Can Wedding Ring Size Be Changed?
Can the Wedding Ring Size Be Changed?
You’ve found the perfect ring for your partner, or maybe you’ve received one as a gift from someone special. But there’s one problem: it doesn’t fit your finger. It’s either too big or too small, and you’re wondering if there’s anything you can do about it. Can the wedding ring size be changed? The answer is yes, but it depends on several factors, such as the design, the material, and the amount of adjustment needed. In this article, we’ll explain how wedding ring sizes can be changed, what are the pros and cons of resizing, and what are alternatives to resizing.
How Wedding Ring Size Can Be Changed
There are different methods that jewelers use to change the size of a wedding ring, depending on whether it needs to be made smaller or bigger.
Making a Ring Smaller
When a ring needs to be made smaller, the most common method is to cut out a small portion of the band and then solder the ends back together to form a tighter circumference. This process involves carefully cutting out a small section of the metal, usually from the bottom of the band, and then joining the two remaining ends with heat and a soldering agent. Then the jeweler polishes the ring to remove any signs of work.
Another technique involves bending the band inward using pliers or a ring clamp to create a tighter fit. The jeweler may also use a ring guard or sizer that can be inserted into the band to adjust the size without permanently altering the ring’s structure. A ring guard or sizer is a metal or plastic device that attaches to the inside of the band and fills in the space between the ring and the finger.
Making a Ring Bigger
When a ring needs to be made bigger, one method is to cut a small portion out of the band and then add a piece of metal to expand the circumference. This process is known as ring shanking and involves carefully fitting the new piece of metal to the existing band, soldering it in place, and then smoothing and polishing the surface to blend the seams.
Another method involves stretching the metal by using a ring mandrel and a hammer to gradually expand the size of the band. A ring mandrel is a tapered metal rod that is used to shape rings. The jeweler places the ring on the mandrel and gently taps it with a hammer until it reaches the desired size
What Affects Wedding Ring Resizing
Several factors determine how easy or difficult it is to resize a wedding ring, and how much it will cost.
- The Design: The design is the most important factor for determining how the ring can be resized. Is it a simple solitaire? Are there channel-set baguettes on the sides? The more complex the design, the more complicated the job as the entire ring will be affected by the bending of the metal in the sizing process. Bands are the easiest to work with, provided that they are plain and do not have any stones set in the design. A plain band can be sized up or down as much as six or seven sizes. Solitaire-style rings can also be sized up and down significantly from 4 to 5 sizes, provided that they do not have complicated shoulder designs. The shoulders of the ring are the portions of metal on the left and right of the ring’s design. Plain shoulders will not be significantly affected during the sizing process, but shoulders with stones or intricate metalwork will be damaged as the jeweler needs to bend them in order to size the ring. Eternity rings can only be sized on a case-by-case basis, and the original design will be lost if sized up. They usually can be sized down significantly if using the alternative method of attaching sizing beads or strips to the interior, and sized up to two sizes if you’re willing to break the eternity design1. When sized up, a blank patch of metal will be noticeable at the area of work, unless the jeweler is able to set stones in that location to match the rest of the ring.
- The Material: The material also affects how easy or difficult it is to resize a wedding ring. Rings made of silver, gold, or platinum can always be resized without any issues. However, there are certain metals that are prone to breakage or are otherwise difficult to work with during the resizing process. This includes rings made of titanium, cobalt, tungsten carbide, and stainless steel. These metals are very hard and durable, but they also require special tools and techniques for resizing. Some jewelers may not even offer resizing services for these metals, or they may charge extra fees for doing so.
- The Amount of Adjustment: The amount of adjustment also determines how easy or difficult it is to resize a wedding ring. Generally, rings can be adjusted two sizes up or down without any major issues. Anything above that could put too much stress on the ring and potentially damage it. For example, if you need to resize a ring from a size 6 to a size 10, you may need to add a lot of metal to the band, which could affect the balance and symmetry of the ring. Or, if you need to resize a ring from a size 10 to a size 6, you may need to remove a lot of metal from the band, which could weaken the structure and integrity of the ring.
The Pros and Cons of Wedding Ring Resizing
Pros
- Resizing a wedding ring can make it fit your finger comfortably and securely. This can prevent the ring from slipping off or spinning around, which can be annoying or even dangerous.
- Resizing a wedding ring can also preserve its sentimental value and meaning. If you have a ring that was given to you by someone special, or that has been in your family for generations, you may not want to replace it with a new one. Resizing can allow you to keep wearing the same ring that has a history and a story behind it.
- Resizing a wedding ring can also save you money and time. Buying a new ring can be costly and time-consuming, especially if you have to search for the right design, size, and quality. Resizing can be cheaper and faster than buying a new ring, depending on the jeweler and the method us
Cons
- Resizing a wedding ring can also damage or alter its original design and appearance. As mentioned earlier, resizing involves cutting, soldering, bending, or stretching the metal, which can affect the shape, symmetry, and balance of the ring. It can also create visible seams or gaps in the band, or affect the setting or alignment of the stones. Resizing can also change the color or finish of the metal, especially if it is plated or coated with another material.
- Resizing a wedding ring can also affect its warranty or insurance coverage. Some jewelers or insurance companies may not honor their warranty or policy if the ring has been resized by someone else. This means that if something happens to the ring after resizing, such as losing a stone or breaking the band, you may not be able to get it repaired or replaced for free or at a discounted price.
- Resizing a wedding ring can also be risky or ineffective. If you choose an inexperienced or unreliable jeweler to resize your ring, they may do a poor job that could ruin your ring or make it worse than before. Or, if you choose an inappropriate method or amount of resizing for your ring, it may not fit your finger properly or comfortably.
Alternatives to Wedding Ring Resizing
- Wear a Ring Adjuster: A ring adjuster is a device that can be attached to the inside of your ring to make it fit tighter without altering its structure. There are different types of ring adjusters, such as springs, coils, strips, beads, or pads, that are made of metal or plastic. They are easy to use and remove, and they are usually invisible or discreet when worn.
- Wear Another Ring: Another option is to wear another ring on the same finger as your wedding ring to prevent it from sliding off or spinning around. You can choose a ring that matches or complements your wedding ring, such as an anniversary band, a stackable band, or an enhancer band. You can also choose a ring that has sentimental value for you, such as your birthstone, your partner’s initials, or your favorite symbol.
- Wear Your Ring on Another Finger: If your wedding ring is too big for your ring finger, you can try wearing it on another finger that is bigger, such as your middle finger, your index finger, or your thumb. This way, you can still show off your ring without worrying about losing it. However, this option may not work if your wedding ring is too small for any of your fingers.
