Can engagement rings be resized? All information you need to know!

Many clients visiting our Chicago jewelry store are worried that the engagement ring they want to purchase might not fit their partner when they are proposing. The good news is that ring resizing Chicago is possible. I wrote this post to provide the information needed for resizing engagement rings, for it is so many people’s concern.

Can engagement rings be resized? Engagement rings are re-sizable depending on their metal shank. In other words, very few engagement rings and wedding bands cannot be resized because of the characteristics related to the band, either the metal or the style. There are also limitations on the number of times you can resize an engagement ring.

Resizing a diamond ring is a critical decision for which there are certain limitations. Some rings might be easier than other to resize, like a solitaire ring versus an eternity style. If you consider resizing your engagement ring or wedding band, gather enough information about these limitations by reading the following lines if you want to avoid causing damage to your precious gift.

Should I Resize my Engagement Ring?

You should resize your engagement ring so that it fits properly, for it may get lost if loose or make your finger uncomfortable if tight. However, you should consult a professional jeweler before resizing your engagement ring. There are certain cases in which you should not undergo a resize, and a compassionate jeweler can be a gifted opportunity.

If you feel that the ring is not comfortable enough, you should resize it. If your ring gets stuck before your finger’s knuckle, which is the largest part of your finger, it is tight and you have to resize it. On the other hand, if your ring easily passes the knuckle without any extra pressure or effort, there is a high chance of losing it if it slides off without you being aware of it. In either of the cases, I professionally advise you to resize your engagement ring as soon as possible.

There are certain cases in which I discourage you to consider resizing your engagement ring. Some seasons, pregnancy and postpartum cause your fingers swell. Resizing your diamond ring in the cases mentioned is not a very good idea. Besides, you cannot resize your engagement ring if the metal is made of rose gold, tungsten, and stainless steel, nor should you consider resizing full eternity bands, pavé rings, and channel settings since they are covered with small stones.

How to Get Your Engagement Ring Resized?

A jeweler resizes your engagement ring for either making it larger or making it smaller by several methods. For tightening an engagement ring, the jeweler takes away a small portion of the metal. For making an engagement ring larger, the jeweler adds a piece of metal to the band. Stretching and the use of sizing assistants are also possible methods.

Making the engagement ring larger:

Stretching is functional for enlarging a ring less than half a size. The type of metal is also important in using this method. The jeweler uses a tool, called a ring stretcher, for that purpose. There is a traditional ring stretcher and a new stone set ring stretcher for those rings with a stone on them.

Adding metal is another method for making a ring larger, and jewelers use it for more than half a size enlargement. In this method, the jeweler cuts the bottom of the shank, adds a piece of metal, and solders.

Making smaller:

Cutting metal is a method used for making your engagement ring smaller. The jeweler cuts the needed portion of the metal, joins the two ends, solders, cleans and polishes. After they resize your engagement ring to a smaller size, no one, including you, cannot find a single mark of all the process.

Sizing Adjusters are also useful tools in making your ring fit properly, but they make your engagement ring smaller for less than half a size. The jeweler puts small beads in the inward part of the metal shank. Other sizing assistants a jeweler uses to size down your ring is a sizing bar and a spring insert.

Does Resizing a Ring Damage it?

There are several factors involved in whether a ring is damaged by resizing or not. The metal type of the shank, the number of sizes you need to change, and the number of times you have resized it determine the answer. Adding metal, cutting metal and stretching have limitations and rules, to which you have to pay attention.

Resizing a diamond ring is not a harmful action by nature for your ring. However, if you resize your engagement ring more than the required times, you may end up damaging your special ring. In addition, you must be properly aware of the number of sizes you want to make your engagement ring smaller or larger. If the ring is too loose or too tight for you that makes a huge size difference with your current size, just think of another option. The last advice is to consult a professional jeweler about the idea of resizing, for resizing is risky in case of certain metals.

How Many Ring Sizes Can you Go Down?

Typically, only two sizes are acceptable for resizing a ring. Either for upsizing or downsizing an engagement ring, more than two sizes causes extra pressure for the ring, and you might put the integrity of the ring at stake. To make sure of the safety of downsizing your engagement ring, consult it with a jeweler before changing the size of your ring.

For a small amount of sizing, jewelers choose stretching for upsizing and sizing assistants for downsizing. Jewelers have to either cut a portion of the shank or add metal to its structure for enlarging and tightening more than half a size. All these procedures require accuracy, and any kind of carelessness puts your ring at risk. Therefore, my colleagues advise you to choose a befitting ring that fits your finger size properly. If you do not know how to choose a ring with the proper size, I recommend reading this post:

https://www.weddingbandscompany.com/blog/how-to-ch...

Is it Easier to Get a Ring Sized Up or Down?

Downsizing a ring is easier than up-sizing it. The reason why downsizing is easier is that the jeweler will cut the extra portion out of the metal shank and just bind the two ends while adding new material to the band is harder, more time consuming, and even more expensive.

Depending on the number of sizes you wish to get your ring sized down, the jeweler chooses different methods. If you wish to resize it just a little bit, the jeweler places two beads or small balls in the interior side of the metal shank. Spring inserts also downsize your ring for one full size. Otherwise, the jeweler removes a certain amount of the bottom of the metal band. Both processes can be quickly done.

For sizing a ring up, the jeweler has to spend more time. If less than half a size is needed, the jeweler stretches the ring, and they have to check the ring in the middle of the process to ensure that it is not getting too large. If the jeweler adds metal, the process takes more time. Besides, the extra metal makes the process more expensive than the former.

Can a Ring be Resized More than Once?

It is possible to resize a ring more than once, but it can be risky at the same time. However, it is highly dependent on the metal of the band and its thickness, for the process of resizing encompasses making the metal band a little bit thinner. Besides, depending on the gemstone on the ring, you have to consult the jeweler and seek their experience.

Except for the method of using sizing assistants for tightening a metal band, other methods involve making the band thinner inherently. For enlarging, the jeweler stretches the ring outward and that makes the band thinner.

For both enlarging and tightening a metal band, the jeweler cuts the bottom and molders. If these procedures occur multiple times to your ring, it might get vulnerable. Therefore, if your metal band is already too thin or its metal is not sturdy enough, do not resize your engagement ring multiple times. You need to be concerned about the safety of the setting and the gem especially if you have more than one single stone like a solitaire ring.

How much Does it Cost to Have a Ring Sized?

The standard pricing starts at $100. The price difference is due to the factors involved in the process of sizing. These factors determine the number of hours a jeweler has to work on sizing the ring and the challenge they have to go through, for more time and energy require spending more money.

Some jewelry companies offer free resizing for a certain period after the purchase.

The major factors determining the price of ring sizing are:

Sizing up and down have different prices. When downsizing a ring, the jeweler removes a portion of the metal while up sizing requires adding metal to the band. Therefore, the extra material has its own price value, which makes sizing more expensive. In addition to that, to decrease and increase the size involves a premier change in the shape of the ring. As a result, a complicated process may take place to reform the metal band to its perfect circularity.

Different ring metals cost differently for sizing. Counting from the most expensive to the least, we can mention titanium, platinum, white gold, sterling silver, and yellow gold. The different cost to resize rings is because some metals are harder to work with than others are. For that reason, you need to be perfectly aware of the metal you choose for the band in order to avoid possible future complications for resizing, so I recommend educating yourself about ring metals:

https://www.weddingbandscompany.com/blog/how-to-ch...

The minor factors determining the price of ring sizing are:

Thick metal bands are more expensive to resize. They also require more effort and expertise when it comes to sizing up.

The number of sizes you want your ring upper or downer is also very significant in the final payment. For instance, two sizes of change are more expensive than half a size.

Stones add to the price of sizing the ring. More stones on the ring, especially on the shoulders, make the jeweler adjust and fasten them on the band to prevent them from getting lost. In addition to that, some particular stones are sensitive to heating, and the jeweler has to remove them before heating the band and soldering.

How long Does it Take to Resize a Ring?

The length of time required for sizing a ring varies from several hours to two weeks. The complexity of your ring style, the expertise of the jeweler, the setting, ring material, and thickness of the metal band all are the key factors in the required time for resizing an engagement ring.

An experienced and expert jeweler can size a ring much faster than a slow one.

Complex rings need more time for sizing. In the case of classic solitaire, the jeweler has to separate a temperature-sensitive gem. On the other hand, complex rings require a lot of energy removing, resetting and fastening all the stones.

Both the thickness and the material of the metal determine the time required for sizing. For example, a thick titanium metal band needs both more budget and time to resize compared to a thin yellow gold band.

Same Day Ring Resizing in Chicago

Wedding Band & Company is one of the most well-known companies in Chicago. The experienced gemologists and jewelers of the company advise you which method is the most appropriate one for resizing your ring. You can feel relieved thinking of how the company cares for you and decides what is best for its integrity.

Wedding Bands & Company offers same-day resizing in case the work is simple to resize. To consider the possibility of a same-day resizing, you should seek one of our ring/diamond consultants’ advice when the workshop is open. If your resizing is a complicated one, they tell you when it will be ready. The Wedding Bands & Company’s showroom is located on E Oak Street, Chicago

How can I Resize my Ring at Home?

You can resize your engagement ring up and down at home in several ways. You might decide to resize your ring at home because your ring style or metal is not resizable or you want to change its size just a little bit. You can easily undergo free resizing with accessible tools.

For sizing up a ring, you can use these methods at home:

First, you need to provide a ring mandrel and a wooden mallet for stretching the ring. Use soap to lubricate your ring and slide it down the mandrel. After that, gently and firmly strike the metal band downwardly by using the mallet or a jeweler’s hammer. The last step is to try in by putting the ring on. If it is not the desired size yet, you can repeat the process.

You need to have pliers and a metalworking file. Mark the center of the ring on the opposite side of the setting. Then, cut the mark with the pliers or a pair of wire cutters. The next step is to open the two ends by the pliers and file them to make them flat. Finally, try the ring. If it is still tight, repeat the process. Remember that the edges should not thrust your skin.

For sizing down a ring, you can use these methods at home:

People commonly use string or cloth ring guards to size their ring down. These materials used for this method are very available, but you may want to change them after a while.

Use a cellphone screen protection to resize your engagement ring. Your cut should be slightly thinner than the actual width of your ring. Clean the ring, place the film in the band, and attach the two. Press the film gently to make sure it is completely attached.

A monofilament is one of the best ways of downsizing a ring. 

Hot glue, liquid plastic, and silicone are the three substances you can choose in this method. Apply a layer of your chosen substance on the interior part of the metal shank to make it fit properly.

Plastic ring guards can also help you downsize your ring. You can choose between a plastic tube, coil, and insert.

Attach two beads on the interior side of the metal band.

What are ring sizes in inches?

Ring size is the internal measurement of a ring. The ring size chart includes the inside diameter in inches and millimeters, inside circumference in inches and millimeters, and the equivalent size number associated with different regions. The equivalent of a USA size 1 is 1.539 inches of the inside circumference. This is the chart:

USA Size	Inside Diameter (inches)	Inside Circumference (inches)
1	0.49	1.539
1.5	0.506	1.589
2	0.522	1.639
2.5	0.538	1.689
3	0.554	1.74
3.5	0.57	1.79
4	0.586	1.84
4.5	0.602	1.89
5	0.618	1.941
5.5	0.634	1.991
6	0.65	2.041
6.5	0.666	2.091
7	0.682	2.141
7.5	0.698	2.192
8	0.714	2.242
8.5	0.73	2.292
9	0.746	2.342
9.5	0.762	2.393
10	0.778	2.443
10.5	0.794	2.493
11	0.81	2.543
11.5	0.826	2.594
12	0.842	2.644
12.5	0.858	2.694
13	0.874	2.744
13.5	0.89	2.795
14	0.906	2.845
14.5	0.922	2.895
15	0.938	2.945
15.5	0.954	2.996
16	0.97	3.046

Is it better to have a loose or tight ring?

It is best to have a ring that perfectly fits your ring. A loose diamond may slide off your finger and get lost. A tight ring, however, bothers your finger. If you want the ring for your significant other without them knowing, purchase a semi-loose ring. Watch this video, which teaches how to measure:

Does ring size change with age?

Yes! Ring size changes over time with age and stages of life. Your fingers may swell in summers, or you may gain or lose weight in different periods. There are certain finger swellings due to pregnancy and postpartum. Getting old is usually followed by arthritis, blood and fat, which make your ring tight for you.

Why should I come to you to design my ring?

We involve you in every step of the process. At first, we will sit next to you and go over any concerns you have and any specific design elements you mind the ring to have. Once we have established exactly how you want the ring looks like, we will proceed with the design process. Once you see this design, if you want to make any change or if you have any questions or concerns we will be happy to address them for you. Our role is to help you to create the perfect ring and that means we will listen to you and make sure that your ring is indeed one of a kind.

We'll help you to design your dream engagement ring without stress and spending countless hours searching for your perfect ring. All you need to do is click on "Free Consultation" to get started.

By: Koorosh Daneshgar CEO/Design Chief