Ring Resizing

Making a ring smaller. The jeweller removes a small section of the band, solders the cut ends back together, reshapes the ring to a clean circle and re-polishes the join so it disappears. This is the simpler of the two directions and works comfortably for reductions of one to two sizes.

Making a ring larger. The jeweller cuts the band and solders in a piece of matching metal, then reshapes and polishes to match the rest of the ring. For increases of more than two sizes, more metal is needed and the process becomes more involved, sometimes to the point that remaking the band is the better option.

In both directions, any stones near the cut may need to be eased out and reset once the band is back to size. That is normal on pave and channel-set rings and adds time and cost rather than risk.

Most rings made from 9k, 14k or 18k gold, platinum or sterling silver can be resized. The feasibility depends on the design, the metal and the size of the adjustment.

Straightforward. Solitaires, plain bands, cathedral and basket settings with no stones on the band. The uninterrupted metal makes a clean cut, solder and polish.

Possible with care. Pave-set bands, channel-set rings and rings with side stones can usually move one to one and a half sizes. Stones near the resize point may need to be eased out and reset, and the jeweller should confirm before starting.

Generally not possible. Full eternity bands set with stones around the entire band, tension settings, tungsten carbide and titanium rings. The band has to remain intact or the structure is compromised. For these rings, the answer is to get the size right at the start. Read the ring measurement guide before ordering.

One to two sizes in either direction is comfortable for most plain bands and solitaires. Beyond that, the ring either loses noticeable metal or gains a visible patch, and the result becomes harder to disguise.

For a surprise proposal where the size is a guess, building in a complimentary resize at purchase covers the typical one-size adjustment without an extra cost conversation later.

A standard ring resize in Australia typically costs between 50 and 150 AUD. The price moves with the metal, the direction of the resize and the complexity of the ring.

Platinum is harder to work with than gold and generally costs more. Sizing up tends to cost more than sizing down because additional metal is added. Stone re-setting around the resize point adds to both time and price.

LILY DIA includes one complimentary resize within 12 months of purchase on engagement rings. That gives a sensible buffer for a surprise proposal without building a guess into the design itself.

A standard resize takes one to two weeks for most jewellers. Simple adjustments on plain bands can sometimes go faster. Pave, channel-set or intricate rings take longer because stones may need to be eased out and reset.

If the resize has to be ready for a specific date, an anniversary, a proposal or a wedding, mention the date when you book so the jeweller can plan around it.