When purchasing and wearing rings, finding one that fits well is key. Resizing a rings may become necessary, especially after gaining or losing weight. Here we explore the process of ring resizing from the perspective of a diamond store:
Evaluation
To evaluate the finger’s current size, visit a diamond store to measure your ring size using a ring sizer. This will determine your starting point for resizing. Some stores may recommend going up or down a half size from your measurement to make sure the ring fits comfortably.
Enlarging
Enlarging (or sizing up) is done by stretching the metal. A jeweler will cut the ring’s metal with a laser and place it into a stretching tool. They will then pull the metal apart by tightening the screws on the stretching tool. Some types of metal may not be able to be stretched, such as tungsten or titanium. In this case, the jeweler may need to add a small piece of metal to the inside of the ring to enlarge it.
Reducing
Diamond stores reduce (or size down) a ring by removing a portion of the metal. A jeweler will cut a small section out of the back of the band and bring the two ends together. They will then solder the ends together to make the ring smaller. Resizing may not be possible if the ring has stones all around the band. In this case, the jeweler may recommend leaving the ring as is or creating a new one with the stones in the correct size.
Realigning Gemstones
When diamond stores are up-sizing a ring, they may add extra gemstones to fill the gaps around it. They then carefully remove the stones from the original setting, preserving their current cut and quality. They can then realign them to fit the new ring size. If any of the precious gemstones are too damaged to keep, a good jeweler will inform you before removing them and offer replacement options.
Goldsmith Work
To resize gold, a goldsmith will carefully cut straight across the band at the desired size and add or remove the necessary material. Old materials may be reused, or other metals may be added to the ring band to fill gaps depending on the ring and the intended end design.
Polishing and Finishing
At a diamond store, professional jewelers will polish a resized ring using an ultra-fine polishing wheel, making it look brand new. Good polishing fixes even the smallest scratches on the ring and helps to recover the band’s shine and original tone. A finisher is tasked with restoring any details lost in the resizing process such as etchings or filigree. The right jeweler should touch the ring up using a unique varnish to protect it from future damage.
Find a Reputable Diamond Store for Ring Resizing
Rings resizing is a delicate process that requires expertise and precision. Diamond stores play a key role in adjusting a ring while safeguarding the gemstone’s integrity. By understanding the ring resizing process, your ring can be resized to fit well and retain its beauty. Look for a reputable store prioritizing quality craftsmanship for the best resizing experience.