Yes, most rings made of gold, silver or platinum can be resized, usually by up to two sizes up or down. Rings made of tungsten, titanium, ceramic, stainless steel or carbon fibre generally cannot, and eternity bands, tension settings and some patterned bands are difficult. Before you book a resize, confirm the size you need with the online ring sizer: a resize in the wrong direction is an expensive mistake.
How rings are resized
- Sizing down: the jeweller cuts a small piece out of the bottom of the band (the shank), closes the gap, solders it and polishes it. This is the simplest job.
- Sizing up by a little (up to about half a size): a plain band can be stretched on a steel mandrel. This thins the band slightly, so it is not suitable for thin or patterned rings.
- Sizing up by more: the shank is cut and a piece of matching metal is soldered in. A good jeweller makes the join almost invisible.
- Replacing the shank: for big changes (more than about two sizes) or worn-thin bands, the whole lower part of the band is replaced.
How much can a ring be resized?
As a rule, a ring can go up or down about two US sizes (one UK letter equals about half a US size). Beyond that the shape of the ring changes: the head with the stone looks out of proportion, the setting can be strained, and the band may need to be replaced. Each size is about 0.8 mm of diameter or 2.5 mm of circumference; see the US ring size chart for exact numbers.
Which rings can and cannot be resized
| Ring | Resizable? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow or rose gold | Yes | The easiest metal to resize |
| White gold | Yes | Needs re-plating with rhodium afterwards |
| Sterling silver | Yes | Cheap ring may cost less to replace than to resize |
| Platinum | Yes | Needs a jeweller who works platinum (higher melting point) |
| Gold-plated or vermeil | Sometimes | The plating at the join has to be redone |
| Half-eternity band | A little | Only through the plain lower half |
| Full eternity band | Rarely | Stones all around; usually remade in the new size |
| Tension-set ring | No (usually) | The band’s spring holds the stone |
| Tungsten carbide, ceramic | No | Too hard to cut and solder; exchange only |
| Titanium, stainless steel, cobalt | Rarely | Specialists only; most makers exchange instead |
| Wood, carbon fibre, silicone | No | Replace |
| Engraved or patterned band | With care | The pattern or engraving can be distorted; ask first |
What affects the cost
Prices vary by country and jeweller, so ask for a quote, but these are the factors that move it:
- Direction: sizing down is cheaper than sizing up, because up means adding metal.
- Metal: silver costs least, gold more, platinum the most (harder to work and more expensive metal).
- Number of sizes: each extra size adds metal and work.
- Stones: rings with stones near the shank may need stones removed and reset, or protected from heat.
- Finish: white gold needs rhodium plating; textured or two-tone bands need extra finishing.
Many jewellers include one free resize with a new engagement or wedding ring, often within the first 30 to 60 days. In India and Pakistan, local jewellers usually adjust gold rings by a size or two at little or no cost when you bought the ring from them.
How long does it take?
A simple size-down in gold or silver can be done the same day in some shops; most jewellers ask for a few days to a week. Platinum, rings with many stones, and shank replacements take longer. Plan ahead before an engagement or wedding.
Alternatives to resizing
- Ring guards and silicone adjusters for a slightly loose ring, especially if your size changes with the seasons.
- Sizing beads or a sizing bar inside the band, for a big knuckle and a thin finger base.
- A hinged shank for fingers whose size changes a lot, for example with arthritis.
- Wearing it on another finger. If the ring is a half size too small for the ring finger, it may fit the little finger of the other hand.
Our guide how should a ring fit? explains how to tell whether you need a resize at all.
Measure before you resize
- Wear the ring for a day at normal temperature and decide if it is truly too small or large.
- Measure the finger, or a ring that fits that finger well, with the online ring sizer or the ring size calculator.
- Tell the jeweller the target size, not “a bit bigger”. They can check it on their own sizer.
Not sure of your ring size? Measure it on your phone screen in 30 seconds.
Open the free ring sizer →Related
- Men’s ring size chart (many men’s bands cannot be resized)
- Women’s ring size chart
- Ring size converter
- All sizing guides
Frequently asked questions
Can every ring be resized?
No. Most gold, silver and platinum rings can, but tungsten, ceramic, wood and carbon fibre rings cannot, and eternity bands and tension settings are difficult or impossible.
How many sizes can a ring be resized?
Usually up to about two US sizes up or down. Larger changes often need a new shank or a new ring.
Does resizing a ring damage it?
A good jeweller leaves an almost invisible join. Stretching thins the band slightly, and engraving or patterns near the join can be distorted.
Is it cheaper to size a ring up or down?
Down. Sizing down removes metal; sizing up usually adds metal, which costs more, especially in gold or platinum.
Can a tungsten ring be resized?
No. Tungsten carbide is too hard to cut and solder. Most brands offer an exchange for a different size instead.