Finding the Perfect Fit: The Ultimate Guide to Ring Resizing in Toronto

Finding the perfect fit for your ring is crucial for comfort and aesthetics. A ring that is too tight can be uncomfortable to wear and may even restrict blood flow to your finger. On the other hand, a loose ring risks slipping off and getting lost.

Resizing your ring ensures that it sits snugly on your finger, allowing for ease of movement and preventing potential accidents. It also ensures that your ring looks visually appealing, as a properly fitting ring enhances the overall appearance of your hand.

Additionally, ring resizing allows you to continue wearing sentimental jewellery that may have been passed down through generations. Instead of keeping these pieces locked away in a drawer, resizing them will enable you to enjoy their beauty and significance daily.

Now that we understand the importance of ring resizing let's explore some signs that indicate your ring may need to be resized. The most obvious sign is if the ring feels uncomfortably tight or loose on your finger. If you find yourself constantly readjusting your ring or struggling to remove it, it indicates that resizing is necessary. Over the years, I have seen my fair share of customers walk in with rings they can't remove and cut through the skin. If there is a day when you cannot take your ring off, please don't delay seeing a jeweller. Your ring will be in better shape and more straightforward to repair if a jeweller cuts it off rather than doctors at an ER.

Another sign to look out for is if your ring spins excessively on your finger. While a slight rotation is expected, a ring that constantly spins can be a nuisance and increase the chances of slipping off. Suppose your ring frequently rotates to the point where the stones or design are not visible on top. In that case, resizing can help alleviate this issue. For those of you who are like me and have big knuckles or arthritis, size might always be an issue. Have your ring sit loose on your finger, and have your jeweller add beads inside the ring. Beads will prevent a top-heavy ring from spinning or give enough space for large knuckles to fit through while having the ring sit nice and snug on the finger. Weight fluctuation can also impact the fit of your ring. If you have recently lost or gained weight, you may find that your ring no longer fits as it once did. Resizing allows you to continue wearing your beloved ring, regardless of any changes in your body shape. If you plan on conceiving, your rings might not fit anymore while pregnant. I suggest leaving your rings aside for those pregnancy months and wearing them again post-partum.

Remember that getting your ring resized sooner rather than later is always better. Wearing an ill-fitting ring for an extended period can cause unnecessary damage to the metal and gemstones, potentially leading to more costly repairs in the future.

Now that you've identified the need for ring resizing, let's explore the process. The first step is finding a reputable jeweller specializing in ring resizing. Look for jewellers who have experience handling various types of rings and materials and have positive customer reviews.

Once you've chosen a jeweller, schedule an appointment to evaluate your ring. The jeweller will examine your ring and discuss your desired fit with you. They will then determine the appropriate resizing method based on factors such as the type of metal, design intricacy, and the amount of adjustment needed.

I look at the ring closely under a microscope to ensure everything is in order: stones look intact, metal isn't cracking. I see if the ring has solder lines indicating it has been sized before. I take a close look and note as much detail as I can. That being said, I tell all my clients that if it's a ring I haven't made personally, many factors aren't visible and can affect the outcome, such as a center stone being cracked underneath a claw, as one example. Since there are unknown variables, I give my customers an initial estimate and keep them appraised during the process if additional work is needed. There may be something hidden that I could not see during my initial assessment. I always let the client know of extra fees before proceeding.

The two most common resizing methods are stretching and cutting. Stretching involves expanding the ring's circumference to make it larger. In contrast, cutting involves removing a portion of the band to make it larger or smaller. If it's a simple wedding band, it's got heft, and it's only going up or down one size, I might want to expand or compress the metal to get that perfect fit. However, I mostly cut the ring and add or subtract material. This method ensures that the metal thickness stays the same. See, when jewellers stretch rings, the metal thickness is also stretched, and your ring will appear thinner if you go up in size. Stretching may not be ideal, as most metals wear down, and you are diminishing the longevity of the ring.

After resizing, the jeweller will polish and clean your ring to restore its original lustre. It's important to note that not all rings can be resized, especially those with intricate designs or delicate gemstones. In such cases, alternative solutions will be discussed with you.

Generally speaking, rings that cannot be sized are:

-rings that are too thin and worn. In this case, they would have to be re-shanked.

-rings with gemstones or diamonds coming down the shank, notably accent stones like marquis, baguettes or princess cuts. Because these stones have sharp corners set under the metal, the jeweller cannot alter the ring shape in these areas as they risk cracking those stones.

-rings with multi-row pave setting. Pave setting has all these tiny claws, and if the ring needs to be sized up or down more than one size, it might be impossible to do so without all the stones falling out (if you go down in size) or all the stones cracking (if you go up in size).

Once you've gone through the process and had your ring resized, try it on and ensure that it fits comfortably. If any further adjustments are needed, communicate them to the jeweller right away, for them to make the necessary changes. Remember, open communication with your jeweller is key to achieving the perfect fit for your ring. If you feel like the jeweller is difficult to communicate with in any way, or you feel like they don't listen. This is a sign that you should continue searching for a qualified jeweller

Before committing to ring resizing, there are a few factors you should consider. Firstly, think about the sentimental value of your ring. If it's an heirloom piece that has been passed down through generations, you may want to preserve its original size for sentimental reasons. In such cases, alternative solutions like ring guards or sizing beads or bumps can be explored to achieve a better fit without altering the original size.

Secondly, consider the future. If you anticipate significant weight fluctuations or lifestyle changes, it may be wise to choose a slightly larger or smaller size to accommodate these potential changes. This will save you the hassle and cost of resizing your ring multiple times in the future.

Lastly, be aware of the potential risks involved in resizing certain types of rings. Rings with intricate designs, pave settings, or fragile gemstones may be more susceptible to damage during the resizing process. It's important to consult with a professional jeweller who can assess the risks and provide guidance on the best course of action.