Can Wedding Rings Be Made Bigger?
Posted by Koorosh Daneshgar on Feb 25th 2023
The Basic Construction of a Wedding Ring: Does Your Ring Size Have a Limit?
A wedding ring is not only a gorgeous piece of jewelry, but it is also a representation of love, togetherness, and the journey of two people through life. Nevertheless, as time goes by, we all go through some changes. This could be as a result of old age, lifestyle, or some life activities such as pregnancy or gaining weight and losing weight, and in the process, one may realize that the ring no longer fits like before.
So, can wedding rings be adjusted to fit larger? The answer is: yes, in most of the cases. But the actual response is in understanding the structure of your ring including its materials, design and architecture.
In this post, we will explain how resizing works, when it is possible, and why it is always better to visit a local Chicago jeweler.
What is the Anatomy of a Wedding Ring?
To determine whether it is possible to resize, we have to distinguish between the following components of the ring:
- Shank: The ring that is placed on the finger in a circular formation. This is the section that is usually adjusted when enlarging or shrinking the ring.
- Setting: The part that holds your diamond or gemstone. Some settings are flexible, while others limit resizing.
- Stone Layout: Whether the ring has stones placed in the middle or throughout the circumference of the band also determines the possibility of resizing.
- Design Details: Engravings, filigree or other decorations on the band call for careful handling to ensure they are not harmed during any adjustment.
This is where knowledge of the construction of the ring comes in to help the jeweler determine the most secure and safest way to increase the size of the ring while still maintaining its appearance and longevity.
Ways to Enlarge a Wedding Ring
There are a number of professional resizing methods that one can employ based on the ring’s structure and material:
1. Ring Stretching
This approach is based on the mechanical elongation of the metal alloy to increase the ring’s diameter. It is most appropriate for gold and silver rings and can be used when the customer only needs a small size change.
However, if done excessively, it can also cause the ring to become too weak and thus should only be done by a professional jeweler who has dealt with resizing of rings in Chicago.
2. Shank Replacement
If your ring has to be enlarged by more than one size or if it is a metal such as platinum or titanium, the jeweller may advise that the shank (the bottom part of the band) be replaced.
In this process, the original shank is cut out and a new larger one is fitted in its place and soldered and polished to blend in with the rest of the ring. This is more complex and is useful for more elaborate or valuable pieces.
3. Removing Sizing Beads or Guards
Some rings have sizing beads or ring guards that help the ring fit tighter. If your ring has these then it is as easy as taking them off and voila you will have a looser fit that will make your ring larger without having to resize the band.
This is a perfect solution for rings that require only a slight adjustment or for those whose fingers tend to swell and shrink at certain times.
4. Adding a Ring Sizer
Whereas generally used to decrease the size of a ring, a ring sizer can be adjusted or taken out to make more space. It is a kind of metal ring that can be easily fitted into the ring and it is also easily removable and hence suitable for those whose finger sizes tend to change from time to time.
This is a temporary solution and does not affect the ring’s construction.
Are All Rings Made to Be Resized?
However, not all rings can be resized especially if the design of the ring makes it difficult or risky to do so. Here are some instances where resizing might not be feasible:
- Eternity Bands: These rings have diamonds or gemstones set on the band from one end to the other, so it is almost impossible to resize the ring without cutting the stones.
- Complex Engravings or Patterns: The process of resizing a ring with complex engravings or patterns becomes challenging because the design may get damaged or distorted when resizing the shank.
- Non-Traditional Materials: Tungsten together with ceramic and specific stainless steel alloys are impossible to resize because they retain their brittleness and extreme hardness.
The skill of an experienced jeweler enables you to find alternative solutions which include creating a new ring in your chosen size while keeping your initial design intact.
Why Work with a Local Jeweler in Chicago?
The procedure of ring resizing demands both scientific accuracy and artistic mastery. Using a recognized local jeweler in Chicago brings many benefits to customers.
- In-person evaluations: The benefits of in-person evaluations include bringing your ring for inspection to get expert recommendations that suit your unique design.
- Fast turnaround: Some resizing services can be completed the same day or within a few days.
- Personalized service: You’re not just a number — you get real attention, expert advice, and ongoing support for all your jewelry needs.
- Safe handling: Your precious ring stays local — no mailing it across the country.
Our Chicago jewelry studio has helped many clients resize their engagement rings and wedding bands by making adjustments ranging from simple size changes to complete structural modifications. We start by offering free consultations to determine what possibilities exist.
How to Maintain the Right Fit Over Time
Resizing your wedding ring serves as an excellent solution but you should follow these steps to achieve a comfortable fit throughout the year.
1. Listen to Your Hands
Wear your ring only after swelling from heat, activity, or health conditions subsides because you should avoid wearing it during swollen conditions. The action prevents pressure damage or discomfort.
2. Remove Your Ring During Key Moments
Your ring needs removal during physical exercise along with times when you travel and when you encounter wet conditions or high humidity. These conditions result in brief swelling of your fingers which makes your ring more likely to slip out of place.
3. Plan Ahead for Life Changes
You should avoid resizing your ring until your body reaches a stable condition when you experience significant weight changes or pregnancy. Your jeweler should be able to help you find temporary alternatives for your ring.
4. Store Your Ring Properly
Store your ring in an air-conditioned environment with low humidity using a soft-lined jewelry box when it is not being worn. Proper storage in this manner prevents damage which could create challenges during future resizing.
Ready to Resize Your Wedding Ring in Chicago?
Our team exists to help with rings that need a small adjustment either for being too tight or not sliding past the knuckle.
At wedding bands & co., we specialize in:
- Custom engagement and wedding rings
- Expert ring resizing services
- Local, personalized consultations
- Ring restoration and care
Your ring will regain its perfect state while preserving your original design through our professional services.
Schedule your free consultation now to restore your ring and your comfort while keeping your original design intact.
Contact Us
Wedding Bands Company
Location: 43 E Oak St., FL 2, Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (312) 920-0726
Email: info@weddingbandscompany.com
Store Hours:
Monday - Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
By: Koorosh Daneshgar CEO/Design Chief
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