Can Engagement Rings be Resized?

Can Engagement Rings be Resized?

Posted by Koorosh Daneshgar on Jan 31st 2023

Summary 

The process of resizing engagement rings works for most cases but success depends on the ring's band structure and metal composition and stone placement and design elements. At Wedding Band & Co. in Chicago expert jeweler Koorosh Daneshgar along with his team specialize in resizing both custom engagement rings and family heirlooms while preserving the emotional value of each piece. The resizing process for gold, platinum and silver rings proves straightforward but tungsten, titanium and stainless steel rings present difficulties during the process. The process of resizing prong settings remains straightforward yet channel and bezel and eternity bands need special attention because resizing them might be impossible. The cost for resizing falls between $200 and $600 while the processing time spans from 3 to 7 business days based on the complexity level. The resizing process either reduces ring size through metal removal or enlarges it through metal stretching or addition while maintaining both fit and sentimental value. Couples who plan their ring designs with resizable metals and flexible dimensions will ensure their rings expand with their relationship timeline.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this article:

The answer to this question is whether or not you can resize an engagement ring.

The emotional worth of engagement rings is a given fact. The engagement ring stands as a commitment, as well as a representation of your relationship story, and a celebration of your love. But what if the ring doesn't fit perfectly? It is a fact that most couples experience the same issue, i.e., whether it was a proposal or the fact that finger sizes change over time, engagement rings can be resized.

Yes, engagement rings can be resized in the majority of cases. However, the ring’s anatomy is a deciding factor regarding whether or not it can be resized, including the band, setting, stones, and metal type. Here we will look at the anatomy of a ring in detail to help you understand what to expect when it comes to custom engagement rings in Chicago or how to keep the integrity of a family heirloom.

The Ring Shank: Where Resizing Happens

The shank, or band, is the circular part of the ring that wraps around your finger. This component plays the lead role in resizing. The jeweler works mainly on this section during the process of ring resizing.

Making a Ring Smaller

To reduce the size, a jeweler cuts the shank, removes a small segment of metal, and then carefully joins the ends back together. The seam is soldered, polished, and made virtually invisible. The process is usually less expensive and simpler since no additional material is needed to be added.

Making a Ring Larger

However, it is not always the case. There are two common methods:

  • Stretching the metal, which works for small size increases and only for specific metals.
  • Adding extra metal, which is ideal for resizing the ring by more than half a size. This involves cutting the shank and soldering in an additional piece of metal, followed by seamless polishing.

At Wedding Band and Co. in Chicago, our master jewelers, led by Koorosh Daneshgar, specialize in both techniques, ensuring your ring fits perfectly without compromising its design.

The Metal: Not All Materials Are Created Equal

However, the metal composition of your ring will determine if and how it can be resized.

Metals That Can Be Resized

  • Gold (yellow, white, and rose)
  • Platinum
  • Silver

These are the most resizable metals thanks to their malleability. Jewelers in Chicago and beyond commonly work with these materials, and they’re ideal for anyone considering resizing in the future.

Metals That Are Difficult or Impossible to Resize

  • Tungsten: Extremely hard and brittle—it cannot be cut or soldered.
  • Titanium and Stainless Steel: Very tough, and while technically possible, resizing is extremely challenging and often not recommended.

If you are looking for a custom wedding ring in Chicago, it is worth asking about the metal you are choosing about its future flexibility.

The Setting: How Diamonds and Stones Impact Resizing

The setting is the part of the ring that holds the center stone and any side stones. Its design determines how easy or difficult resizing will be.

Prong Settings

Prong settings, particularly solitaire rings, are the easiest to resize. The stones are elevated and separated from the shank, leaving plenty of space for jewelers to work.

Channel and Bezel Settings

These are more complex. Channel settings embed diamonds into the band, and bezel settings encase stones with metal. To resize these rings, the stones need to be removed and reset, which increases both labor and cost.

At Wedding Band and Co., we take extra care with intricate settings. Our team evaluates each ring’s unique anatomy before proceeding with any alterations.

The Style and Design: Custom Rings Require Special Attention

However, when it comes to custom engagement rings, resizing must be approached with even more care. Elements like:

  • Hand engraving
  • Intricate filigree
  • Multi-stone patterns
  • Eternity bands with stones all around

A ring’s size and its design structure will determine if resizing becomes possible. The design phase of eternity bands needs careful planning because they usually cannot be resized.

Our Chicago custom jewelry services start with extensive consultation procedures. Koorosh Daneshgar leads our design team to support each client in selecting stunning designs that provide future flexibility.

Cost of Resizing: What to Expect

The cost of resizing depends on the complexity level as well as the materials and design elements. On average:

  • Simple resizing can vary: $200-$350
  • Complex resizing (with added metal or intricate settings): $400-$600

Custom rings together with inherited pieces need sophisticated techniques during their resizing process which affects their final prices. Wedding Band and Co. provides complete price transparency to all clients before starting work on their projects.

Turnaround Time: How Long Does It Take?

Standard ring resizing requires a timeframe of 3–7 business days for completion. The process of resetting stones together with design changes in resizing operations leads to longer completion times.

The importance of your ring to you drives us to provide prompt professional service directly from our Chicago workshop.

Resizing and Sentimental Value: Preserving the Heart of the Ring

The process of resizing requires both technical skill and emotional sensitivity. The process of resizing your original engagement ring or family heirloom ring requires both precision and careful handling. Our mission is to protect the emotional significance of your piece through a secure and comfortable fit.

Each ring carries unique narratives which should remain intact without any interruptions.

Planning Ahead: Fit and Flexibility

When selecting or designing a ring in Chicago you should:

  • Designing with a resizable metal.
  • Leaving room in the shank for potential future adjustments.
  • You should inquire about lifetime resizing services from your jeweler since many jewelers (including us) provide this service as part of their custom jewelry maintenance.

Final Thoughts: Let the Ring Fit Your Love Story

So, can engagement rings be resized? Absolutely. The combination of proper knowledge and a reliable jeweler will allow your ring to grow with you while maintaining physical and emotional changes. Understanding the structure of your ring enables you to make educated decisions when you need a resize today or want to plan for future adjustments.

Wedding Band and Co. provides custom jewelry services to couples in Chicago and its surrounding neighborhoods for creating and modifying essential life pieces.

Ready to Create or Resize Your Perfect Ring?

Your story should not be limited by ring size. Book your free consultation today with Koorosh Daneshgar and the team at Wedding Band and Co. We provide services to transform both your cherished heirloom and your one-of-a-kind custom engagement ring into reality.

Schedule Your Free Consultation to build a ring which fits perfectly in every aspect.

Come see us at our store, in Chicago.

43 East Oak Street, on the floor, in Chicago's 60611 area.
Reach out to us by dialing this number. +13129200726.
Feel free to reach out to us via email at info@weddingbandscompany.com!

By: Koorosh Daneshgar CEO/Design Chief

We'll help you to design your dream engagement ring without stress and spending countless hours searching for your perfect ring. All you need to do is click on "Free Consultation" to get started.

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