Engagement Ring Resizing 101: What To Do if Your Ring Is Not the Right Size

So the ring style is a perfect fit, but the ring size... not so much. Luckily, ring resizing is an easy solution. Whether you need to make your ring smaller for a more secure fit or a tad bigger for optimal comfort, engagement rings and wedding bands can be resized with the help of a professional jeweler. However, there are some caveats and ring design factors that can affect how the process works and how long it takes to resize a ring.

To find out exactly how wedding band and engagement ring resizing works, I tapped Stephanie Gottlieb, founder and creative director of Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry who is going to answer all of your burning questions, like how long does it take to resize a ring? And how do you resize a ring larger or smaller? Gottlieb's passion for exquisite jewelry and her keen eye for design make her the perfect guide as we explore wedding ring resizing. Keep reading to see if your bling really needs some adjustment TLC.

In this article:

• Signs You Need Your Engagement Ring Resized
• How Are Engagement Rings Resized?
• Can all rings be resized?
• How Much Does It Cost to Resize a Ring?
• How Long Does It Take to Resize a Ring?
• Where to Get a Ring Resized

Signs You Need Your Engagement Ring Resized

The general rule of thumb is that your ring should slide over your knuckle with a little bit of friction. You should feel resistance and need to apply a little extra force to remove the ring backwards over your knuckle but not too much that is painful or cuts off the circulation. It also shouldn't be so loose that it feels like it could fall off

According to Gottlieb, one common sign to look for is if your engagement ring is spinning on your finger but stubbornly refuses to glide over your knuckle. This means you may need some sizing balls or "shots" inside the shank for stability. These tiny adjustments can work wonders and keep your ring in place, ensuring that it shines on your finger just the way it should.

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On the other hand (pun intended), if your ring puts up a fight when trying to pass your knuckle or seems to have an escape plan of its own, it's a good sign that it might need to be sized up or down. "Generally, you should be able to get your ring on without it hurting or rubbing, and you should need to wiggle and work it a bit over the knuckle to remove it," says Gottlieb. So, if your ring is doing any of the following, it might be time to schedule an appointment with a jeweler to get your ring resized:

• Difficult to Get On and Off: If you struggle to slide your ring past your knuckle or have to twist and turn it to remove it, it might be too tight.
• Constant Twisting: Does your ring constantly rotate on your finger, with the setting ending up on the side? This is a sign that it's not snug enough.
• Feels Loose: If your ring feels loose and you worry about it slipping off, especially when washing your hands or in cold weather, it's too big for your finger.
• Easily Falls Off: If your ring falls off without much effort, it's a clear indication that it's too big and has the potential to become lost.

How Are Engagement Rings Resized?

The process for how to resize a ring, and if it can be done, largely depends on whether you are looking to go larger or smaller. One thing's for sure: Whether you need to make your ring smaller for a more secure feel or bigger for optimal comfort, a professional jeweler should be the only one to help you resize your engagement ring or wedding. TLDR; Don't try this at home! Typically, a ring can be resized one to two sizes bigger or smaller to maintain its integrity but this is more or less dependent on your specific ring design.

How to Resize a Ring Smaller

To resize a ring smaller, the process usually involves cutting the band and removing some metal to achieve the desired size. "If a ring needs to be sized down, the band is cut and metal is removed to make it smaller," says Gottlieb. "The jeweler resolders the band at the point where it was cut and refinishes the band so that the cut mark won't be visible." With this expert technique, your ring can be seamlessly resized to fit your finger like a glove without any visible signs of alteration. It's the perfect solution for keeping your ring securely in place.

How to Resize a Ring Bigger

And what if you need to make your ring bigger? "The reverse would happen to size a ring up, but this time metal is added," says Gottlieb. "If a ring is only marginally too small, it can be gently stretched without cutting the band." So, if your ring is feeling a tad too tight, don't sweat it (literally.) A skilled jeweler can add a small piece of matching metal to the band to resize the ring larger to give you more comfort and wearability.

Can all rings be resized?

While many engagement and wedding rings can be resized to achieve the perfect fit, certain factors can make ring resizing a bit tricky, and it's not the best choice for everyone. Design, stones and ring metal type all play a role in determining whether a ring can be resized or not.

Types of Rings That Can't Be Resized

Eternity Bands: Rings adorned with diamonds or gemstones all the way around, often known as eternity bands, are not intended to be resized. "The only option would be to shave out a bit of metal from the interior of the setting, but not every band design will accommodate this option," says Gottlieb. Basically, the lack of bare metal makes it very difficult to work with.

Tungsten Rings: While they may boast incredible durability and strength, their unyielding nature makes them extremely challenging to resize. Tungsten is quite unforgiving when it comes to alterations, so it's crucial to get the size spot-on when you first select your tungsten ring.

Rose Gold Rings: Proceed with caution when it comes to resizing a rose gold ring. "Rose gold is more vulnerable to damage once a ring is resized," Gottlieb explains. "In general, it's best to avoid resizing a ring up or down more than a full size." Overall, rose gold is beautiful but delicate, so extreme resizing might compromise its integrity.

Titanium Rings: While titanium is known for its remarkable strength and lightweight characteristics, it's also quite resistant to resizing. The nature of titanium makes it difficult to resize it without specialized tools and expertise.

Rings with Tension Settings: These innovative ring designs often feature a stone suspended between the two ends of the ring, creating a stunning floating effect. However, this very feature that makes tension settings so captivating also makes them nearly impossible to resize. Tension settings rely on a specific balance of pressure to hold the stone securely in place, and any resizing could disrupt this delicate equilibrium.

What To Do if Your Ring Can't Be Resized

There are still options to explore if your ring can't be resized. If your ring is too small, you can consider wearing it on a different finger or pairing it with a ring guard or temporary sizing solution to ensure a more comfortable fit. If resizing is not an option and the ring is too large, you can explore the possibility of using sizing beads or an invisible ring guard to secure it in place.

How Much Does It Cost to Resize a Ring?

The average cost of resizing a ring can vary anywhere from $20 to $200, depending on the complexity of the ring. Keep in mind that intricate designs or rings with diamonds or gemstones may require additional work, which could increase the cost. It's always a good idea to consult with a reputable jeweler who can provide you with an accurate quote based on your specific ring and resizing needs.

How Long Does It Take to Resize a Ring?

How long will it take to resize your beautiful ring? "Resizing takes roughly one week, depending on the urgency," says Gottlieb. However, for simpler jobs without diamonds on the band, resizing can be completed in as little as one to two days, according to Gottlieb. Keep in mind that these timelines can vary depending on the jeweler's workload and the complexity of the resizing required. If you have a special event or specific deadline in mind, be sure to communicate that to your jeweler so they can work with you to meet your needs.

Where to Get a Ring Resized

If you need to get your ring resized, it is essential to consult with a reputable jeweler to determine the best course of action. This could be the jeweler you bought your ring from or you can easily search for a jeweler near you using The Knot Vendor Marketplace. Be sure to look for those who have positive reviews and a track record of excellent craftsmanship and customer service. Reading about other couples' experiences can offer valuable insights so that you feel confident and comfortable entrusting them with your precious ring.