You found the perfect platinum diamond ring but there’s one problem: it doesn’t fit. This problem happens all too often as there are several factors that cause a ring to fit too loosely, like seasonal changes and weight fluctuations being the top two culprits.
If your beloved ring doesn’t fit securely on your finger, do not take the chance on wearing loose jewelry. Professional ring resizing ensures that your ring will not only fit comfortably, but keep its financial and aesthetic value for years to come.
Understanding Ring Sizing Basics
Finding your ideal ring size comes from measuring the circumference of your ring finger or the one you plan to wear the ring on. This measurement is recorded in millimeters and then recast into a numerical or alphabetical size.
The best way to find your ring size is to use a ring gauge with a mandrel or ring stick. Ring gauges are made with sample ring sizes for you to slide your finger into until you find your fit. After finding your fit on the ring gauge, you use that size to slide onto the mandrel to find the numerical or alphabetical size for your final measurement.
How to Know When Your Ring Needs Resizing
You never have to wonder whether it’s time to get your ring resized. There are obvious signs such as the ring fitting too tight or too loosely, the ring falling off your finger effortlessly, or if you see the ring causing circulation issues.
Proper ring sizing should feel comfortable on your finger. The ring should fit snug without being too tight or uncomfortable. It should also have a secure fit to where the ring stays in place and doesn’t slide off your finger with every movement.
If your ring doesn’t feel this way, then professional ring resizing is definitely in order.
Ring Size Variations and Seasonal Changes
One important aspect about ring sizes to note is that you may experience changes in fit when the weather changes. That’s because your fingers are prone to swelling during the hotter months and shrinking in the colder months. In the summer, you may experience a slight tightness of the ring, with a looser feeling in the winter.
It can be challenging to find a ring that will fit all days of the year, but there are products available to keep your ring secure whenever there’s a seasonal change. Products like ring adjusters act as a helpful insert that fits between your ring and finger to keep it in place.
But, if you want the best help at finding the perfect fit all year round, consult a fine jewelry expert who can help you discover the ideal ring size for everyday wear.
Professional Methods to Make a Ring Smaller
However, there are times when a ring is just truly too big. The wrong size was purchased from the start and you’re feeling it no matter what season it is because it keeps falling off your finger.
No, this doesn’t mean you have to order a brand new ring. You can take the fine piece to a professional jeweler who uses specialized tools and techniques to make a ring smaller.
Specialized Techniques for Different Ring Styles
Different ring styles require different techniques to ensure the beauty and aesthetics of your ring stay in place. Simple bands have the simplest technique for resizing. To make a ring smaller, the jeweler will use cutting and soldering tools to cut a portion of the ring off before soldering it back together. To increase a ring’s size, there’s a reverse process. Metal is added to the band instead of cut out.
If your ring sports a luxurious, craftsmanship style such as intricate designs or settings, has gemstones or is an initial ring, the process is more complex. Sometimes it’s even impossible to alter exquisitely detailed rings because it would jeopardize the aesthetics. In this case, it’s extremely important to allow a professional jeweler to observe the ring’s design and ensure that the proper alteration is made.
If a jeweler can modify your investment piece, then the process is more time consuming because of the meticulous attention to detail the jeweler will have to have. This can potentially increase the cost of the resize for the time, effort, and modifications the jeweler will have to make.
DIY Temporary Solutions vs. Professional Resizing
We understand that you value your priceless heirloom-quality ring, but not all DIY solutions are a long-term fix for ring resizing. While they may work temporarily, having your fine jewelry resized by an expert jeweler is the best option to enjoy your fine piece for a lifetime.
Temporary Ring Size Adjusters and Their Limitations
To wear your valuable ring before it gets professionally resized, you can use what’s called a ring adjuster for the time being. Ring adjusters work by acting as a silicone wedge that fits between your finger and the ring to keep it in place.
It may seem like a smart solution for the problem, but it shouldn’t be used long-term. Ring adjusters might not work for intricate ring styles and they may even slip off from time to time. Because of this, it’s important to use for a small span of time before getting your ring professionally resized.
When to Avoid DIY Ring Sizing Methods
How do you know when you should avoid ring sizers? Well, there are a couple of factors to consider. First, determine how intricate your ring is. Simple ring bands with little to no designs fit best with ring adjusters. If your ring is an antique or made with gemstones like emeralds, rubies, and sapphires with specific settings, you should also skip the DIY method and go straight to the jeweler.
The Investment Value of Professional Resizing
Trusting experienced professionals to alter your valuable fine jewelry is key to enjoying your pieces for life. Not only does professional ring resizing ensure your ring has a proper, comfortable fit, but it also ensures that your ring is resized properly to preserve (and enhance) its stunning aesthetic.
Having a professional jeweler resize your ring also prevents the ring from becoming lost, especially if the ring is too large. A well-fitting ring will not slip off your finger like a loose ring will, and you’re more able to wear and enjoy your ring without worrying about losing it.
Special Considerations for Different Ring Types
Different ring types may require special considerations for a professional resize.
Resizing Eternity Bands and Pavé Rings
Do you have an eternity band or pavé ring with an abundance of gemstones? You might experience some challenges for a resize. These styles of rings require precise changes within their settings while resizing the band to keep the gems from falling out. In order to properly adjust the ring, you may be required to take a few stones out.
Vintage and Antique Ring Sizing Challenges
Some vintage and antique rings – especially those made with intricate designs – also see resize challenges. Depending on the scope of your resize needs, you may run into the risk of damaging the aesthetic or metal from the adjustments.
These valuable rings must be evaluated by an experienced jeweler in order to determine the best method for resizing so the ring’s beauty and age stays intact.
Adjusting Tension-Set and Complex Designs
Rings with tension settings and complex designs, like bypass or infinity rings, require special evaluation by an expert jeweler for resizes. Some of these rings may not be eligible for a resize because it would damage the integrity of the ring.
Metal-Specific Considerations (Platinum, Gold, Silver)
Even if your ring is simple in design, the type of metal it contains can pose a hardship for how much of an alteration you’re able to make with a resize. Platinum, for instance, is harder than gold and it has a higher melting point. Gold is the easiest metal to resize because it’s very malleable. Silver can also easily be resized but the challenges come from the condition of the metal and design of the ring overall.
Caring for Your Newly Resized Ring
Having your ring resized is not the only way to care for your precious jewelry. There are other maintenance requirements to follow once you get your ring back to enjoying wearing your heirloom-quality piece and preserve it for longevity.
Breaking In Period After Resizing
Freshly resized rings will feel like a brand new pair of shoes. There’s the breaking in period to become used to the adjustment of the new fit.
While there’s no set time as to how long the breaking-in period should last, it’s recommended that you wear your ring frequently to become used to the fit that may cause you to feel slight discomfort in the beginning.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Perfect Fit
To keep your newly resized ring preserved for long-time use, there are a few maintenance tips we recommend following. The first is to consult with a jeweler prior to purchasing a ring to determine the best way to manage ring size changes during seasonal and weight fluctuations. They can lead you to the proper fit the first time around to diminish the possibility of a resize later on.
Next we suggest you monitor the changes in the fit of your ring. As we mentioned, it’s important to expect a tighter fit in the summer months and a looser fit in the winter months. But if you feel like your ring is becoming too tight or too large from weight fluctuations that aren’t related to the weather, then you may want to consider proper evaluation.
When to Consider Re-evaluating Your Ring Size
Do you have a ring that’s feeling too tight or loose these days? Sounds like it’s time to reconsider your ring size. While external factors like seasonal and weight changes can affect the fit of the ring, these are temporal and not as severe as a ring that’s genuinely too tight or too large for your finger.
If you have a ring that’s causing circulation problems or falling off your finger effortlessly, then we highly suggest consulting with a trusted jeweler like the experts at Ferko’s for a professional resize.
Resizing your ring is the key to a comfortable fit and enjoying your ring for decades without the possibility of losing it.