Maybe when the big moment came, everything else was right — but the engagement ring didn’t quite slide onto your finger the way you hoped it would. Or maybe you’ve noticed that your wedding band has felt a little too loose lately, and you’re worried that it might fall off.
So, does that mean you’re stuck with an ill-fitting ring for the rest of your life? Don’t despair! Several options are available for improving how your ring fits, especially if you ordered through Modern Gents.
Understanding your ring resizing options can save you both time and money when facing this all-too-common dilemma. Before you panic about an ill-fitting ring, take a deep breath and remind yourself that there are solutions to help you achieve a perfect fit. The resizing approach you should choose depends on your specific situation, budget constraints and timeline. Let’s explore how to fix a ring that doesn’t fit.
Why Doesn’t My Ring Fit? (Hint: It Could Be Your Fingers!)
First, let’s talk about why your ring might not be a perfect fit. One common scenario: Your ring fit well before, but now it’s suddenly the wrong size. The most common cause of this? Your fingers have actually changed size!
Believe it or not, it’s normal for the circumference of a person’s fingers to fluctuate by a few fractions of an inch, and the causes can be as simple as eating a salty meal. This finger swelling rarely lasts more than a few days, so wait it out and see if your ring fits again in a few days. Other factors, such as weight loss or gain and even the time of year, can cause your fingers to swell too.
Featured: The Slater - Champagne
Pregnancy is also known to cause swollen fingers, especially in the third trimester. Many people find alternatives to wearing their ring while pregnant, such as hanging the ring on a necklace chain or wearing a less restrictive silicone wedding ring. In addition, you can try techniques for reducing the swelling like drinking more water and sleeping on your left side.
Certain medical conditions can also be ring size fluctuation causes. Arthritis creates inflammation that can affect finger circumferences throughout the day. And some medications, especially anti-inflammatory drugs and blood pressure prescriptions, affect fluid retention, potentially causing the size of your fingers to change. Hormonal changes that take place during menstrual cycles cause temporary swelling that many women experience monthly. Even age plays a role, with older adults often noticing more dramatic changes in finger size due to decreased skin elasticity and circulation changes.
Weather is another common culprit. Cold temperatures make your fingers contract, while hot, humid weather has the opposite effect. Air travel may also trigger finger swelling as a result of cabin pressure changes and dehydration.
Determining the cause of finger size fluctuation helps you determine what to do next. In most cases, the best course of action depends on whether the problem is permanent or temporary.
Options for Resizing When Your Ring Doesn’t Fit
If a ring that used to fit perfectly is suddenly too big because of frigid weather, don’t worry about resizing it. Just wait until your finger returns to its usual size. On the other hand (so to speak), if a new ring doesn’t fit from the start, it might be the wrong size for your finger. Long-term changes in your finger size also likely mean that your ring is no longer the appropriate size. Check our ring sizing chart if you’re in doubt. Fortunately, if the fit just isn’t right, you’ve still got plenty of options for getting a ring that fits your finger better.
Get the Perfect Fit with Our Ring Size ChartOption One: DIY Resizing
If the ring’s fit is only slightly off, you might be able to perform a DIY size adjustment. Silicone and plastic ring sizers are a popular way to instantly adjust the size of your ring. The concept is simple: a tiny sleeve or set of beads made from durable silicone, which usually attaches to the interior of your ring. Just slip them onto your ring according to their directions, and take them off again if necessary. These temporary ring size adjusters are lifesavers if your finger size fluctuates frequently.
Some people also resize their rings using a variety of household hacks like glue, wax, tape and who knows what else. Because they can have unpredictable effects on the structure and materials of your ring, these DIY ring resizing solutions are strictly a use-at-your-own-risk proposition. Using a purpose-built resizing product or having your ring resized by a jewelry pro is always a safer choice.
Option Two: Professional Resizing
You might also choose to invest in professional ring resizing services from a trusted local jewelry pro, or it might be the company you ordered the ring from. If you ordered your ring from Modern Gents, remember that we offer easy returns and exchanges (more on that below!).
Jewelers have different techniques for resizing rings. A ring that’s too big often just needs a simple set of sizing beads or spring insert installed to make the ring more snug on your finger. Rings that are too small must have their material reworked, making the process much more involved. (That’s why it’s smart to size a ring up rather than down if you’re not sure of the perfect size!)
Some styles of rings, such as full eternity bands and rings made from very hard materials like tungsten, generally can’t be resized. Finally, if your ring is more than two sizes too large or too small, the resizing process can place the ring under too much stress.
Featured: The Claire - Rose Gold
Option Three: Return or Exchange Your Ring
Sometimes, there’s no easy or cost-effective way to get your ring to a size that fits. When you need a new ring, remember that Modern Gents also offers free returns and exchanges within 30 days! We’ll be happy to swap your ring for a different style or a different size, because we always want you to be in love with your ring the way you’re in love with your partner — for life!
What Option Should I Choose?
So, should you take a DIY approach to resizing, consult a professional or exchange your ring? DIY solutions may work when you need a quick way to temporarily make your ring a bit smaller. But if you need a bigger size or permanent change, consider an exchange or professional resize. In addition, you may need to have your ring resized professionally so you don’t void your warranty, if there is one. Your warranty or insurance may even cover the cost. Documented resizing history proves proper jewelry maintenance, and it may even increase your ring’s value. Reputable jewelers warranty their resizing work, meaning they’ll repair or replace your ring if you have any problems.
Shop Affordable Engagement Rings from Modern GentsEveryone wants a wedding ring with the perfect fit, and that’s exactly what Modern Gents offers. Browse our whole lineup of affordable rings now, and remember that each one comes backed by our free resizing policy and satisfaction guarantee!
Header image source: shutterstock.com/Aghavni Shahinyan