Adjusting ring sizes is not an uncommon phenomenon. Referred to as sizing, this process is most often used to increase ring size rather than decrease the size and create a snug fit. The process of having a ring resized is best left to a professional who is familiar with jewelry and the composition of metals that are commonly used to create the settings and bodies for various types of rings.
The process for having a ring resized is actually very straightforward. A jeweler will first cut the shank or bottom of the ring, creating a break in the circle of the ring. Next, the body of the ring is heated. Heating the body of the ring requires exact precision, as to much heat will result in permanent damage to the metal, while the application of too little heat will make working with the ring or rings extremely difficult. Once the ring is heated to the right temperature, the jeweler will be able to open the ring to the desired size.
Following the opening of the existing ring, the next step in having a ring resized is to cut and shape what is known as the sizing stock. Essentially, the stock is a matching section of metal that will be grafted into the gap that now exists in the body of the ring. It is important that the stock exactly match the dimensions of the original band, especially the thickness and height of the band. Once the sizing stock is a perfect match, the jeweler will move on to securing the stock in place.
The resized stock is moved into position and then welded to the shank created in the original band of the ring. An experienced jeweler will be able to accomplish this with an extremely small bead on the weld that is almost invisible and can be slightly buffed in order to minimize the visibility of the weld. Once the welding is complete, all stones in the ring are tightened and the entire ring is polished. In some cases, the band may also be refinished as a final step.
While most metals that are used for the bodies of rings will allow at least some amount of adjustment to the size of rings, there are a few examples of metallic compounds that prevent rings from being resized. A jeweler will be able to determine if a particular ring can be resized and what steps are necessary to make the resized ring maintain an attractive appearance.
