How Long Does It Take To Get A Ring Resized? [What To Expect]

There is nothing worse than ordering a ring only to find out at a later date that it does not fit. It does not matter whether the ring was ordered at the wrong size, or whether over time the ring no longer fits, either way, you will want to get it adjusted so that it fits you just right. Besides, a ring that does not fit on or slips off altogether just will not do. But if you were to hire the services of a jeweler to help make the change, how long can you expect to wait? I decided to spend some time researching and would like to share with you what I found here today.

So, how long does it take to get a ring resized? It typically takes between 3 days to 7 days for a ring to be resized. However, the total amount of time it takes will depend on the ring material, the type/style/complexity of the ring, and the jeweler that you are working with. Some rings can even take up to 4 weeks to be resized, whereas others may not be able to be resized altogether.

Rings are essential sentimental pieces and it is soon disheartening to find out it does not fit – being either too big or too small. Thankfully, getting a ring resized should not be too much of a challenge for an experienced and reputable jeweler.

Let us now take a closer look at those commonly asked questions related to the topic. We will begin with your options for resizing and what is typically involved.

We will then look at those other important pieces of information such as where you should look to get your ring resized, how much you can expect it to cost, and then cover questions such as whether resizing can cause damage.

So, be sure to keep on reading or click the useful links below to find out exactly what you need to know!

How Does Resizing A Ring Work?

Rings can be resized both up and down. So in other words they can be made larger (if they no longer fit on your finger), or they can be made smaller if they are too big and slip off.

Either way, the process is largely the same for both. The main difference is whether there is a removal of some metal, depending on the sizing you want done.

Upsizing A Ring

The process of making a ring larger is actually the more complicated of the two. Various different methods can be used depending on the experience of the jeweler and the size change of the ring required.

Stretching of the band is commonly used for small ring upsizes, whereas cutting is more commonly used for larger upsizes.

At the end of either process, the jeweler will look to ensure the ring is the correct original shape and will polish and clean the ring.

Downsizing A Ring

A more simple process typically involves cutting a small portion of the ring before soldering back together. This is essentially a process of fusing two ends of metal.

Again following any work, cleaning and polishing take place to make the ring look its best.

Where To Get Your Ring Resized

One of the best and recommended places to go to get your ring resized is the jeweler in which you bought the ring. Typically, they will have worked on the ring before, understand the spec, and have all that they need to do the resizing without a hiccup.

If the ring you have just purchased is brand new, you may even find that a ring resize comes included in the initial purchase price.

If they have a jeweler on site who can undertake the resizing it will likely come back and be ready even faster (as opposed to being sent away and having to be sent back).

However, we understand that going back to the original jeweler is not always possible or even feasible.

In this instance, it is advised that you seek out a reputable local jeweler or one that comes with a referral from a friend or family member.

Depending on the type of ring will ultimately depend on whom you go with. By and large-paying more is usually better.

Nevertheless is essential you do your research and due diligence ahead of time. Look out for reviews, ask to see some of their previous work, etc.

It comes highly recommended to avoid going the cheap route.

How Much Does It Cost To Get A Ring Resized?

Getting a ring resized can cost anywhere from $25-$400. It depends entirely on the type of ring, the material it is made of, the complexity of the style and the experience of the jeweler.

Generally, you can expect to pay slightly more for a ring upsize compared to a downsize, due to it being a slightly more difficult procedure that will require a bit more skill and time on the part of the jeweler.

Of course, these are average and typical prices. What you may be quoted can differ depending on where you live and the jewelers you have in your area.

If you do not have any jewelers locally and need to travel, you will need to factor in any transportation costs too.

Here are the main factors that impact the total cost of a ring adjustment:

• Ring resize request – whether to be made small or larger.
• Thickness of the ring – which impact the amount of material that needs to be used.
• If any, and the type of stones – which may require resetting and further alterations.
• Type of metal used for the band – impacting the ease of resizing and what the jeweler may need to source and use.

Does Resizing A Ring Damage It?

Resizing a ring should not generally cause any damage.

However, and that being said, the damage is definitely possible, especially when we consider that this is a manual process that involves delicacy and human work.

Yet and for the most part, a reputable and experienced jeweler who only needs to make a small adjustment to a ring size (a few up or down), should not cause any damage to the ring.

The exception, however, is if you want your ring resized multiple sizes. This is when there is an increase in damage.

Other factors that can increase the likelihood of damage include the style of the ring and the complexity of any stones or features.

One other thing to consider is that when a ring is resized, there is a part of the ring that does naturally becomes slightly weaker. This is where the ring was cut and soldered back together.

Its also worth noting that this is usually done at the bottom of the ring, which naturally is put through the most stressful and wears.

Putting pressure on this can cause breakage (if severe enough) and if the quality of the ring metal is of a cheaper material.

However, if you go through a reputable jeweler, who resizes properly and appropriately, and you have an expensive ring made of high-quality metals, this risk is drastically reduced.

What Rings Cannot Be Resized

Unfortunately, not all rings can be resized.

While it is true that platinum, white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold rings can all be safely resized, not all metals can be.

Below we highlight the main ones:

• Tungsten, Steel or Titanium rings: Rings made of any one of these materials cannot be resized due to the structure of the metal; they are just too difficult to work with. This is why you will find that most male wedding bands cannot be resized, as they are often made of these materials.
• Channel Set rings. These are rings which have a stones set with metal either side. The stone can be diamond or other. In some circumstances these can be resized, but this is not common as there can be issues with misalignment if the jeweler was to go ahead.
• Tension rings: As the name suggests, this is a ring where tension (or pressure) hold a gemstone firmly in place, as opposed to prongs. This create a suspension affect, where it looks as if nothing is holding the gemstone in place. For this reason, tension rings cannot be resized, because the structure becomes too weak to support the gemstone.
• Eternity bands: have stones alongside the entire circumference of the ring; leaving no place for the jeweler to make a cut and do their work.

At the end of the day and if you are not sure, take your ring into several reputable jewelers and see whether or not they would advise that work be done.

Review and paperwork you got with the ring (if you still have it), and do some research online about the type of ring you have.

How Should A Ring Fit?

A ring that is the right size for you should fit snugly, while also being comfortable and restful.

You should be able to slide it along your finger without too much pressure, yet it should not be able to easily come off your finger.

If there is no resistance as you try to take the ring off, it’s too big.

At the same time, a ring should not be too tight that you cannot get it off, or it cuts into your finger in any way. If circulation is cut or your finger starts to change color, then it is definitely too small.

One thing to consider is that your fingers will change in size depending on the season, weather, climate, and other factors such as pregnancy.

It is a known fact that fingers swell in the summer and when hands are warm. Equally, rings can and will feel looser in the winter as your fingers become colder.

You need to consider both seasons when it comes to your ring size.

A jeweler will be able to measure your finger in-store with a ring measurement device. They’ll also be able to advise on what will be best for you.

Finally

Getting a ring resized shouldn’t take too long, nor should it be too complicated for your jeweler.

That being said, the type of ring you want resizing, the style, the metal, and the complexity will all have an impact on the time it takes and what you can ultimately expect.

If we can offer you any final last pieces of advice it would be to do your research and due diligence on your ring ahead of time.

First, identify if a ring resize is possible, make sure you are committed to a resize for the long-term, and make sure you find a reputable jeweler who has a lot of experience and you can be confident in.

Other ring-related size guides you may want to check out:

• How Many Times Can You Resize A Ring? [All You Need To Know]
• Does 1/2 A Ring Size Make A Difference?