Yes. You can make your engagement ring thicker. A jeweller does this through re-shanking, which means replacing part or all of the band with a thicker piece of metal.
This isn't a minor adjustment. It's actual reconstruction of your ring's foundation.
Why People Want Thicker Bands
Thin bands bend. If your ring has bent once, it will bend again. The metal simply can't handle daily wear at that thickness.
A bent ring isn't just annoying. The bending stresses your setting. Over time, this can loosen your stone or crack prongs. The band acts as structural support for everything above it.
Some people just prefer how thicker bands feel. They want more presence on their finger. A thin band can spin or feel insubstantial. A thicker band stays put.
Stacking drives many thickness requests. If you're wearing your engagement ring with wedding bands or eternity rings, mismatched widths create gaps and awkward stacking. Matching the thickness creates a cohesive look.
How Re-Shanking Works
The jeweller removes part of your existing band. They replace it with new metal of your chosen thickness.
A half-shank replacement affects only the bottom portion of the band, the part that sits against your palm. The sides and top near the stone stay original.
A full shank replacement means the entire band gets rebuilt. This gives you complete control over the final thickness all the way around.
The process takes two to four weeks depending on the complexity of your ring and the jeweller's workload.
What Can and Cannot Be Thickened
Gold and platinum rings work well for re-shanking. These metals are easy to work with and widely available in various thicknesses.
Rings with plain bands present the simplest cases. No design details means no complications.
Pave bands require more care. The jeweller must work around the small stones or potentially reset them. This adds time and cost.
Eternity bands with stones all the way around create challenges. You cannot simply cut and add metal without disrupting the stone pattern. Sometimes this means creating a new band entirely and transferring your stones.
Vintage or antique rings need special consideration. If your ring has historical value or unique metalwork, re-shanking might compromise that. Get multiple opinions from jewellers who specialize in antique pieces.
The Profile Question
Thickness and height are different measurements. Thickness refers to the band's width when you look at your hand. Height, called profile, refers to how far the band rises from your finger.
Many people want both changes together. A higher profile reduces gaps between stacked rings. It also protects the center stone better by raising it above impact zones.
But higher isn't always better. Very high settings catch on clothing and hair. They bump into things. If you work with your hands, a lower profile might suit your lifestyle better.
Cost Factors
Re-shanking costs vary widely. A simple half-shank in gold might run a few hundred dollars. A complex full shank in platinum with stone resetting can exceed a thousand.
Metal price matters. Platinum costs more than gold. White gold costs more than yellow gold due to the rhodium plating required.
The amount of metal needed depends on your ring size and how much thicker you want to go. A jump from 1.5mm to 3mm requires substantially more material than 1.5mm to 2mm.
Labor drives much of the cost. An experienced jeweller charges appropriately. This is precision work. Poor execution leaves visible seams or weak joints.
The Original Ring Question
Some people worry about losing their original ring. Re-shanking does change the piece. The band your partner gave you gets partially or fully replaced.
This matters to some people. It doesn't matter to others.
If you want to preserve the original completely, consider getting a new ring instead. Wear the original for special occasions. Wear the new, thicker ring daily.
If sentiment attaches primarily to the stone and setting, re-shanking preserves what matters most. The band is just the support structure.
Alternatives to Re-Shanking
Ring guards slip onto thin bands to add thickness. These removable pieces wrap around your existing band. They're temporary and reversible.
The problem with guards is they're visible. You can see where the guard meets your ring. They also shift during wear.
Buying a new ring entirely gives you a fresh start. Transfer your stone to a new setting with the band thickness you want. Keep your original ring as it is.
Some people simply switch rings. They rotate between thin and thick bands depending on activity. The delicate ring for dressy occasions, the sturdy ring for daily life.
What to Ask Your Jeweller
Bring your ring for inspection before committing. A good jeweller examines the current condition, checks for thinning or damage, and explains what's possible.
Ask about timeline. Get a specific date for completion, not vague estimates.
Ask about metal matching. Your new shank should match your existing band in color and karat. Mixing 14k and 18k gold, even in the same color, creates visible differences.
Ask about the seam. Where will they cut and join the metal? Can they hide this on the palm side?
Ask about warranty. What happens if the join fails or issues arise after you pick up the ring?
Request before photos. Most jewellers document the ring's condition before work begins. This protects both of you.
When Not to Re-Shank
If your ring is already damaged beyond normal wear, repair that first. Re-shanking won't fix a cracked setting or loose stone.
If you're pregnant or experiencing weight changes, wait. Your finger size is unstable. Re-shank when things settle.
If you're planning to upgrade your ring in the near future anyway, skip re-shanking. Put that money toward the new piece.
If the ring has extreme sentimental value in its original state, don't alter it. Get a new ring instead.
The Practical Reality
A thicker band is more durable. This is fact, not opinion. More metal equals more resistance to bending and breaking.
But thicker isn't universally better. Extremely thick bands feel heavy and can be uncomfortable for people with smaller hands.
Most people find 2-3mm comfortable for daily wear. Below 2mm risks bending in softer metals. Above 4mm starts feeling substantial.
Try on rings of different thicknesses before deciding. Your local jeweller has sample bands. Wear them around the shop for ten minutes. See how they feel.
View all of our lab-grown diamond engagement rings when you're ready to explore new options.
Thanks for reading!
Jared & Brie