What You Should Know About Ring Resizing
If you have a ring that doesn’t fit properly, whether it’s an engagement ring or just a special piece, your best option is to have it professionally resized. If it’s too loose, you risk having it fall off and losing it, or if it’s too small, you may not be able to wear it at all right now without tugging it over your knuckles or being uncomfortable. Ring resizing is offered by most jewelers and will effectively fit your ring to your finger perfectly. We’re here to help answer some commonly asked questions about ring resizing and what you can expect.
Can Any Ring Be Resized?
As long as the ring is made of precious metal, such as gold, silver, or platinum, most rings can be resized. However, if it’s made of wood, quartz, or another non-metal material, it likely cannot be resized. There are a few other specific types of rings, such as full eternity bands with gemstones all the way around. Since there is no bare metal to work with, these rings are not as simple to resize. But in certain situations depending on the size and shape of the gemstones, a size adjustment may be possible.
How Much Does Ring Resizing Cost?
The cost of ring resizing will vary greatly depending on the simplicity or intricacy of the work. There are several factors to take into consideration, from the type of metal, to how many sizes it needs to be altered, to the changes needed to the ring’s design. For example, if gemstones need to be moved or readjusted during the resizing project, this is a more involved process that’ll require more tools and materials. Similarly, yellow gold is relatively easy to resize, while platinum will require special tools and a high melting point, resulting in more work. Due to these different factors, there is no set price list for ring resizing. Bringing your ring in for a consultation to examine the scope of work with a jeweler is the best way to determine a price for your specific resizing needs. At Bostonian Jewelers, we use laser welding technology, so we're able to size and weld metals like platinum without heat distribution, keeping gemstones safe from heat damage
How Long Does it Take to Have a Ring Resized?
Typically, at most jewelers, ring resizing can be done in approximately one to two weeks. Just like the cost factors, more intricate projects can take longer, while simpler projects will be quicker. The ring’s thickness, placement of gemstones, and detailing will all play a role in how long the resizing will take to complete. However, Bostonian Jewelers offers same day sizing and alteration services. We require an appointment to be scheduled in advance for this service.
Sizing Up
If you need to go up in size, this is a more involved process for the jeweler, as they’ll have to stretch the metal or add additional metal to the ring. Stretching the ring is only an option when the ring needs to be about a half size bigger, and usually with as anything more can weaken the ring. Typically, jewelers will opt for a method that includes heating up and cutting the band, and adding more metal to form and bridge and solder the ring back together. This process may sound scary for your precious pieces, but after they’re cleaned and polish, you won’t even know the difference! Particularly with Bostonian's laser welding process, due to no solder being used during the welding procedure, it leaves a homogenous solder free surface.
Sizing Down
With ring resizing, jewelers will usually heat up the ring and cut off a small piece of the band. Then, they’ll solder the two ends together to make it a perfect circle again. Making a ring smaller is often an easier process than sizing up.
Contact Bostonian Jewelers
If you have a special ring that needs to be resized, you can feel confident leaving it in the hands of the expert craftsman at Bostonian Jewelers! We’ll treat your pieces with the utmost care, and have the tools, technology, and experience necessary to perform precise ring resizing and have the final product look just like the day you purchased it! Contact us today to setup a consultation for ring resizing in Boston MA!