishes the ring to make the alteration seamless.
Another option for slight adjustments is to stretch the metal. However, this method is less reliable and can weaken the ring, so it’s only recommended for extremely-minor size changes.
Signs Your Engagement Ring Should Be Resized
Knowing when to resize your engagement ring is essential for comfort and security. Some key signs that your ring may need resizing include:
- Tight Fit: If your ring feels too tight, leaves marks, or is difficult to remove, it likely needs to be made larger. A ring that is too tight will also be dangerous.
- Loose Fit: If your ring spins around your finger or slips off easily, it should be resized smaller to prevent accidental loss.
- Seasonal Changes: Fluctuations in finger size due to temperature or weight changes may cause discomfort, indicating the need for resizing.
- Discomfort When Wearing: Any consistent discomfort, even if the fit appears correct, could mean a small adjustment is necessary for the perfect fit.
- Medical Conditions: Swelling due to medical conditions, such as arthritis or circulation issues, can affect finger size, requiring resizing for comfort.
- Weight Changes: Weight gain or loss, as well as pregnancy, can cause your finger size to change, making ring resizing necessary.
Keeping an eye on these signs can help ensure your ring remains both comfortable and secure.
Cost to Resize an Engagement Ring
The cost to resize an engagement ring typically ranges from $100 to $150, depending on the complexity of the work and the materials involved. If the resizing process requires more intricate work, such as adding additional metal or adjusting delicate settings, the price can rise significantly, reaching up to $1,000 in some cases.
In some instances, rather than resizing the entire ring, jewelers may opt to add “shots” to adjust the fit. This involves soldering two small metal balls inside the band to constrict the space where the finger is placed. Although these shots may feel slightly uncomfortable at first, they usually become unnoticeable after a few days of wear. This alternative method is often more affordable, typically costing no more than $75. It’s a practical solution for rings that need only a minor adjustment in size without the need for full resizing.
How Long Does It Take to Resize a Ring?
The time it takes to resize a ring can vary depending on the complexity of the work and the jeweler’s schedule. Typically, a standard resizing takes anywhere from one to three days.
However, if the ring requires intricate adjustments, such as resizing an ornate band or resetting stones, the process may take up to a week or more.
Some jewelers offer expedited services for an additional fee, allowing you to have your resized ring ready within a few hours. Always consult with your jeweler for an accurate timeline based on your specific ring and the necessary work involved.
Types of Rings That Can’t Be Resized
While many rings can be resized, certain types present significant challenges due to their design, material, or structure. Here are the most common types of rings that can’t generally be resized:
- Rings Made of Hard Metals: Rings crafted from metals like titanium, tungsten, and stainless steel are extremely difficult or impossible to resize because they are too hard to manipulate without destroying them.
- Eternity Bands: Rings that feature gemstones or diamonds set all the way around the band cannot be resized without disrupting the continuous design. Resizing would require removing or altering the stones, which is often impractical.
- Tension-Set Rings: These rings hold the gemstone in place through pressure rather than prongs. Resizing a tension-set ring can affect the pressure on the stone, making it less secure and more prone to damage or loss.
- Rings with Intricate Designs: Rings with delicate or intricate engravings, filigree, or patterned designs may lose their detailing during the resizing process, making resizing impractical.
- Non-Metal Rings: Rings made from wood, ceramic, or glass cannot be resized because they lack the flexibility of metal bands. If any attempt is made to alter their size, these materials can break or crack.
If your ring falls into one of these categories, consult a jeweler for alternative solutions, such as adding sizing beads or using a ring guard to adjust the fit without altering the band.
What To Do if Your Ring Can’t Be Resized
If your ring can’t be resized due to its material or design (or both), there are still a few options to ensure a comfortable fit:
- Sizing Beads: A jeweler can add small metal beads inside the band to make the ring fit more snugly. This is a common solution for rings that are too large but cannot be resized through traditional methods.
- Ring Guard or Ring Adjuster: A ring guard is a small, removable insert that can be placed inside the band to temporarily reduce its size. This option is ideal if you need a quick and non-permanent adjustment.
- Replacement or Custom Ring: In cases where resizing is completely out of the question, you might consider having a jeweler create a custom ring based on the original design or purchasing a new ring in the correct size.
- Adjustable Rings: For those who frequently experience finger size fluctuations due to temperature or medical conditions, consider an adjustable ring, which allows for easy size changes without needing permanent alterations.
These alternatives can help ensure a secure and comfortable fit while preserving the beauty and integrity of your ring.
Important Note: Consult a professional jeweler to determine the best action based on your specific ring.
Where to Get a Ring Resized?
When resizing your engagement ring, choosing the right jeweler is crucial.
Look for jewelers with a 1) solid reputation, 2) excellent online reviews, and 3) track record of high-quality craftsmanship.
Additionally, they should have experience with ring resizing, particularly if your ring has a unique design or delicate setting. A jeweler certified by professional associations, such as the Jewelers of America or the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), is also a good indicator of expertise.
A good hack for finding a good jeweler to resize your engagement ring is to ask a friend or family member who works in jewelry. They will usually point you in the direction of your best options.
At Estate Diamond Jewelry, we only offer resizing services for rings purchased through our store. If your ring was bought elsewhere, finding a jeweler with specialized skills is essential to ensure it is resized safely and beautifully. Whether you’re increasing or decreasing the size, working with an expert jeweler will help preserve the value and integrity of your precious engagement ring.
How to Get Your Partner’s Approximate Ring Size
One of the biggest obstacles for those trying to plan a surprise proposal is getting her ring size without creating any suspicion. If you want to know more about surprise proposals, you can read our proposal guide.
Here is a list of the easy ways around this problem:
- If she is not a suspicious type of person, you can casually ask her finger size.
- You can ask her friends and family.
- Wrap a piece of string around her finger while sleeping and measure it.
- Find a ring she wears on that finger (or a finger of a similar size) and measure it.
- Have an already-engaged friend let her “try on her ring for fun” and gauge her size based on the ring.
In the worst-case scenario, you can eyeball her fingers. The average finger size among women is size 6.5. If her fingers are a lot larger than her friends, you can assume that her finger size is larger than a size 6.5, but if she has smaller fingers, her finger is likely smaller than 6.5.
If you end up guessing the wrong size of her finger, you don’t have to worry too much about it. Once the proposal is over, the jewelry company (if they are a respectable company) should resize the ring to her exact size at no extra cost.
Resizing Wide Bands and Curved Metal
Knowing “your size” will only help you know which regular-sized ring will fit your finger. Wider bands and curved metal bands will not be the same size. Wider bands will typically take away anywhere between 1/2 – 1 size off the ring size. (A person who usually wears a size 6, will need a size 7 with a wider band.)
Curved metal will also require a band size adjustment, depending on which direction the metal curves.
If the inside of the band curves inwards (towards the finger) or outwards (away from the finger), it could possibly greatly affect the size of the ring.
The best advice is to always attempt to try the ring first. If that is not possible, try to ask the jeweler or company how much the size would change based on the design of the ring.
In the worst-case scenario, you can always send the ring back if the wide shank created confusion in size.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Resizing the Ring Harm its Integrity?
No. Resizing a ring will not affect the integrity (or durability) of the ring. Rings, like clothing articles, will usually need to be tailored to fit the needs of the wearer. Luckily, in the case of the ring, resizing it a few times will have no consequence on the ring, as long as it is done by a professional jeweler.
Resizing vintage rings also will have no impact on the integrity of the ring. The jeweler may need to be a little extra care, but otherwise, there is nothing to worry about.
The only time when resizing may have consequences is when there is extra (or custom) jewelry work needed in order to resize it.
2. Can Someone’s Finger Size Change Over Time?
Yes, it is very common for a person’s ring size to change over time.
Several factors can cause these changes. Seasonal variations, such as heat and humidity, can cause your fingers to swell in the summer and shrink in colder months, leading to the need for adjustments throughout the year. Pregnancy is another factor significantly affecting finger size due to hormonal changes and swelling. Additionally, weight loss or gain can alter the size of your fingers, requiring a ring resize.
Often, people may not realize their ring size is changing, which can lead to their ring either slipping off or becoming too tight and stuck. For this reason, we strongly advise customers to regularly check their rings to ensure they are fitting comfortably and securely. Catching these changes early can prevent potential damage or loss of your engagement ring.
3. How to Resize a Vintage Ring?
Resizing a vintage ring requires specialized care to preserve its unique design and delicate materials. A skilled jeweler will assess the ring’s condition and choose a method that maintains its integrity. Due to the intricate details often found in vintage pieces, such as engravings or gemstone settings, the jeweler may need to reinforce or restore parts of the band during the resizing process. Working with an expert with experience handling vintage rings is essential to ensure the resizing is done properly without damaging the ring’s character or structure.
4. Does Resizing an Engagement Ring Ruin its Integrity?
When done by a skilled jeweler, resizing an engagement ring should not ruin its integrity. A professional will ensure that the ring is resized in a way that maintains its strength and appearance. However, certain factors—such as frequent resizing, intricate designs, or delicate settings—can affect the ring’s long-term durability.
5. If I Resize a Ring, Who Keeps the Extra Metal?
In most cases, when a ring is resized to be smaller, the jeweler will remove a small piece of metal. The extra metal is typically unusable and negligible, so it is melted down and kept by the jeweler. This is standard practice, as the metal removed is often too small to be repurposed or returned. However, if you have concerns about the process, it’s always best to ask your jeweler about their specific protocol before they start the job.
