Ring Resizing
When and Why to Resize
Ring resizing is a standard jewellery service that adjusts a ring's band to fit your finger properly. It is one of the most common requests jewellers handle — whether after a surprise proposal, a change in finger size over time, or when inheriting a family ring.
A well-fitting ring should slide over your knuckle with slight resistance and sit snugly at the base of your finger without spinning. If your ring slides off easily, leaves an indentation, or cannot pass over your knuckle comfortably, it likely needs resizing.
How Resizing Works
Making a Ring Smaller
The jeweller removes a small section of the band, solders the ends back together, and reshapes the ring to a perfect circle. The join is polished and finished so it is invisible. This is the simpler of the two directions and works well for reductions of 1 to 2 sizes.
Making a Ring Larger
The jeweller cuts the band and adds a piece of matching metal to increase the circumference. The added section is soldered in, reshaped, and polished to match the rest of the band. For increases of more than 2 sizes, additional metal is needed and the process becomes more involved.
Which Rings Can Be Resized
Most rings made from gold, platinum, or silver can be resized. The feasibility depends on the design, the metal, and the size of the adjustment needed.
Easy to Resize
Solitaire settings, plain bands, simple designs with no stones on the band, and most cathedral settings. These have uninterrupted metal bands that are straightforward to adjust.
Possible with Care
Pave-set bands, channel-set rings, and designs with side stones. These can usually be resized within 1 to 1.5 sizes, but the stones near the resize point may need to be repositioned. An experienced jeweller can handle this without affecting the design.
Difficult or Not Possible
Full eternity bands (stones set all the way around), tension settings, tungsten carbide rings, and titanium bands. These either cannot be cut and rejoined safely or would lose structural integrity. For these ring types, getting the size right from the start is essential — see our measurement guide.
Cost of Ring Resizing
In Australia, a standard ring resize typically costs between $50 and $150. The price varies based on the metal type, the direction and amount of the resize, and the complexity of the design.
Platinum is harder to work with than gold and generally costs more to resize. Sizing up costs more than sizing down because additional metal is required. Rings with stones near the resize area may need stone re-setting, which adds to the cost.
LILY DIA includes one complimentary resize within 12 months of purchase on all engagement rings. This gives you peace of mind, especially if you are guessing a size for a surprise proposal.
How Long Does It Take?
A standard resize typically takes one to two weeks. Simple adjustments on plain bands can sometimes be done sooner. Complex resizes involving intricate settings, pave work, or significant size changes may take longer.
If you need a resize for a specific date — an anniversary, proposal, or special occasion — let your jeweller know upfront so they can plan accordingly.
Tips Before You Resize
- Wear the ring for a few days first. New rings can feel unfamiliar. Give yourself time to adjust before deciding it needs resizing — especially if the fit is close.
- Account for seasonal changes. If you received the ring in winter and it feels slightly loose, it may fit perfectly in summer when your fingers are naturally larger.
- Get professionally sized. Before committing to a resize, have your finger measured by a jeweller. Home measurements are good but professional sizing with a mandrel is more precise. See our size chart for reference.
- Ask about the jeweller's guarantee. A reputable jeweller will stand behind their resize work. Ask whether the service includes re-polishing and a quality check.
Need a Resize?
If you purchased your ring from LILY DIA, your first resize is complimentary within 12 months. Get in touch and we will arrange everything.