“My wedding ring is too big!” If you have that dilemma now, it’s not the end of the world. No matter how careful you are to get the right ring size, things can go wrong. Whether you used wedding ring size charts and sizing tools or followed the long list of wedding band size tips, if it’s big, it’s big.
If you’re already thinking how much does it cost to resize a ring, hold your horses. There are hacks you can try to resolve the matter.
My Wedding Ring Is Too Big? Is It Really Too Big?
You don’t want a wedding ring that’s too tight. But you also don’t want one that’s too loose. You’ll never get things done when the latter happens – and you might lose your wedding ring.
How do you know if your wedding ring fits just right? If the ring is a snug fit around your finger, and there’s a bit of pull when you’re taking it off, then that’s the correct fit.
A wedding ring that’s a bit loose will easily come off without any effort. It’s too big if your wedding ring falls off while doing your daily chores or activities. It’s also too big if you can wear it over a glove or bandage.
5 Quick Fixes You Can Try If Your Wedding Ring Is Too Big
If your ring is too big, resizing is not the immediate and only option. There are several hacks you can try to make your wedding ring smaller.
1. Sizing Beads
One of the most economical fixes a jeweler can do to remedy a big ring is to put sizing beads. These sizing beads are two small metal balls that can be added to the inner circumference of a wedding ring to make it smaller.
This method of sizing a ring down is semi-permanent since the sizing beads will be soldered to your wedding ring. However, the jeweler can easily remove them when needed. They will have no visible impact to the wedding ring. Sizing beads are perfect if you need to make an heirloom or vintage ring fit tighter.
2. Spring Insert
A jeweler can make your wedding ring one full ring size down by using a spring insert. This is a horseshoe-shaped metal strip that lines the inside of the wedding band. As the name suggests, the spring opens a bit to allow the ring past the knuckles and then hugs your finger again once in position. They’re good for people who have big knuckles.
Most people prefer the spring insert over the sizing beads because they’re a more comfortable alternative. Just like the sizing beads, they will not affect the integrity of the ring.
3. Fold-Over Sizing Device
Another quick way to reduce the size of the ring is by using a fold-over sizing bar or device. A jeweler can solder this hinged bar to your ring. It works like a clip or a lock. It’s at the bottom of your ring. You’ll unlock it when you wear the ring and click it to lock once the ring is in place. This solution can size a ring down by two sizes.
4. Plastic Ring Size Adjuster
For around $5 to $9, you can get these ring size adjusters online. They’re basically plastic coils that you attach to the bottom of the ring. This is an excellent solution if you’re ring size fluctuates frequently. If you opt for this quick fix, make sure you check them from time to time. Replace them if they become too loose and move easily around the wedding ring.
5. Food Grade Silicone
If you’ve always complained, “My wedding ring is too big!” after your wedding day, then a dab of food grade silicone might just do the trick. With a dose of craftsmanship, you can line the ring with the silicone until you get the perfect fit.
WARNING: Alloyed rings may get damaged by the substance. Most people do not react to silicone but others report an allergic reaction to it. It’s best to try small amounts first to see if the metal of your ring and your skin will not react to the substance.
Bonus: DIY Home Fixes You Can Try At Your Own Risk
There are various things at home that you can use to quickly “resize” a ring. Take note that these are just emergency fixes, so the ring won’t fall off. They can potentially damage your wedding ring.
- String or Dental Floss: You just need to loop string or floss at the bottom of your band until you get a good fit.
- Non-toxic nail polish: Dab some of the substance in the inner lip of the ring. Let it dry. Repeat. The concept is just like the food grade silicone. Try it on after several layers of nail polish.
- Hot Glue: Find a glue gun or you can also manually melt a glue stick. You just need a few drops to have a temporary sizing bead made of dried glue.
Why You Should Think Twice About Resizing Your Ring
Sizing down a ring is a pretty straightforward process. It’s quick and cheap but think twice before you do it. Resizing a wedding ring requires a jeweler to cut a portion of its shank, solder it, and polish the ring as if nothing happened. This can be reversed, too, but another cut will be made, damaging the ring.
Resizing a wedding ring should be the last resort if you have the following scenario:
- Temporary Issue: If your finger size fluctuates from time to time because of certain health conditions, pregnancy, or because of weight loss, it might not be worth it to have the ring resize. Changing weather or seasons may also cause our hands to shrink or swell. For these, you can try the solutions mentioned above and wait for your ring to be a snug fit again.
- Engraving: If your wedding ring has an engraving, resizing it up or down will ruin the wedding band’s engraving. The sentimental value of the ring is just too much.
- Antique or Vintage: Resizing an antique or vintage wedding ring can lower the value of the wedding ring. They are pretty difficult to restore too if you change your mind in the future.
- Technical Issues: Certain materials cannot be altered because they’re too difficult to cut or too brittle to be put back together. Resizing will also be a big challenge – and not worth it– if you will change the stone settings.
