A proper fit for a ring is essential. Too loose and you risk losing it. Too tight and it's uncomfortable and hard to remove.
When your ring doesn't fit properly, your first thought is to get it resized.
Often, this is the safest, most permanent option. However, having your ring permanently resized is not always the best choice, and temporary solutions can be ideal under certain circumstances.
When Not to Resize Your Ring
If you suddenly find your ring spinning on your finger, your first step should be to pinpoint the root cause. Fingers can shrink for many reasons, many of them temporary, like cold weather or weight loss.
Also, consider the circumstances under which your ring was first fitted. Something obvious, like pregnancy, would cause your ring to fit more snugly at the time of fitting. But the culprit could also be something more unexpected and seemingly trivial, like a high-salt meal right before your sizing.
Maybe you're just really sensitive to temperature fluctuations. If your ring size seems to go up and down with the mercury, a temporary ring adjuster is perfect.
Whether you need an interim solution until you reach your goal weight, or you need something you can take in and out indefinitely in accordance with the weather, read on to learn how to make a ring smaller without resizing.
Find out what size ring you actually need with a printable ring sizer.
Jeweler-Applied Ring Sizers
When you are considering getting your ring resized smaller by your jeweler, you likely think of a permanent reduction in the circumference of the band.
That's not the only option, though. Since every resizing negatively affects the strength of the metal, it's wise to consider adding to the ring instead, which maintains the integrity of the ring. Here are some jeweler-applied ring resizing options:
Sizing Beads
To make your ring smaller using sizing beads, a jeweler simply adds two small metal balls on the back part of the inside of your ring.
Sizing beads are an economical way to reduce the size of your ring. They're perfect for reducing a ring by one half-size and they're great for keeping your ring upright on your finger.
Some wearers find them uncomfortable, which is the biggest downside. Ask your jeweler if they have an example ring with sizing beads for you to try on.
Spring Insert
A spring insert is another easy way for a jeweler to resize your ring smaller, up to one full ring size.
Shaped like a horseshoe, a spring insert is a strip of metal that lines the bottom 3/4 of the inside of your band. Like its namesake, it springs open slightly to allow the ring past your knuckle and then springs back to fit snugly at the base of your finger.
This method is a little more complicated for the jeweler than sizing beads, but still an affordable choice. Wearers typically find a spring insert more comfortable, too.
Fold-Over Device/Sizing Bar
If you don't like the idea of consistently squeezing your finger through your ring to get it past your knuckle, a fold-over device is for you.
A jeweler can solder a U-shaped bar across the bottom of your ring, with a hinge on one side and a latch on the other. All you do is open the latch to put the ring on and swing it shut to hold it in place.
With this method, rings can be resized several full ring sizes smaller. Fold-over devices are typically reported as comfortable as well. See if your jeweler has a sample ring to try out.
Do-It-Yourself Ring Sizers
If you'd prefer not to visit your jeweler or have an urgent need, you can make a ring smaller at home with DIY ring sizers.
Plastic Guard
Widely available, plastic ring adjusters are a cheap, quick option to solve your ring size issue right away. They're basically little silicone wedges or sleeves that sit between your ring and your finger. (We love BlingWraps by BlingGuard.)
They do work but can make your ring sit up awkwardly off your finger. They're also much less reliable than something a jeweler solders on and they do have the risk of slipping out.
Ring Sizers to Avoid
You might need a near-instant, cheap method to make your ring smaller. You might thus be tempted by DIY methods that involve adhering something to your ring.
We do not recommend using tape, liquid guard or food-grade silicone to make a ring smaller without resizing.
Adhering anything not specifically made for jewelry is asking for trouble. Gold and platinum are typically nonreactive, however many rings are alloyed with small amounts of other metals and those may not react as well. Your skin might not react well to the foreign substance, either.
Ring Care Advice
If your ring isn't fitting quite right, take it off, store it safely in a fabric pouch and take it to your jeweler. Their expert opinion will be able to tell you whether you should permanently resize your ring, have them apply an adjustable ring sizer like those previously discussed, or go with a plastic guard you can use as needed.
Always remember: The fewer times you resize your ring, the better. Each resize stretches and weakens the metal and eventually, you will increase your chances of damage or loss. (This is why many jewelers offer only one complimentary resize. They encourage customers to avoid resizing multiple times to maintain the integrity of the ring.)
Not sure what size ring you should be wearing? Download our printable ring sizer!
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