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Ring resizing is a common service jewellers offer to adjust the size of a ring to fit comfortably on your finger. At Ingle & Rhode, we offer a complimentary first resize with almost all of our rings. Our skilled team will work closely with you to assess the fit and advise whether you need to make the ring larger or smaller, and our master jewellers possess the expertise and tools to perform precise resizing while maintaining the integrity of your ring.
How do you know if a ring needs resizing?
If you're wondering whether a ring needs resizing, several factors can help you determine the answer. Signs that indicate a ring may need resizing include tightness or discomfort, difficulty sliding over the knuckle, constant spinning or shifting and visible gap or imbalance. A well-fitted ring should stay in place comfortably without excessive movement. However, personal preference plays a role too, with some people simply preferring a tighter or looser fit than others.
If you’re unsure about whether your ring needs to be resized or not, book an appointment to come to our London studio, and our experienced team will be happy to advise you. Please note that, unfortunately, we are unable to offer a resizing service for rings made by other jewellers.
How are rings resized?
The specific method used depends on whether the ring needs to be made larger or smaller, and it’s crucial to understand the importance of maintaining the integrity and design of the ring. And throughout the resizing process, it’s important to take great care to protect any gemstones and maintain the quality of the metal.
Resizing a ring to make it larger
To make a ring larger, if it is a plain wedding band, it may be possible to gently stretch the ring up one or more sizes. Otherwise, we will add metal to seamlessly extend the ring's size while preserving its original design and metal type. Any joins are soldered and/or laser welded and are completely invisible after polishing.
Resizing a ring to make it smaller
Conversely, to make a ring smaller, our skilled jewellers delicately compress or adjust the metal band using specialised tools, ensuring a perfect fit without compromising the ring's integrity.
In cases where resizing down is not feasible, our experienced team will provide guidance and alternative solutions, such as sizing beads or inner sleeves, to achieve the desired size reduction.
Sizing beads
Sometimes, depending on your finger shape, you may find that a ring that is too big would not fit over your knuckle if it were made any smaller. This can result in the ring feeling loose and turning easily on your finger. If you find this applies to you, the best solution is usually to add sizing beads (small 'domes' of gold or platinum) to the inside of the ring. These allow the ring to pass over the knuckle but stop your ring from feeling loose once it is on.
How long does it take to resize a ring?
We generally advise clients to allow one to two weeks to resize a ring. The time required will depend on the complexity of the resizing our current workload.
Rings with intricate designs, delicate gemstone settings, or complex patterns will take longer to resize than a simple plain band.
The current workload of our workshop can greatly influence the time frame, and if additional services like cleaning, polishing, or stone replacement are needed, it may extend the overall time required.
Rushing the resizing process is not advisable, as it requires precision and care to maintain the quality and integrity of the ring.
What is the cost of resizing a ring?
At Ingle & Rhode, we offer a complimentary first resize with the vast majority of our rings (and we will advise you in advance if the nature of the design you’re interested in means we wouldn’t be able to offer a complimentary resize). For any subsequent resizes, our charges start from £80 inc VAT but can be more than this, depending on the complexity of the task and whether we would need to supply additional precious metals or stones.
When should you not resize a ring?
It is important not to make a rushed decision about resizing a ring. For one thing, our fingers can shrink and swell depending on the time of day, temperature and activity levels. Unless a ring is very obviously too big or too small, we advise that you wear it for several weeks to get a good idea of the fit over a range of conditions.
It's also important to remember that significant size adjustments can compromise the ring's structure and appearance, affecting its overall balance and aesthetics. Rings with delicate gemstone settings, such as pavé or channel settings, are at risk of damage or stone dislodgement during resizing. Resizing antique or vintage rings may alter their original characteristics or diminish their collectable value. Rings with continuous designs, like eternity rings, pose challenges for resizing without disrupting the pattern.
Can you resize a ring at home?
We strongly advise against attempting to make any adjustments to a ring yourself! Ring resizing can involve heating, stretching, cutting and soldering. As such, it risks causing serious damage to a ring, and is best left to professionals who have the training, experience and tools to complete the task safely and effectively. Moreover, attempting home resizing is very likely to void any warranties that your ring may have.
How to know what size ring to buy your partner?
Ideally, you would measure the finger that the ring is intended for before purchasing a ring, but if you want the ring to be a surprise, this obviously isn't possible! In this situation, discovering the perfect ring size for your partner can be challenging. Some effective methods can help you determine their size range, such as borrowing one of their infrequently worn rings and visiting a jeweller for sizing, tracing the inner diameter of a ring they already wear, using a ring sizing tool at home, and seeking discreet assistance from family or friends. For more detailed guidance on this, please read our guide on choosing the right ring size.
While it makes sense to try to buy an engagement ring in the correct ring size, if you’re not certain about the size, we recommend erring on the side of caution and ordering the ring a size bigger than your best guestimate. That way it is very likely that your partner will at least be able to wear the ring when you propose, even if it is a little loose. You can then take advantage of our offer of a complimentary resize after your proposal to ensure the ring is a perfect fit.
FAQs
How many times can a ring be resized?
The number of times a ring can be resized depends on factors like the metal type, ring design, and the extent of resizing required. Plain bands are generally more easily resized, while complex designs and significant size adjustments may have limitations. Professional expertise and discussing future resizing with your jeweller are important. While there is no fixed limit, each resizing is assessed individually.
Can all rings be resized?
Not all rings can be resized due to factors like metal type, design, and gemstone settings. Precious metals like gold, platinum, and silver are generally resizable, while harder metals like tungsten carbide or titanium are more challenging. Intricate designs and delicate gemstone settings may limit resizing options. Significant size changes can compromise the ring's integrity.
It's important to consult with a professional jeweller to evaluate whether your specific ring can be resized. If resizing is not possible or advisable for your ring, there may be alternative options available to achieve a comfortable fit, such as using ring guards, sizing beads, or considering a custom-made ring in the desired size.
Does resizing make a ring weak?
Resizing a ring, when done by a skilled jeweller, should not significantly weaken its structure. Factors like metal integrity, ring design, and the extent of resizing can influence its strength, but excessive resizing can impact long-term durability.
It's important to choose a reputable jeweller with experience in resizing and follow their recommendations to help maintain the ring's integrity. Proper care and maintenance of the resized ring, such as regular inspections and avoiding excessive force or impact, can help minimise any potential weaknesses and ensure its resilience over time.
Summary
Ring resizing rings is a common practice to achieve a proper fit. It involves either stretching or compressing a ring using specialist equipment; or cutting a ring, adding or removing metal, and then creating an invisible join through soldering or laser welding. To ensure a good outcome, it is crucial to select a reputable jeweller experienced in ring resizing.
At Ingle & Rhode, we are dedicated to ensuring the perfect fit for your ring and offer a complimentary first resize with almost all of our rings. If you need advice about resizing your Ingle & Rhode ring, get in touch, and someone from our team will be happy to assist.
