Buying a ring and finding out that it does not fit can be really frustrating. Wearing a ring for so long and suddenly realizing that it’s too small for your finger can be daunting. But no matter the circumstance, it’s better to opt for a resizing service. After all, the said option is far more affordable than buying a new one.
Resizing a ring should be done by expert jewelers. They have the skills to down- and upsize your accessory while being able to retain its beauty. That said, how much does it cost to resize a ring?
Average Ring Resizing Price
Several factors affect the average ring resizing price so its range is fairly wide. According to Bank Rate, a simple resize costs about $20 to $60. More complex jobs are, of course, more expensive, usually amounting around $50 to $150.
Cost Factors
The exact ring resizing price will depend on the qualities of your accessory. For instance:
Thickness
- Thicker rings will cost more as the jeweler will need to use more metal to resize them.
Stones
- The stones set on your ring will be affected if you want to downsize it. A jeweler may have to adjust the gems’ location depending on the potential change of curvature.
Type of Metal
- Some rings are made of metals that are harder to manipulate than others. Obviously, materials that are more difficult to adjust will cost more.
- Speaking of metals, these are the types that are usually resized by jewelers:
- Yellow gold – generally less expensive as it is one of the types that are easier to manipulate
- Sterling silver – ease of manipulation is comparable to yellow gold
- White gold – has certain requirements including refinishing and reapplication of rhodium plating
- Rose gold – quite difficult to manipulate as the metal can crack during resizing
- Platinum – more difficult to manipulate as the metal has a higher melting point than gold and requires its own tools
- Titanium – material is extremely hard to manipulate that some jewelers will turn down the job
Resizing involves increasing and decreasing the size of your ring. The latter, of course, will cost less as your jeweler won’t need new material to downsize your accessory.
Also, the cost to resize a ring that has a flat bottom is higher.
Sample Costs
Another factor that contributes to the wide-ranging cost to resize a ring is how much the jeweler charges for the job. Most shops will give you a price quote depending on the jewelry item. Still, there are a few that post their pricing online.
One of these few shops is Calla Gold Jewelry which is based in Sta. Barbara, California. Their web site features an article discussing how much they charge for resizing gold and silver rings. The jeweler herself wrote the guide which she based on her recent works.
Here’s a list for your reference:
- 14kt Gold Nugget Style Ring: $107 (larger resize)
- Sterling Silver with 2 Flower Sapphires Ring: $28 (larger resize)
- 14kt White Gold with 3 Heart Diamonds Ring: $89 (larger resize)
- Sterling Silver with Amethyst and Peridot Ring: $29 (larger resize)
- Sterling Silver and Moonstone Ring: $38 (larger resize)
Note that the above prices were dependent on the customer’s size request. For instance, adjusting a sterling silver ring a half-size larger will basically cost less.
Also, as with the above cost factors, the metal type and stones of the ring will affect the price.
Another shop who posted their pricing online is Kambourian Jewelers in Virginia.
Following is a price list from their web site:
- Smaller resize: $40 for ladies, $45 for men
- One size larger: $47.50 for ladies, $62.50 for men
- Each additional size: $20 for ladies, $25 for men
- Platinum (one size smaller): $62.50 for ladies and men
- Platinum (one size larger): $130 for ladies, $145 for men
- Sizing beads: $120 for ladies, $185 for men
- One-half shank: $275 for ladies, $325 for men
- Full shank: $400 for ladies, $450 for men
To determine what resizing will be most cost-effective, you may opt to ask for quotes from several shops. Asking around for feedback from previous customers will also help you determine which jeweler provides quality service.
Additional Costs
Many rings have a flat bottom called a European or euro-shank. It reduces the ability of the ring to spin around the wearer’s finger, making it a popular add-on to an accessory.
If your ring is made to have one of this shank type, expect to pay more for the resizing. That is due to the corners adding more metal weight to your ring.
If your ring is made of white gold, another possible additional cost is the reapplication of rhodium plating. This process is necessary to retain the color of your accessory.
What To Expect
As not all rings are created equal, the time needed for resizing it also varies. According to First Quarter Finance, resizing a simple ring can take only two hours. Rings with more complex designs, on the other hand, may take the jeweler weeks to finish. Lastly, a ring with an intricate setting of stones and a hard-to-adjust metal type can easily become a one-month task.
Regardless of the length of time, know that your jeweler will have to cut open the shank of your ring to adjust its size.
After cutting away excess metal (if you want a smaller size) or adding them (for larger resize), the jeweler will solder them together to form a complete circle.
Considerations
Before you decide to put your ring’s fate on your jeweler’s hands, you have to know that resizing will, aside from money, cost you other things.
For instance, the job will affect any engraving inside the original ring. That said, you may lose part of it once the jeweler starts working on your accessory.
Fortunately, the jewelers can replicate your ring’s engraving. For an additional fee (and waiting time), of course.
Another thing to consider is your ring’s warranty. Some retail locations will void protection if you let a different company or jeweler resize your ring. That said, check the specifications about resizing before looking for a shop.
Note also that not all jewelers will accept working on titanium rings due to its complexity. You might find a few, but know that they will charge high for the said metal type.
Still, getting your ring resized by a jeweler is far more affordable than buying a new one. Just make sure that your accessory will look the same as the original except for its size!