Ring resizing – how it works and where to go

Getting a ring that fits perfectly can be a challenge, particularly if the ring is a surprise gift or inherited – but that’s where ring resizing comes in. Jewellers often offer this service to help make a ring smaller or bigger, and while it’s not possible for all rings to be resized, many can be adjusted in this way. Here are our answers to common questions you may have about ring resizing.

Can you get rings re-sized? What rings cannot be resized?

Many rings can be resized, but whether a particular ring can be resized will depend on the type of ring and what it’s made with.

Rings with bands made of metals such as gold and silver are soft enough to be cut and worked back together, whereas some materials (including titanium) are very difficult to work with in this way and so aren’t easy or even possible to resize.

Rings that have stones all the way around them can’t just be resized either, sadly – they can be remade to a different size, but this will be a bigger and more costly project. The same goes for rings that need drastically resizing; those that are more than around two sizes too big or too small will need remaking rather than simply resizing.

Can you resize a ring so it’s bigger?

Bearing in mind the points above about the type of ring, providing the ring is made of a suitable metal and doesn’t have stones all around the band, it should be possible to resize the ring up to around two sizes bigger than it is at present. If the ring needs increasing by more than this amount, a simple resize probably won’t be an option, meaning it will be a bigger and more expensive task to have the ring remade.

Where can I get a ring resized?

Many jewellers offer a ring resizing service. If you know where the ring was purchased from, it’s a good idea to take it back to them for resizing. If you’re not sure where the ring was bought because you can’t quite remember or because it’s vintage or an antique, head to a reputable jeweller for this service.

How is a ring resized?

If a ring needs to be just a touch bigger, the jeweller may be able to stretch the existing band enough for it to fit. Adjusting a ring by a larger amount means it will need to be cut at the back, have some new metal added that matches the type the ring is made of, then the ring will be soldered back together.

If the ring needs to be made smaller in size, the jeweller will need to cut and remove a piece of the metal before soldering it back together again.

By the time you see your resized ring all polished up, whether it’s been made bigger or smaller, you probably won’t notice the difference at all – apart from the fact that it’s now a better and more comfortable fit.

How long does it take and what does it cost to resize a ring?

Both these factors depend on where you take the ring, what the ring is like in terms of its design and materials, and what needs doing to it.

Some jewellers have their own workshops, so the ring won’t need to be sent away to be resized – but if they’re busy, you may still have to wait a week or so.

How much it costs to resize a ring depends on the type of ring, the amount of adjustment and work needed, and how much a particular jeweller charges for their services.

Generally, making a ring smaller is not as expensive as making a ring larger because you’re having a piece of metal removed rather than paying for a new piece of metal to be added.

If you’re needing to have a new piece of metal added to make the ring bigger, the cost will depend on the price of the metal at that particular time, the design of the ring, plus the cost of jeweller’s services.

Other factors that can add to the cost of having a ring resized includes any engraving or design on the ring. If there’s a recurring pattern across the ring you want to retain, this will take extra time and crafting.

When you take your ring to a jeweller to be adjusted in size, they should be able to give you a cost for the work you want done.

Jewellery Insurance

When it comes to more expensive valuables, a standard home insurance policy is unlikely to be suitable. Typically, there will be low monetary limits on items such as jewellery and watches, so in the event of a claim you may not be covered properly. A good broker will help find you a better policy with fewer restrictions and higher limits.

Howden are specialists in finding the right jewellery insurance solution, something you should never have to do on your own. We understand the value of a good policy and will help you protect your passion and investment.

To speak to Howden about insuring your jewellery call 020 8256 4901 or email privateclients@howdeninsurance.co.uk.