Ring Resizing

When it comes to resizing a ring, there are a few different techniques that can be used.

If a ring is too big and needs to be sized down, a small incision is made in the band and a portion of the ring’s metal is removed. Next, the band is formed back into a circle, with the gap being closed to bring about a decreased size.

In cases where a ring needs to be sized up, depending on the size increase, two techniques are the norm

If the adjustment is small, the band may be able to be stretched to give a little more clearing, giving a better fit. If the adjustment is more dramatic, the band can be cut to have an additional piece of metal incorporated into it to give a larger circumference. In these cases, the additional metal used is the same, if not highly similar to the ring’s original metal. This helps ensure a smooth transition, giving the ring a uniform finish.

The amount that a ring can be resized depends on a few different factors, namely the ring’s metal, the current size, and the thickness of the band. Generally speaking, when resizing a ring, it’s best to stay within one to two sizes of the ring’s original size to help maintain its structural integrity.

Note, that there may also be instances where a ring’s design or gemstone placement places a limit on its resizing possibilities. An example of this is on eternity bands, where gemstones are placed all along a ring’s shank. In any case, to get an idea of what’s possible, it’s best to bring your ring in for a complimentary consultation with our graduate GIA gemologist.

Most of the time, resizing a ring will not leave any noticeable marks on it. There are exceptions to this, however.

An example of this is when a ring’s composition is made out of a unique mixture of metals (alloy) that can’t be easily sourced. In cases where we increase the size of these kinds of rings, since we can’t use the exact alloy as the original, we may need to use a similar one. This can sometimes leave a small, faint mark on the ring, at the point where the new alloy is used to increase the ring’s circumference.

Before starting any resizing project, we will address what can be done with your ring, and what the end result will look like.