Can Engagement Rings Be Resized?

Buying an engagement ring online can be stressful because you don’t get to try it on before you purchase it. So, can engagement rings be resized after the fact? Yes, at least, when you buy custom engagement rings here at Alexis Russell!

We offer complimentary 30-day engagement ring resizing so you can feel confident ordering your ring with us. You can always get your ring resized at any point in time, too - the service currently ranges from $75 to $90 depending on the intricacies of the design.

Learn more about resizing an engagement ring below, including what’s possible (and what isn’t), how long it takes, what to expect along the way, and some advice on getting size right the first time around.

How Should Your Engagement Ring Fit?

Engagement rings need to feel secure but not restrictive. There’s a sweet spot, and it’s not always easy to get it right.

You should be able to slide your ring over your knuckle with just a little bit of resistance. Then, it should sit flat at the finger base without constantly spinning. A properly fitted ring stays in place when your hand is relaxed, but you shouldn’t have trouble moving it. Pain or having to run your finger under water suggests it’s too tight.

It’s totally normal for the fit of a ring to change throughout the day. Fingers can swell in heat, after exercise, or after salty meals, and they shrink in cold weather. A good fit accounts for that. It’s snug enough that the ring won’t slip off when your hands are wet, but loose enough that it doesn’t leave a deep indentation or make your finger feel numb.

If you’re here reading this guide, though, we have to imagine your ring isn’t fitting quite right. So, can engagement rings be resized?

Can Engagement Rings Be Resized?

Yes, most engagement rings can be resized, but it depends on the metal, setting style, and how much the size needs to change. Jewelers typically resize rings by cutting the band, adding or removing a small section of metal, then soldering and refinishing the ring.

That means rings with heavy engraving, full pavé, or complex structures may be limited in terms of what’s possible because altering the band can affect stone security or design alignment. Let’s take a closer look at the engagement ring band styles that can and cannot be resized.

Metals You Can Resize

• Yellow and White Gold (14k and 18k): These are the easiest metals to resize. Jewelers can usually size these up or down without issue.

• Rose Gold (14k and 18k): Can easily be resized but takes a skilled jeweler as rose gold's high copper content makes the metal more brittle and prone to cracking than yellow or white

• Platinum: It’s possible, though it requires specialized tools and more labor, given its density. Skilled bench work is important to keep the setting strong.

• Palladium: Some jewelers resize palladium, but the quality of the end result can vary. Always confirm with the jeweler before assuming it can be adjusted.

• Sterling Silver: It may be less common for engagement rings, but it can be resized nonetheless - in fact, it’s REALLY easy to resize sterling silver rings.

Metals You May Not Be Able to Resize

• Rose Gold: This type of gold is too easy to crack during the resizing process, so most jewelers will avoid it.

• Tungsten: The extremely hard and brittle nature of tungsten makes replacement the standard solution.

• Titanium: Very strong and resistant to cutting or soldering. Most titanium rings cannot be resized in a traditional way.

• Ceramic and Carbon Fiber: These materials do not tolerate resizing. Attempting to alter them can cause cracking or breakage.

Metal aside, you’ll have a hard time resizing eternity bands since they’re surrounded by gemstones, and there isn’t much actual metal to work with. Some rings hold a center gemstone in place with pressure (tension settings) instead of using prongs - these are difficult to resize as well.

How Much Bigger/Smaller Can Your Ring Go?

So can engagement rings be resized? Yes, but only to a certain extent. Most jewelers will only let you go up or down one to two sizes. Anything beyond that affects the ring’s structure too much.

You’ll have to account for band thickness, stone placement, and the overall design of a ring when setting your expectations for what’s possible.

How Does Engagement Ring Resizing Work?

The engagement ring resizing process usually starts with an inspection by the jeweler. You’ll send your ring in, and they’ll double-check the metal type, stone setting, and current condition of the band to determine how much it can safely be adjusted.

The jeweler will then mark a small section at the back of the band where the change will happen. So how does engagement ring resizing work?

• To make the ring smaller, a narrow piece of metal is removed, and the ends are joined together.

• To make it larger, a matching piece of metal is added into the cut.

The band is then soldered or welded, reshaped back into a perfect circle, and sanded smooth so the seam disappears. The jeweler will then refinish the ring. That includes polishing, checking stone security, and replating white gold with rhodium when needed.

How Much Does Resizing an Engagement Ring Cost?

The engagement ring resizing cost depends on three main things:

• The metal

• The ring’s construction

• How much the size needs to change

Gold rings are usually simple to resize, whereas something like platinum takes more labor because of its density. Bands with pavé stones, engraving, or complex shapes need extra care to keep stones secure and maintain symmetry. This raises the engagement ring resizing cost.

Sizing up usually costs more than sizing down because jewelers have to add more metal and take more time finishing it to match the original band. But here’s the good news - when you buy unique engagement rings at Alexis Russell, you don’t necessarily have to pay for resizing!

That’s right. We offer free engagement ring resizing in the first 30 days of owning your ring because we know getting the perfect size isn’t always realistic when you’re trying to pop the question as a surprise.

After that window, engagement ring resizing typically costs between $75 and $90. Just be aware that our pricing can shift depending on the design and the amount of work required. But you’ll always know this before we get started.

Where Can I Get My Ring Resized?

We get asked all the time whether you can resize any engagement ring. We only resize rings we made ourselves. It’s also important to note that we cannot resize rings that have been altered by another jeweler.

This is simply because we want to make sure we’re protecting stone settings, band integrity, and the overall finish. Because each ring is built around a specific stone and structure, our jewelers know exactly how the ring was constructed and how much it can safely be adjusted.

So where can I get my ring resized, then? You have plenty of options locally or online:

• The original retailer or brand: start with wherever you got your ring in the first place. They often have the best understanding of their own settings and metalwork.

• Local independent jewelers: Many offer in-house bench work and can inspect your ring in person before quoting a resize. Make sure the shop regularly handles engagement rings, not just basic jewelry repairs.

• Specialized repair studios: Some jewelers focus only on repairs and resizing. These shops can resize complex bands, platinum work, or rings with heavy stone settings.

Do your due diligence upfront. Ask whether resizing will affect warranties, engraving, or stone security before leaving your ring anywhere. If you do decide to take your ring elsewhere it voids our lifetime warranty.

How Long Does Engagement Ring Resizing Take?

There’s not a one-size-fits-all answer for the engagement ring resizing timeline as it depends on how busy the jeweler is, whether you have to ship the ring or not, and how complex the job is.

That said, how long does it take to make an engagement ring bigger or smaller on average? Most of the time, you’ll have your ring back on your finger in 1-2 weeks. Simple gold bands without accent stones move faster, while platinum rings, pavé settings, or larger size changes require more bench time and inspection.

Tips on Getting Engagement Ring Sizing Right the First Time Around

It might be too late if you’re here looking for tips on resizing an engagement ring. But, we still want to share some advice on proper sizing from the get-go, so you don’t have to resize your ring down the line:

• Get sized by a jeweler, not a printable chart: A professional uses calibrated metal sizers that match real ring thickness. Paper charts and plastic tools are notorious for running small or large, depending on how tightly they’re pulled.

• Measure when your hands are at a normal temperature: Cold fingers shrink and hot fingers swell. Measure at room temperature when your hands feel normal.

• Consider the width of the band you plan to wear: Wider bands fit tighter than thin ones. You may need a slightly larger size than your thin-ring measurement if you’re choosing a heavier band or a ring with stacked elements.

• Take multiple measurements at different times of day: Fingers change size between morning and evening just as they do with temperature. Get consistent readings across a few measurements for a more reliable idea of your ring size.

• Account for knuckle size, not only the base of the finger: The ring needs to pass over the knuckle without forcing it. A good fit slides over with resistance but rests comfortably once it’s in place.

• Avoid guessing based on another ring alone: Rings worn on different fingers or hands rarely translate to an exact engagement ring size.

Our blog has more resources on how to shop for an engagement ring, including the best gemstones for engagement rings. But whether you’re looking for a sapphire engagement ring, a black diamond engagement ring, or anything else, your search ends here at Alexis Russell!

We guide you through every step of the process, from designing a unique gemstone engagement ring to navigating sizing. It’s a very personal process from A to Z, and you’re never left to figure anything out on your own.

Everything is handcrafted in our New York studio using stunning, ethically sourced gemstones. You can take the next step today by scheduling a consultation with our designers!

Final Words on Engagement Ring Resizing

In closing, can engagement rings be resized? Absolutely. It’s a very normal part of owning a ring you wear daily. Most adjustments are straightforward when you leave them to an experienced jeweler, like Alexis Russell.

Remember, engagement ring resizing is free for 30 days after getting your ring. You can pay a fee to have your ring resized from that point on. Reach out for more information, or get started designing the ring of your dreams today!

Frequently asked questions

What are signs a ring needs resizing?

They’re pretty obvious. Constant spinning, slipping off when hands are wet, deep pressure marks, or difficulty bending your finger all suggest the size isn’t right.

Is it okay to resize an engagement ring?

Yes! We handle engagement ring resizing all the time for our customers.

Which rings cannot be resized?

Tungsten, ceramic, and some titanium rings usually cannot be resized. It’s also difficult to resize grooved or faceted bands, eternity rings, and other very complex styles. Certain wedding bands we carry are not able to be resized and are explicitly listed in the product listing.

How much does it cost to resize an engagement ring?

Resizing is free within 30 days, then typically $75-$90 afterward, here at Alexis Russell. That’s assuming your ring was purchased from us. We only resize our own rings.

Is it better for a ring to be snug or loose?

You don’t have to compromise. A perfect fit is where the ring slides over the knuckle with light resistance and rests comfortably at the base of the finger without spinning constantly.