How Much Does It Cost To Get a Ring Resized?
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Summary:
When you need to get a ring resized, there are a number of factors that can influence the price. The ring size, type of metal, ring thickness, and complexity of the ring’s design elements all play a role in both the time it will take to resize the ring and the cost of the service. Additionally, one of the biggest factors in determining ring resizing cost is whether the ring needs to be upsized or downsized: on average, making a ring larger will cost more than making a ring smaller.
A well-fitting, attractive ring can serve a multitude of purposes: a fashion statement, a symbol of love, a token of remembrance, etc. Because a ring can serve such a prominent role in your life, it’s important that it not only looks good but also fits well.
If your ring doesn’t fit as well as it should, you can have it resized. This service is offered by most jewelers and can be a fairly easy process if the work needed is minimal. Ring resizing can also be an expensive task, however, so it’s important to weigh all the pros and cons before deciding whether it’s the best course of action for you and your jewelry.
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Why you may need to resize a ring
A properly-fitting ring is snug on your finger but not too tight, allowing you enough room to slide it on and off when needed. Since your fingers become larger and smaller over time, your rings might not fit as well as they once did.
If your ring slides around your finger with no resistance, then it’s likely too big. If you can’t move your ring around your finger at all, or if it feels uncomfortable when you try to pull it off or put it on, then it’s too small. In either case, you may want to consider resizing your ring.
Types of ring resizing
There are two main types of ring resizing: upsizing and downsizing. Regardless of whether you’re making your ring larger or smaller, both types of resizing require cutting. Upsizing will involve inserting metal into the ring, while downsizing will involve removing metal.
Ring downsizing
Ring downsizing is a relatively simple process compared to ring upsizing. To make a ring smaller, the jeweler cuts out a small portion of the band, then joins the pieces of the ring back together. The ring is then soldered, a common process in metalwork in which the separate joints of two pieces of metal are fused together in a thin layer.
After the ring is soldered, the jeweler cleans and polishes it to smooth the surface and remove any antioxidants from the soldering. This whole process can take as little as ten minutes, though it depends on the design of the ring, the material it’s made from, and the setting of the stones.
Ring upsizing
Ring upsizing is a more intricate and detailed process than ring downsizing, and therefore it can take considerably longer to complete. Some jewelers may try to stretch the metal of the ring if it only needs to be taken down a half size, but this is generally not recommended.
To make a ring larger, most jewelers cut the band on the ring’s shank and fill the gap by adding a bridge of whatever metal the ring is made of. They will then set the ring back in place, typically through soldering.
Types of metals that rings are made of
The type of metal a ring is made of is an important factor in determining the cost of resizing. Here’s a list of the metals typically used to make rings, ranked from least to most expensive.
| Metal | Ring Resizing |
|---|---|
| Yellow gold | Yellow gold is one of the easiest and least expensive metals to resize. However, gold prices can be volatile, so the cost of resizing can fluctuate. |
| Sterling silver | Sterling silver is simple to work with and easy to resize. It’s also one of the least expensive metals. |
| White gold | White gold requires the rhodium plating to be reapplied and refinished, which is why its ring resizing cost is more expensive than that of sterling silver or yellow gold. |
| Rose gold | Rose gold is difficult — and thus more expensive — to work with, as it has the potential to crack during the resizing process. |
| Platinum | A platinum ring requires special tools to be resized. Platinum also has a higher melting point than gold, which makes resizing it a more labor-intensive process. |
| Titanium | Generally, it’s very difficult to resize titanium rings. Some jewelers don’t even offer titanium ring resizing, so you may have to pay more for the services of a specialized jeweler. |
| Tungsten | Tungsten rings cannot be resized at all; the metal is simply too hard. |
The cost of ring resizing
The cost to resize a ring depends on several factors and can become quite expensive depending on the complexity of the resizing job.
On average, a simple ring resizing costs between $20 and $60, depending on the type of metal and where you are having the service done. For a more complex resizing, the cost can range from $50 to $150.
Upsized vs. downsized
Whether you are getting your ring upsized or downsized determines how expensive the resizing job will be. Typically, having your ring upsized will be more expensive. If your ring is being adjusted by more than a half size, you will likely have to pay more for the labor involved.
Ring thickness
The thickness of the ring will influence the resizing cost. Thicker metals will cost more, especially if they need to be upsized.
Number of stones
Additional stones, such as diamonds or gemstones, typically need to be readjusted to the ring’s curvature. The more stones a ring has, the more expensive it will be to resize.
Ring complexity
The complexity of the design and the number of ring features will also influence the cost. For example, a plain metal band will be cheaper to resize than a complex band with lots of jewels.
Type of metal
As mentioned above, the type of metal is a major determining factor in the ring resizing cost. For example, a white gold ring will cost more to resize than a yellow gold ring.
How long does it take to get a ring resized
The length of time it takes to get a ring resized depends on whether you are having it upsized or downsized and how busy the jeweler is. It typically takes a jeweler up to a week to do the resizing itself, plus more time before or after if they need to send out an order for additional metals. If you are mailing your ring to the jeweler for resizing, it can take up to three weeks.
Where to get a ring resized
Although it can be the most expensive option, the best way to ensure the highest level of quality and craftsmanship from a ring resizing is to take it to a jeweler. That said, if you didn’t get your ring from a jeweler, or if you want to take it to a different jeweler to get it resized, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Start with locally owned jewelers
Most locally owned jewelry stores are run by expert jewelers who are committed to their craft. A local jeweler will usually be your best option for an honest opinion on the price of the resizing and the level of work it will take.
Pro Tip
If you can’t go to a jeweler yourself, have one come to you! Some reputed jewelers will make house calls and provide personalized service, including custom repairs, in your home.
Quality matters
If your ring is important enough to you that you want to spend the money to get it resized, don’t opt for the cheapest or most available jeweler. Pay attention to the quality of a jeweler’s work; the skills of an expert are usually worth the higher price.
Ask for the metal cutout
If you’re having the size of your ring reduced, you can ask the jeweler to give you the extra piece of metal they cut out. That way, if you need to make the ring larger again, you already have the necessary metal, which will save you money on the next resizing.
Pro Tip
Experts recommend against resizing a ring too often, as this can wear out the ring over time. Your finger can change as much as half a size on a day-to-day basis, so don’t sweat too much if your ring size sometimes feels a little bit off.
FAQ
Is it cheaper to resize a ring up or down?
It’s typically cheaper to resize a ring down. These are usually easier jobs for jewelers to do, as they don’t have to stretch the metal of the ring. However, downsizing a ring can become expensive if the ring has diamonds or gemstones set into it, since the jeweler will have to reset the jewels.
Does resizing a ring weaken it?
Upsizing a ring can weaken it. When a ring is upsized by more than half a size, the metal must be stretched, which makes the ring slightly weaker. Downsizing a ring, on the other hand, does not weaken it.
Can you resize a ring for free?
Some jewelers will resize your ring for free if you purchased it directly from them. Rings might come with a warranty, wherein you’re entitled to free ring resizing for the life of the warranty. However, this is entirely up to the jeweler.
What rings cannot be resized?
Rings that are made of tungsten cannot be resized, as the metal is too hard for a jeweler to work with. Some jewelers will also not resize platinum rings, which require special tools.
How tight should your engagement ring be?
There’s no set level of tightness or looseness for an engagement ring; it all depends on the size of your finger and what feels comfortable for you. However, a ring fits properly when it is snug without being too tight and allows you enough room to slide it on and off when needed.
Key Takeaways
- If your ring is too small or too large for your finger, or if your fingers have grown or shrunk over time, it may be good idea to get your ring resized.
- Ring downsizing and ring upsizing are the two main types of ring resizing. Ring downsizing is simpler and less expensive, while ring upsizing is more complex and will take more time to complete.
- The types of ring metals, from least to most expensive are yellow gold, sterling silver, white gold, rose gold, platinum, titanium, and tungsten.
- On average, a ring resizing costs about $20 to $60, depending on the type of metal and where the service is done. A more complex resizing can cost anywhere from $50 to $150.
- Whether you want your ring upsized or downsized, the ring thickness, number of stones, design complexity, and type of metal will all determine the cost of resizing.
- It can take anywhere from one to three weeks for a jeweler to resize a ring, depending on the complexity of the job.
Looking to buy some rings for a special day? Check out SuperMoney’s definitive guide to wedding rings to explore the options and financing opportunities available to you.
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