Ring Resizing Alternatives

Whether it's about to fall off your finger (or amputate it) it's time to face facts; you can't wear a certain ring anymore. So you take it to a jeweler, and then you hear the words:

“This cannot be sized.”

But wait- before you begin to wail about your ring, check out these alternative sizing options that might help you out.

Why Can't My Ring Be Resized?

This is a question most people will ask when the jeweler tells them their ring is not sizeable. What the jeweler actually means is that the ring cannot be sized via the traditional method, which involves cutting the back of the ring open and either taking out or adding metal.

Here are a few reasons as to why this might be the case:

• Your ring has a pattern all around the band: The pattern will be disrupted at the part where the jeweler cuts into it, causing a noticeable distortion of the pattern or creating a blank patch of metal.

• Your ring has an inlay all around the band: An inlay is a design created by embedding another material into a base. The inlay can be made from semi-precious stones, metal, wood, ceramic, and other materials. Cutting into a ring with inlay will destroy the inlay and possibly affect the overall structural integrity of the ring.

• Your ring has a finish on it: A ring that is treated with coloration cannot be sized normally, since the heat of the regular sizing process can visibly affect and even damage the color on the ring.

•  Your ring is made from a non-traditional material, such as tungsten or ceramic carbide: Many jewelers do not have the ability to work with anything other than silver, gold, and platinum. Other jewelers such as Quick Jewelry Repairs will have the ability to size tougher metals, such as stainless steel. However, tungsten and ceramic carbide rings are extremely tough to work with and cannot be resized by normal means.

• You're sizing up/down too many sizes for the ring's design: The number of sizes a ring can move up or down is dependent on the ring's design. Within reason, our jewelers have successfully sized rings up and down with a difference of 4 sizes from the original. If your ring's design is complex, it will prevent you from substantially sizing the ring.

What Are The Ring Resizing Alternatives?

Ring resizing alternatives come into play when your ring is not sizeable through cutting. Each of these options modify the ring without causing damage to the exterior design. All of these alternatives are for sizing down only; there are no alternatives to sizing up. In addition, these methods can only be applied to conventional jewelry metals such as silver, stainless steel, gold, and platinum. They will not work with rings made out of tungsten or ceramic carbide.

• Sizing Balls/Beads: Tiny balls, usually made from sterling silver, are soldered to the inside of the ring to fill in the gap between your finger and the ring. While this is a relatively cheaper option compared to other alternatives, some people find the beads to be uncomfortable.
• Speed Bumps: A modified version of the sizing balls, designed to enhance comfort. Instead of tiny beads, the speed bumps are smoother and rounder pieces of metal that are adhered to the inside of the ring.

• Sizing Lining: The most expensive and permanent method for alternative ring resizing. The ring is lined with a layer or strip of metal (usually sterling silver) to size the ring down. Because it covers most of the ring's interior, the lining is very comfortable for the wearer.

• Ring Guard: A thin, removable strip of metal is wrapped around the back of the ring. While this method is fairly inexpensive and easy to apply, it can be uncomfortable. In addition, it can scratch the back of the ring due to shifting around.

If you've experienced any issues with resizing your ring, see what alternatives we can provide for you by getting in touch with us today!