Resizing a ring is a delicate process. Depending on whether the ring is resized up or down, there is a specific procedure for each.

Sizing Up:

If the adjustment is slight, and the ring in question is a relatively simple piece, sizing it up can be done by either shaving the inside of the shank to increase the circumference or by stretching the band. Note that both of these techniques are limited concerning the size increase they can produce - the goal here is to make minor adjustments that are enough to bring a snug fit but not so much to jeopardize the structural integrity of the ring.

For more significant size increases, the go-to technique involves cutting the band and inserting a new piece of metal between the two ends. After the cut is made, a new piece of metal is carefully added between the ends and soldered together. The piece is then polished and cleaned to ensure a smooth, even finish, seamlessly blending the new metal with the original band.

Sizing Down:

The process of making a ring smaller is a bit different. Here, a small segment of the ring’s band is removed to reduce its size. Once removed, the ends are brought together and soldered together. After soldering, the ring is polished to remove any visible seams, making it appear as though the band was never altered.

Generally speaking, we recommend limiting the resizing of a ring to two sizes up or down. This ensures that the ring keeps its structural integrity and original design. When a ring is resized outside of this range, there are some risks that can come with it, such as the band becoming weak, the setting becoming distorted, stones becoming loose, or the ring losing its overall shape.

We can resize rings of nearly all different types. There are some rings of different metals and settings, however, that may prove challenging, if not impossible altogether such as tungsten rings. Due to their hardness, resizing them is not possible. Similarly, rings with particular stone settings, like the tension setting where the gemstone is “set” by the pressure of the shank, cannot be resized.

If you’re unsure about the resizing possibilities of your ring, we invite you to get in touch with our team for a complimentary consultation to see what’s possible.

In most cases, there will be no discernable traces of a ring resizing procedure. For sizing up and down, we are sure to use solder and alloys that closely match the original metal, so if there’s any notice of a mark, it will be faint and often unnoticeable without a close inspection.

In any case, prior to your resizing project, we will be sure to outline what to expect.

Most resizing projects take a week or less. For more comprehensive resizing projects, such as those seen in rings with delicate settings, or that include gemstones, lead times can be longer.

If you’re on a specific time frame, contact our team to see how we may best accommodate you.