01684 574077
A ring that doesn't fit properly is one of those small annoyances that can stop you wearing something you love. Too tight and it's uncomfortable. Too loose and you're forever worrying it'll slip off and get lost.
Ring resizing is one of the most common jobs we carry out here at Parrys of Malvern, and the question we're asked most often is simple: how much will it cost? The honest answer is that it depends on the ring. So let's walk through what affects the price, so you know what to expect before you bring yours in.
Every ring is different. A plain silver band and a platinum engagement ring set with diamonds might both need resizing, but the work involved is completely different. The cost of resizing a ring is usually based on a few key things.
Different metals behave differently and some are simply more expensive to work with.
Silver is generally the most straightforward and usually the least expensive to resize.
Gold is very commonly resized. Yellow, white and rose gold all work well, although each has its own considerations.
Platinum is extremely durable, but it needs a higher melting point and specialist skill to work with, which can make resizing more costly.
White gold often needs re-plating after resizing. Most white gold rings are finished with a thin layer of rhodium to give them their bright white colour, and this may need to be reapplied once the work is done so the ring looks even all the way round.
Making a ring smaller usually involves removing a small section of the band and joining it back together. Because metal is being taken away rather than added, this is often the simpler job.
Making a ring larger can be done by stretching the band slightly for small adjustments, or by adding a piece of new metal for bigger changes. When extra metal is needed, the cost of that metal becomes part of the price, which is why going up a few sizes in gold or platinum can cost more than going down.
A small adjustment of one size is generally quicker and simpler than a larger change. The bigger the difference, the more work and material may be involved.
This is often the biggest factor of all. A plain band is much easier to resize than a ring with stones set into it.
If stones are set close to where the work is done, the jeweller has to take extra care to protect them. Some stones don't cope well with heat, so they may need to be removed and reset. Claws and settings may also need checking and tightening afterwards to make sure everything is secure.
Patterns, engraving, milgrain edges, two-tone metals and unusual shapes all take extra time to match up neatly after resizing. The aim is always for the ring to look as though it was never altered, and more intricate designs need more care to achieve that.
Not every ring can be resized in the usual way. It's worth knowing about these before you buy or bring one in.
Full eternity rings with stones set all the way around the band are very difficult to resize, because there's no plain section of metal to work on.
Titanium, tungsten and some alternative metals often can't be resized at all due to how hard they are.
Tension-set rings, where the stone is held in place by pressure from the band, generally can't be resized without affecting how the stone is held.
Rings with engraving all the way round may lose part of the engraving where the band is altered.
If your ring falls into one of these categories, don't worry. We'll look at it with you and explain what options might be available.
In most cases, absolutely. A ring that fits properly is more comfortable, more secure and far more likely to be worn and enjoyed. Losing a ring because it was too loose is heartbreaking, especially if it has sentimental value, so resizing is a small price to pay for peace of mind.
It's also a great way to bring an inherited ring back into use. A grandmother's wedding ring or a family heirloom can become an everyday piece again once it fits you properly.
Before resizing, it's important to be measured accurately. Fingers can change size throughout the day, often swelling slightly in warm weather or after exercise and shrinking when it's cold. Knuckles also play a part, as a ring needs to slide over the knuckle comfortably while still sitting securely at the base of the finger.
We'll take the time to measure your finger properly in store, so the finished ring fits just right. There's nothing worse than resizing a ring only to find it's still not quite comfortable.
If your ring is valuable, it's a good idea to check your insurance is up to date once it's been resized, especially if extra metal has been added or stones have been reset. We offer professional jewellery valuations if you need one.
Parrys of Malvern is an independent, family-run jeweller at 115 Church Street, in the heart of Great Malvern. We've been looking after the jewellery of local people since 1952, and ring resizing is something we do every week.
Whether it's an engagement ring, a wedding ring, a family heirloom or a favourite dress ring, we'll look at it carefully, explain what's involved and give you a clear price before any work begins. No surprises, just honest advice.
You can find out more about our jewellery and watch repair services, or if you're shopping for something new, take a look at our wedding and engagement rings.
If your ring needs resizing, visit us at Parrys of Malvern, 115 Church Street, Malvern, WR14 2AJ. We're open Tuesday to Saturday, 9.30am to 4.15pm. You can also call us on 01684 574077 or get in touch online.
Bring your ring in and we'll give you an honest price, with no obligation.
