Ring Resizing

Here’s everything you need to know about resizing a ring, including expected costs for different materials. Please note that not all rings can be resized.

Either you got the wrong size ring or maybe you’re not sure of hers in the first place. Whatever your situation is, we’re here to help. The good news is that it’s possible to get the ring resized up or down. The bad news is that certain kinds of rings and metals can’t be resized at all.

If you need to get your current ring resized, or you’re thinking about buying a ring, read this guide for everything you need to know.

Resizing down

When a ring is resized down, the jeweler will cut out the extra material from the bottom and solder the ends back together.

Resizing up

To resize the ring and make it bigger, there are two standard methods. The first one is where a little extra piece of material is added at the bottom. This method can resize a ring up to 2 sizes larger. You’ll have to pay for the extra material and craftsmanship. The second is to stretch the band. However, it makes the ring thinner and weakens it. So, this can only be done depending on the band. Usually it can only go to around half a size larger.

Types of rings that can be resized

Resizing Platinum Rings

Platinum rings are toughest to work with. It requires more time and different set of tools and burning gas. Therefore, it’s the most expensive to resize.

Resizing White Rings

White gold rings cost more in material but they’re easier to work with than platinum. White gold rings have a layer of rhodium plating that will come off when melted. So the ring will have to be re-plated with rhodium.

Resizing Yellow Rings

Yellow gold rings are less costly to resize. The gold is soft and easy to work with. And it only needs to be soldered and polished.

Resizing Sterling silver rings

Sterling silver rings are easier and less expensive to resize depending on the ring design.

Types of rings that cannot be resized

Delicate gemstones

If your ring is mounted with a gemstone or has small gemstones in the band, they may need to be taken off during resizing and reset. Gemstones are more sensitive to heat than diamonds.

Eternity bands

Eternity rings have a circle of small pavé stones all around the ring. These rings are custom-made and almost impossible to resize. Doing so will damage the perfect continuity of the stones.

Stainless steel, tungsten, or titanium rings

These materials cannot be resized because they’re too hard to work with. A lot of men’s wedding band are made of these metals, so when you order one, make sure you know your size.

Tension rings

Diamonds in tension settings aren’t mounted in prongs; rather, they’re held in place by a perfect pressure. Tension rings need to be custom-made also. If resized, the structural strength that holds the diamond in place is compromised.

Rose gold rings

Rose gold comes in many different tones (some more red, and some more gold). So a jeweler may not be able to match the exact tone of your ring. It’s best to go back to the same retailer for resizing. Rose gold is also more delicate, so it can crack more easily during resizing.

Ring resizing