Some rings do not fit you perfectly forever. Fingers change with the seasons, with weight, with age, and a ring that was snug on your wedding day can feel loose or tight a few years later. The good news is that resizing is one of the most common jobs we do at our workshop on 5 Mary Street, and for most rings it is straightforward. Here is what you need to know before you bring one in.
Why rings stop fitting
Fingers are not a fixed size. They swell in hot weather, they shrink in the cold, and they change over the years through weight gain or loss, pregnancy and conditions like arthritis. Inherited rings are another common reason people come to us, since a ring that fit a parent or grandparent rarely fits the next person exactly. None of this is a problem. It is just a sign the ring needs adjusting to suit the hand wearing it now.
How resizing works
There is few ways of resizing a ring and it depends on its shape, metal and also how many sizes need to be changed. If it is only a small adjustment and they are the right shape - they can be gently compressed down using a special machine. In other cases the jeweller cuts out a small section of the band, brings the two ends together and solders the join, then cleans and polishes it so the seam is invisible. Making a ring larger can be done two ways: either by gently stretching it, which only works for small adjustments, or by cutting the band and adding a piece of matching metal. Our guide on enlarging and resizing a ring goes through the process in more detail. Done properly, a resized ring is just as strong as it was before.
Which rings can and cannot be resized
Gold, silver, platinum and palladium all resize well, which covers the large majority of rings. Some are trickier: like a ring set with stones or a ring made of mixed metals and they require extra care. Titanium and tungsten rings are the main ones we have to turn away, because the metal cannot be worked the same way. We explain why in our piece on the disadvantages of titanium and tungsten rings. If you are not sure what your ring is made of, bring it in and we will check it for you. For a wider view of what is and is not repairable, see our article on what can and cannot be fixed.
Work out your size first
You want to get the size right - the best way is visiting the store and getting sized by a professional using their ring sizers. If you are planning to surprise someone with a ring we have written three simple ways to measure your ring size at home and a couple of handy sizing tips. A word of caution, though: home measurements are a useful guide, not the final word. We always want to check the fit in person before doing any work. You can also buy the ring as it is, give it to your loved one and later bring them in to us to get the measure professionally checked and we will resize the ring. And if the reason you want a resize is that a ring is stuck, do not force it. Read our guide on how to safely remove a stuck ring first.
How long it takes
A standard resize is usually a quick job, often turned around within a few days, though it depends on the metal, the design and how busy the workshop is. Rings with intricate settings or stones that need protecting take a little longer. We will always give you a clear timescale and price before we start, so there are no surprises.
Bring your ring to our workshop
If your ring no longer fits, you do not need to retire it to a drawer. Have a look at our ring resizing service, or our wider jewellery repairs if the ring needs other attention too. You can call into us at 5 Mary Street in Dublin city centre or get in touch to ask about your particular ring. We are always happy to take a look and tell you honestly what can be done.