Resizing an engagement ring is a common part of jewellery care, whether it’s to achieve the perfect fit or to accommodate changes over time. Not every engagement ring can be adjusted in the same way, and the possibilities depend on the design, precious metal, and setting. Understanding how resizing works, what can and cannot be done, and the steps involved ensures your ring maintains both its beauty and integrity. In this guide, we explore the resizing process, the limits of adjustment, and the typical timeframe, offering expert insight from Hatton Garden jewellers.
Can Engagement Rings Be Resized?
For the most part, yes, engagement rings can be resized, but the ability to adjust a ring depends on several factors. There are three main considerations to keep in mind, which should be discussed with a jeweller before choosing one of the beautiful Hatton Garden engagement rings.
The Overall Design Of The Ring
Diamond engagement rings are most commonly seen in solitaire, three-stone, halo designs, or with smaller diamonds set along the band. While most engagement rings feature a plain, polished band beneath the finger, it is not uncommon for bands to be patterned or engraved all the way around. A plain band is generally simpler to adjust. Ideally, the band should not be too thin or shallow, as the resizing process involves cutting and rejoining the metal. Very wide or deep bands, more often found in wedding rings, can also be difficult to resize because the metal is less willing to move during the adjustment process.
How Far The Diamonds Or Gemstones Extend Around The Band
If your engagement ring features diamonds or gemstones that run all the way around the band, resizing is often not possible. The area where the adjustment would normally take place is occupied by the stones, making any alteration considerably more challenging.
In some cases, a jeweller may be able to unset one of the stones at the bottom of the band, creating a small gap in the metal that provides limited space to work with. In an ideal scenario, the adjustment would correspond exactly to the width of one or two stones, but this is rarely the case.
The Number Of Sizes The Ring Needs To Be Altered By
As a general rule, the smaller the adjustment, the more straightforward the resizing process. Rings do not respond well to large changes in finger size, as this places additional stress on the band and setting. When diamonds or coloured gemstones are involved, as is often the case with engagement rings, their presence must also be carefully considered.
If the ring needs to be made tighter, a small section of platinum or gold is cut and removed. If the ring needs to be made larger, an additional piece of metal is added. In both cases, particularly when reducing the size, the adjustment can cause stones to loosen, which means they will need to be retightened afterwards.
How Are Engagement Rings Resized?
Resizing an engagement ring begins with determining the correct fit. This usually involves the client trying on a series of sizing gauges to identify the most comfortable size. Once the size is confirmed, the jeweller can assess the extent of the adjustment required.
Whether the ring is being made larger or smaller, the initial step is the same: the jeweller carefully cuts the band, usually at the very bottom. If the ring needs to be made tighter, a small section of metal is removed. If the ring needs to be made larger, a matching block of precious metal of the same purity is added.
Modern resizing often employs laser welding, a technique that fuses the metal with exceptional accuracy and strength. The jeweller aligns the cut or added section and uses the laser to weld the joint, often introducing laser wire to build up the weld.
Once the weld is complete, the ring is gently tapped back into its correct circular shape. This ensures the band is perfectly round and any slight distortions caused during cutting or welding are corrected. The join is then filed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding metal.
Multiple grades of wet and dry paper are used to smooth the surface, followed by polishing with an electric mop and a series of polishing rouges to restore a mirror-like finish. The ring is then carefully examined to ensure the join is fully blended and invisible. Each stone is carefully inspected to ensure it remains secure, and if any are found to be loose, the ring is sent to a diamond setter for tightening.
Finally, the ring undergoes an ultrasonic clean to remove any remaining residue. It is important to note, however, that not all gemstones are suitable for ultrasonic cleaning.
How Long Does It Take To Get An Engagement Ring Resized?
The first step is to book an appointment with your jeweller of choice. The time required for resizing can vary depending on several factors, including how busy the workshop is, the number of sizes the adjustment involves, and the complexity of the ring’s design.
For a straightforward adjustment, the process typically takes around five working days. More intricate designs or larger size changes can extend the timeline, as each stage must be completed carefully to ensure the ring retains its shape, finish, and the security of all gemstones.
Summary
Resizing an engagement ring is a precise process that requires careful consideration of the ring’s design, precious metal, and gemstones. While most rings can be adjusted, factors such as decorative detailing, stones set around the entire ring, and the number of sizes being altered can influence what is possible. Whether making a ring larger or smaller, professional techniques such as laser welding and meticulous buffing and polishing ensure the adjustment is seamless and secure. By understanding the process and working with an experienced jeweller, you can achieve the perfect fit while preserving the beauty and integrity of your solitaire engagement ring.
