Ring Resizing Turnaround Times – Infographic

If you've sent a ring off to get it sized up or down, you might be sitting at home wondering when you're going to get your ring back. Ring resizing turnaround time can vary depending on a number of factors, such as metal type, complexity of design, and the size difference. Read on and check out our infographic to learn more about how long it takes to resize a ring.

Factors that affect ring resizing turnaround time

1. Metal Type
   The type of metal that your ring is made of will affect the overall turnaround time of your ring resizing. Standard precious metals such as silver and gold are very easy to size and can be done in about an hour by the jeweler. However, platinum and palladium take slightly more time due to their unique properties; if sized in a sloppy manner, a line will appear at the area of work. Stainless steel is another matter entirely. This metal is so tough and requires such high heat that most stainless steel rings take at least several days for work. With these pieces, expect a turnaround time of approximately a week for sizing and finishing. Base metals such as brass, copper, and bronze can be difficult to size if the jeweler does not have the type of solder in stock. Since they're atypical metals not commonly used in fine jewelry, it may take longer for the jeweler to resize these items because they will need to wait for soldering supplies to come in. As such, base metal rings may take more than the standard one-business-day turnaround for silver and gold rings.
2. Stone Type
   While most stones such as sapphires, rubies, and diamonds can stand the heat and pressure in the sizing process, some stones cannot tolerate sizing and must be unset and reset. Depending on the ring, the gems that need to be removed and reset can vary from one center stone to several stones, which will lengthen the ring resizing time.
   

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

3. Design Complexity
   Design complexity greatly affects ring resizing turnaround time. The more complex a ring design, the more difficult it is to size it. Rings such as eternity bands, spinner rings, and soldered rings require a substantial amount of work in order to preserve the designs as much as possible. For many of these items, it may take a week or more for the work alone. In addition to these popular styles, rings that contain engravings or milgrain detailing may also need more resizing time because the jeweler will have to restore any details removed during the resizing process. On the flip side, simple designs like a plain solitaire or wedding band are very easy to resize. If the metal is silver or gold, these items will be finished and shipped out the same day.
4. Size Difference
   Most rings that are sized one or two sizes can be quickly finished (if not stainless steel.) However, the larger the size difference, the longer it takes for the ring to be resized. In one instance, we had a client who requested a size difference of four- from a 6 to a 10! Her ring required a lot of careful work, since it was a basket setting with a cameo that we did not want to damage. Her order took a week to complete, but she was very satisfied with the results.
   
5. Finishing
   Rings that are plated, e-coated, oxidized, or enameled will have to get their finishes replaced after the ring resizing process. The cutting of the band and the heat will take off the coloration and expose the metal underneath, leaving a blank spot on one area of the ring. Finishing can substantially increase the ring resizing turnaround time; for instance, plating can take a long time depending on the base metal and the required thickness. Enameling will take at least a week, since the color applied to the surface needs to cure.
6. Shipping
   The work isn't the only thing that affects ring resizing time! After all, you need to consider how long it'll take for the ring to travel back and forth from the repair facility. Standard shipping will take anywhere from one to five days in the US, depending on where you're located. Expedited shipping means that your package will be delivered the next business day.

Ring Resizing Time Examples

• This simple solitaire is white gold, and was easily sized from a size 7 to size 6 in one day! We also gave it a standard coating of rhodium to restore the white gold after work.
  

  A diamond solitaire ring sized down from a 7 to a 6.

• This stainless steel sports ring was sized from a 12 to a 13. Due to its enameling, turnaround time for this particular ring took about a week and a half.
  

  A stainless steel ring before and after sizing.

• This Pandora eternity ring was resized from a 6 to a 5 and required a lot more time due to the removal of stones and shank rebuilding. The ring resizing turnaround time for this piece took approximately a week.
  

With a better understanding of how these factors affect ring resizing turnaround time, you'll be able to estimate how long it takes for you to get your ring back. If you're interested in getting your rings sized, check out our ring sizing services below!

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