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How Many Sizes Can a Ring Be Resized?

Written by Annabelle
December 12, 2019

One of the most popular questions we get from our customers; how many ring sizes can you go up or down? The answer isn’t perfectly straightforward, because it depends on several factors. Read on to find out how many sizes can a ring be resized. 

The Ring Resizing Process

To understand how this works, you’ll need to know how jewelers size rings. The traditional method is to cut into the ring at the back, where it won’t affect the design, and add or remove metal until the ring is the correct size. Then the jeweler solders the cut shut, and polishes it to remove any signs of work. 

ring-sizing-process

A jeweler cutting into the back of a ring.

There are two other methods used for sizing in addition to cutting. One is stretching, which can only be used with plain bands to go up or down a half or full size. The jeweler puts the ring in a specially-designed machine and cranks it to pull out or compress the ring.

The second method is an alternative process that is only used for sizing down. It involves soldering beads or a strip of metal to the interior of the ring in order to fill in the space between the ring and the wearer’s finger. This method is typically used for rings that cannot be sized down via the traditional method. 

ring-resizing-alternative

These stainless steel eternity bands have sizing balls on the interior.

What affects a ring resizing?

Several factors determine how many sizes a ring can be resized.

1. The Design

The design is the most important factor for determining how the ring can be resized. Is it a simple solitaire? Are there channel-set baguettes on the sides? The more complex the design, the more complicated the job as the entire ring will be affected by the bending of the metal in the sizing process. 

how-many-sizes-can-a-ring-be-resized-gold

This elaborate piece was sized from a 6.5 to a 10.

Bands are the easiest to work with, provided that they are plain and do not have any stones set in the design. A plain band can be sized up or down as much as six or seven sizes. 

Solitaire-style rings can also be sized up and down significantly from 4 to 5 sizes, provided that they do not have complicated shoulder designs. The shoulders of the ring are the portions of metal on the left and right of the ring’s design. Plain shoulders will not be significantly affected during the sizing process, but shoulders with stones or intricate metalwork will be damaged as the jeweler needs to bend them in order to size the ring.

ring-resizing-diagram

A diagram with the different portions of a ring labeled.

 

Eternity rings can only be sized on a case-by-case basis, and the original design will be lost if sizing up. They usually can be sized down significantly if using the alternative method of attaching sizing beads or strips to the interior, and sized up to two sizes if you’re willing to break the eternity design. When sized up, a blank patch of metal will be noticeable at the area of work, unless if the jeweler is able to set stones in the location to match the rest of the ring.

Signet rings and class rings pose a unique challenge to the jeweler. While many signet rings are plain looking in construction, with no stones, the flatness of their design will crumple if sized up or down significantly. A skilled jeweler may be able to circumvent this by cutting off the back of the ring and replacing it with a new piece of metal to accommodate the requested size, but this is done on a case by case basis. Class rings can be sized up and down with a 3-5 size difference, but the process may break the center stone, requiring the jeweler to replace it. 

2. The Shank

The back of the ring is called a shank, and it plays a big role in how many sizes your ring can go up. While the jeweler does add a small amount of metal to the shank in order to size up 1 to 2 sizes, a thin shank cannot be sized traditionally as it will be too structurally weak to withstand daily wear after the process. 

In order to size up rings significantly, a half-shank replacement will be necessary after 2.5 to 3 sizes. This process involves cutting off the existing shank, and attaching a new, thicker shank in the correct size. The jeweler matches the replacement shank to the ring’s metal type in order to keep the design consistent. 

The half-shank replacement is a good investment for two reasons. It can help the jeweler to size the ring up to 4-6 sizes larger than the original size, and it strengthens the durability of the ring. In some situations, it’s the only process that can be used to upsize a ring. While costly, its benefits make it a worthwhile investment. 

ring-shank-replacement

Because of its extremely thin shank and cut, this ring received a half-shank replacement.

3. The Stone

Stones and their setting styles can greatly affect a sizing. Certain stones are very brittle and heat-sensitive in nature, such as emeralds, opals, turquoise, and pearls. If prong-set, these stones can be removed and replaced after the sizing process. 

ring-resizing-aquamarine

This beautiful aquamarine ring needed to be unset and reset due to the inclusions in the stone.

However, if stones in your piece are bezel-set or channel-set, that will cause some issues. The jeweler may have to disassemble and rebuild the setting in order to remove the stone, and this can cause damage to the gem. Channel-set stones are usually the most affected during the sizing process, as the bending of the metal will warp the setting.

colored-gemstone-turquoise-rings

These turquoise rings were very difficult to resize, because the stones could not be removed.

 

The Number of Sizes Your Ring Can Go Up or Down

Now that you have some background on what affects a ring resizing, the general rule is that most rings can go up or down two sizes with minimal fuss. However, that’s clearly not a strict guideline, and you can get away with some drastic upsizing or downsizing if your ring’s design allows for it. Many jewelers will usually turn down these jobs because it requires a lot of skill and time, but if you’re prepared to spend a little more to get the right fit, it can be done. Don’t be limited by their initial evaluation; make sure to explore all options by suggesting a half-shank replacement or ring sizing down alternatives. And if you want an assessment from us on how many sizes can a ring be resized, hit us up in the comments below and we can help you out!

242 Comments on “How Many Sizes Can a Ring Be Resized?”

  1. Can a ring be resized from a 4 to 6.75??
    The ring has a center diamond and 6 small diamonds on each side.

  2. I found my dream engagement ring in a pawn shop. I’m wondering if I’ve made a mistake though. The ring is 8.5 size and I need it down to a 4.5! It’s a past present future oval ring. The ovals are made of four pie shaped stones each equaling twelve total stones. The center stones together are around a 1 ct size And the two side clusters are around .5 ct together each. The ring was a great deal and I jumped on it maybe too fast….
    Is there any feasible way to size it down to a 4.5 from an 8.5??

  3. Thanks for the helpful explanation! Is it possible to resize a tall band with many bezel set diamonds? These are only in the front part of the ring, in an intricate grid design. The band is very wide, maybe around 1cm all around the finger. It should go from 20mm to 16.5mm. thank you!

  4. Hi I a. About to buy a 2 ct platinum solitaire engagement ring that is a size n but I am a size s and a half will this work

  5. Hi: Can this size 7 be sized up to a 10 without to much of a problem? Can a 1/2 shank be applied? Thanks.Peter

  6. Here is the side view. Ring is size 7 and I need it to be a size 10. Can it be done?
    Thanks
    Peter

    1. Hi Peter, sorry I just saw this second comment. We should be able to resize this UP for you. This is similar to the shape and size of a class style ring. This would cost around $94 to repair. Here’s a link to place an order if you’d like to move forward with our services. Please let me know if you need any assistance with placing an order. https://quickjewelryrepairs.com/repair/ring-sizing-up/

  7. Hi I need to know if my Anne Louise ring can be sized from a 5 to a 7.5 it has 7 stones on each side too I’m just nervous of buying and diamonds falling out
    I can send pictures

  8. Hey these rings are a 4.5 and I need them sized up to an 8.5. Please tell me if can be accomplished?

  9. These rings are a 4.5 & I need them sized up to 8.5. Please tell me if this can be accomplished? Thank you

  10. Hi I was wondering if my ring could be resized from a 7 to a 6 or 6 1/2. It Has 3 main diamonds with 5 tiny diamonds on each side

    1. Hi There, sadly we cannot resize this ring down. If we sized it down by that much, it would damage and ruin the integrity of the ring. Apologies that we cannot complete this request for you but please keep us in mind for your future repairs!

  11. Hello there. Can this ring be sized down from size 7 to size 3.5? If so about how much would that cost?

  12. The ring I want has to be bought in a size 8 but I’m a size 10.5. The ring has zirconias on half of the band but the bottom is plain. Can it happen?

    1. Hi There, yes definitely! Since there is an area of plain band, we should be able to resize this ring.

    1. Hi There, yes we can size for you but the shank may have to be replaced in order to prevent damage. This will cost around $240. Please let us know if this is something you’d like to move forward with.

  13. How easy would it be to make this ring possibly up to 5 sizes bigger? The stone doesn’t matter as I am having my brothers ashes fitted within a design in resin but I have big hands for a girl size U/V lol

    1. Hi Marie, Rings like this can be very difficult to size due to the stone. The stone may burn during sizing however, we would be able to size this by fully replacing the shank. Since this is a double band style, it will cost around $275 to replace the double shank. Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] if you’d like to place an order for this!

    1. Yes it is but there will be additional fee’s since you’re going down more than 2 sizes! Can you confirm the base metal so I can confirm costs?

  14. Bezel set mabe pearl approx 16.5x 20.0 mm, sz 9, can it be sized down to size5 preferred or sz6 second choice. Set in 925

  15. Hi can I get a ring size 6 made larger to a nine. It has 3 diamonds on the top & 3 on each side

  16. Hiya! Got my eye on my dream bridal set but wondering if it can be sized down from a US 8 to a US 4.5 it has diamonds all down the sides. Can attach photo if necessary 🙂

  17. This ring is a size 6 and it needs to be resized to a 9.5. Can this be done? It is 14K yellow gold

    1. Hi There, we should be able to but the shoulders of the ring may not align right with your finger. Can you tell me what the base metal of the ring is so I can provide repair costs? 🙂

  18. I have a Emmy London diamond tiara gold ring size 7, can I get it resized to size 8.5? Would it distort the design or stone placement?

  19. Would like to know if an eternity band can be resized from a Size 5 to a Size 10. It is white gold.

  20. In letters….not nos… my ring is an o…very big hands, I need to go to a v is this possible with a new shank fitted please?

  21. Hello. I have an 18k rose gold diamond ring that I would like to enlarge 3 sizes (US 3.5 to a 6.5). I am including photos. If anyone has information on this, please contact me.

  22. Can a size 8 heart shaped Diamond engagement ring .with 5 diamond on each be down sized to a size 6

  23. My wife wants this ring it is size 7, I want to have it resized to size 9 can it be done with minimal change to ring.

  24. Could a 4 1/2 be sized up to a 9 1/2 the ring has one center prong and channels with 3 stones on both sides of it

    1. Hi Isaiah, We’ll need to see photos of the ring before we can confirm sizing! We’ll reach via email. 🙂

    1. Hi Stacy, We can definitely size this ring for you! We’ll reach out via email with further details. 🙂

  25. I need a size 7 ring to be cut down to size 3.75…..why am I having so much difficulty getting the store to do that?

    1. Hi Jennifer, depending on the style of the ring, not all rings can be sized down by 4 sizes. We may be able to help you with this so we’ll reach out via email with further details!

    1. Hi Alex, we should be able to size this for you but I would suggest stone tightening after sizing. We’ll reach out via email with further details.

  26. I bought a ring that has been sized to a 6 and half and I need it to be a 9 and a half is it possible

  27. I have a 46 year old 10K class ring. The shank is worn and recently cracked. Can you repair the shank and increase the ring size?

    1. Hi Jim, we’ll reach out via email with further details on our shank repair and sizing service!

  28. Hi, fell in love with this ring but unfortunately it’s a size R (8.5). Would it be possible to resize to size I (4.5) without too much damage? Material is 18ct white gold.
    Currently have a temporary bridge on to allow me to wear it

  29. hi! i’m interested in purchasing a ring that’s a bit chunky. the front is a square with 3×3 cz stones. i want it to go from a 8.5 to a 5.5. is this possible?

  30. I have a diamond ring that is probably about 125 years old. It was my moms aunt. I am getting married in November of this year. I love the ring, but it is small. I am thinking it may need to be resized up about 3. Not sure if this can be done…

    1. Hi Renoski, Not all rings can be sized by 5 sizes. We’ll reach out via email to request photos!

  31. Hi, id like advice on this ring please, if i buy it ill need to have it reduced by two and a half sizes. The general rule of thumb is no more then two sizes but will that extra half a size really weaken the ring that much?? Please see attached screenshot of the ring in question.

  32. Bought a ring size 7 need a 91/2 but was told they can not do it. So I did find the same ring in a size 8 and would like it be a size 91/2, do you think it can be done?

  33. This ring is a European size 58 and I need a 50. It’s very old. Late 1800 ring. Made of 9 carrot rose and white gold. It is possible?? Thanks!

  34. Hi
    I have 5/6 rings that need dramatic 4 size increase. They are all 925 Sterling Silver. A local jeweller won’t do them as he said the increase was too large

  35. Hi all, I am a woman but have have had very big fatty fingers since I was little. I’ve always wanted some gold and silver gemstone rings but never have been able to find anything remotely close to my size. Most sizes here in Australia go up to a 7 or 8 or sometimes 9 and I am a size 12.5 or 13 depending on the finger. How could I ever get something to fit someone like me? I was looking at getting a 14 carrot gold ring and a silver ring ( old cut cushion style) which I may be able to get in a size 9 if I’m lucky, however it seems this is impossible to size up by so much? All the jewellery alternation stores I have contacted have said this is impossible and my only option would be to get a mens ring (none of which appeal to me) Has anyone else had this issue? I’m aware my circumstance is unique but has anyone dealt with this before ?

    1. Hi Mia, thank you for sharing your experience! I’ve reached out via email to discuss potential solutions 🙂

    1. Hi Rebecca, thank you for your inquiry – this shouldn’t be a problem at all, I’ve replied directly via email 🙂

    1. Sizing this piece from 6.5 to 10.0 should be no problem at all! I’ve followed up with next steps via email 🙂

    1. Thank you for the additional photo – the second one showing the bottom (or “palm”) of the ring is especially helpful as stones or patterning in this area can complicate the repair. Based on the photos provided, sizing this piece from 7.75 to 10.50 will be no problem for our jewelers. I’ve followed up via email with next steps 🙂

  36. Hi,
    I bought this for my wife it is a size P and she is a size K. We have been told it cannot be resized is this true?

    1. That is not our assessment in fact! The only issue of note is that the settings will loosen with the change of shape, however these can easily be tightened following resizing. I’ve followed up with next steps via email 🙂

  37. Hi I can’t find this ring anywhere else and it’s a 9 but I’m a 12.75-13. Is it possible to upsize this ring if I don’t care about the design underneath? Its sterling silver w gray sapphires on top.

    1. Sizing this ring up should pose no special problems – I’ve followed up with next steps via email 🙂

    1. Hi Julie, thank you for the photos! We’ll have no trouble sizing up this design 2.0 sizes – I’ve followed up with next steps via email 🙂

    1. While this is a substantial sizing, it may be possible depending on the design! I’ve followed up via email for specifics 🙂

  38. Can you down size a ring from size 7 to size 3? It’s a 4 prong emerald with smaller diamonds on the top half of the band?

    1. This will depend on the ring’s design – I’ve followed up with next steps to assess your ring for sizing via email 🙂

    1. Ooh, this is right on the cusp! I’ve followed up via email for additional details – the side stones may be disrupted in the sizing, but we can likely get around this by tightening the settings following sizing 🙂

  39. Can a solitaire rose gold ring be sized from a 5 3/4 to 6 with no damage? I heard rose gold cannot be resized…

    1. We have no concerns with rose gold – it’s not totally unexpected feedback, due to the relative brittleness of, especially, 18k rose gold, but we’re set up to solder & polish almost any rose gold alloy 😉 I’ve followed up directly with next steps via email!

    1. Hi, Ruth! We’d love to assist you further with resizing your class ring. We’ll reach out shortly with the next steps via email 🙂

  40. Hello, so I have a size 8.5 and I want to resize it down to a 5.5 the issue is that it’s a half eternal with small diamond gemstones that can be taken out.

  41. Dear Annabelle,
    I am hesitating in buying a ring for my wife. The size is 5.5 and her current rings are more around 6 or 6.5.
    Do you think you would be able to resize it ?
    I can send you a picture by email.
    Thanks

    1. Hi, Alain. Sizing rings is definitely right up our alley! We sent you an email for further instructions for us to assist you. 🙂

    1. Hi Alana, thank you so much for commenting on our post 🙂 We’d love to help you with your sizing request. I reached out via email with the next possible steps!

    1. Hi Pam, thank you so much for commenting on our post 🙂 We’d love to help you with your concern. I reached out via email with the next possible steps!

    1. Hi Kate, thank you so much for your comment. I’d love to assist. I reached out via email for the next steps. 🙂

    1. Hi Rebekah, thank you so much for your comment! We’d love to help you out. I reached out via email to help you with your sizing concern!

  42. Hi I need some help to understand if my engagement ring can be resized. My finance has got a size N, whereas I am I. So, that will be more than 2 sizes down. Is that possible? Please help. 😫
    If needed I can share a picture of the ring.

    1. Hi Spriha, thank you so much for commenting! I reached out via email to help you with your engagement ring 🙂

  43. I’m looking at a gold bad that has cluster diamonds the full way around it. It is size P but I would need it down to a size L. I am wondering if it is possible?

    1. Hi Aoibhín, thank you so much for your comment! We’d love to help you out. I reached out via email to help you out. 🙂

  44. I have a ring with baguettes on each side of center stone. The ring is a size 8, I need it sized to a 4.5. The jeweler told me it could not be done because the baguettes would pop out. I was told my only option would be to purchase a new setting. Can this ring be sized down so drastically?

    1. Hi Cherie, we’d love to take a look at your ring! I reached out via email to help you further. 🙂

    1. Hi Joan! Thanks for commenting 🙂 Flexible rings, often made from materials like silicone or stretchable bands, generally cannot be resized in the traditional way like metal rings. Their design allows them to naturally adjust to a range of sizes, but if you need a significantly larger size, it would be necessary to purchase a new ring in the correct size. For rings made with stretchable components like chains or woven links, altering them can definitely be complex

  45. Hi there. I’m really interested in this ring, but it is currently a US size 12, and I’ll need it reducing to 7.5. Is that possible please?

    1. Hey Nick, thank you so much for commenting on our post! We reached out via email to help you with your query further. 🙂

    1. Hi Albert, thank you so much for commenting on our post! We reached out via email to help you with your query further. 🙂

  46. Hello, I was wondering if you could tell me if this ring in a size US 11 can be re-sized to a 9.25? I believe the ring has a total of 9 diamonds. Guessing half eternity?
    Thank you
    Kevin OBrien

    1. Hi Kevin! Thanks for commenting on our post 😀 We reached out via email to assist you with your ring 🙂

  47. Hi, I was looking to buy this ring, but I wasn’t too sure if this filigree ring could be resized. It’s a size 8 and I am a size 4, do you think this can be resized without deforming the ring? Much appreciated!

  48. Hello I recently purchased a new wedding band set and didn’t realize I would have such a hard time getting it sized. The Ring is a 10 1/2 and I need a 6 1/2 is this possible?

    1. Hi there! Thank you so much for commenting. Sizing from a 10 1/2 to a 6 1/2 might affect the integrity of the ring and the settings for the stone but we’d love to take a closer look! We reached out via email to help you out.

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