There’s no better feeling than having a ring that fits perfectly on your finger. However, sizing mistakes can sometimes leave you with a ring that’s too big or too small. Resizing is often the go-to solution in such situations, but that’s not always possible because some rings can’t be resized.
The types of rings that can’t be resized include ceramic, jade, resin, base metal, stainless steel, tungsten, titanium, tension rings, full eternity bands, rose gold, and pave rings. Some of these materials can’t handle alterations, and the rest need too much work and specialized equipment.
In this article, I’ll talk more about rings that can’t be resized, why they can’t go through the process, how to ensure that you get the right ring size in the future, and other important things you should know. Let’s cover the non-resizable rings first.
1. Ceramic Rings
Ceramic rings are one of the top choices for wedding rings because they’re affordable, lightweight, and hypoallergenic. They’re also long-lasting and have great designs for couples eyeing a contemporary theme.
Rings of this kind are made out of titanium carbide, a material that is almost, if not equally, as durable as tungsten minus the brittleness. This means that rings of this kind don’t crack that easily.
As a result, most jewelers find ceramic rings impossible to cut and bend for resizing. If you have a ceramic ring that doesn’t fit, the best thing to do is buy a new one. You should also check if you can exchange your current one for another size.
2. Jade Rings
Jade rings make a good wedding ring because of their aesthetic quality. The gem is rare and comes in a unique green shade, making it ideal for couples who want something uncommon for their bands. It’s also believed that jade brings love, honesty, and acceptance.
However, the gemstone at hand is considered an unconventional material for a ring. Rings made out of pure jade bands can’t be resized because the material is usually dense and can’t resist intense pressure.
There are exceptions to this, though. Jadeite rings usually have no chance of being resized since they’re dense. Some jewelers will accept the job if you want a slightly tighter fit, but it’s uncommon.
You have a higher chance of finding a willing jeweler if your ring is made of nephrite jade. Nephrite jades are equally durable, but their tough nature allows for easier carving and cutting.
3. Resin Rings
Resin rings have great aesthetics and customizable properties. This is the go-to for couples who want a more sentimental ring since you can ask the jeweler to put dried flowers inside. The design options are also basically limitless, so it’s really up to you, your partner, and the jeweler’s skills.
The problem with resin is that it’s an unconventional base material for a ring. It can’t be cut or bent, which makes it impossible to put through the resizing process.
So if your resin ring is too small, it’s best to buy a new one. The same goes for rings that are too large, but it’s worth asking the jeweler if it’s possible to fill the gap with epoxy.
4. Wood Rings
Wooden rings are extremely durable. They can last for decades as long as you take good care of them. Wood rings are also said to symbolize strength and growth, so it makes perfect sense why couples choose them for their special day.
The reason wooden rings can’t be resized is because wood isn’t as malleable as metal-based materials. As such, jewelers can’t cut and bend it after it’s made.
5. Base Metal Rings
Base metal rings are one of the most affordable wedding ring options, mainly because they’re made of non-precious metals like bronze, brass, and copper.
Despite being made of metal, these rings are almost impossible to resize. That’s because base metals are some of the most difficult materials to work with.
They have low melting points, heat resistance, and propensity, putting them at a higher risk of damage. Jewelers also find it hard to predict how base metals will react to the intense processes involved in resizing.
6. Stainless Steel Rings
These rings are known for being extremely durable because stainless steel can resist common metal-related issues like tarnishing or rust, corrosion, and scratches. It’s also relatively cheap. This combination of durability and affordability is why stainless steel rings are some of the most popular choices today.
Just like base metal, resizing stainless steel is not exactly impossible; it’s just harder to find a qualified jeweler for your needs. The material is extremely hard with a high melting point, so special equipment is needed for the whole process.
7. Tungsten Rings
Because of the extreme durability of tungsten rings, you can rest assured that they will last a long time without you or your partner running into issues. They’re also scratch-resistant, which adds to the list of reasons they make good engagement and wedding rings.
That durability, however, is also one of the main reasons tungsten rings can’t be resized. Although tungsten is a naturally hard metal, it’s also brittle. If you were to exert pressure on a ring made of this material as part of the resizing process, it would break instead of bend. Generally, bendy materials make for easier ring resizing.
The other reason resizing a tungsten ring is impossible is the material’s incompatibility with soldering. This has something to do with tungsten’s atomic bonding; it prevents the material from sticking to other metals under low heat.
8. Titanium Rings
Titanium is a lot like tungsten; they’re both hard in nature, durable, scratch-resistant, and long-lasting. The only noticeable difference is that the former is more lightweight, making it easier to wear.
Depending on your jeweler and your resizing request, resizing titanium rings may be possible. In most cases, jewelers will refuse to resize your titanium because they lack the appropriate tools.
Even if they have the tools, many will decline your resizing request on grounds that they don’t want to “damage their tools” in the process or that what you’re asking for is difficult.
These are all valid reasons, and they’re why I’ve included titanium rings in this list. That said, I wouldn’t entirely write off your chances of finding an experienced jeweler who’s willing to take you up on your request, especially if you only need small adjustments.
9. Full Eternity Bands
Rings with full eternity bands are gorgeous and elegant, for sure. However, they’re also expensive, so make sure they fit you perfectly. Since eternity rings come with complex designs, only a few skilled jewelers will listen to your resizing request.
Often, the process won’t be possible. This is especially true for rings surrounded by precious stones. Whether diamonds or other gems, cutting and bending the jewelry is impossible if there’s no space to cut. And if you find a jeweler willing to do it, the design will be affected.
10. Tension Rings
If you’re planning a grand proposal for your partner and want a prestigious ring to go with it, you will never go wrong with tension rings. It’s a rather complicated design that uses compression to make the diamond, or whatever jewel used, fully visible.
Tension rings are usually custom-made. So if it doesn’t fit, your jeweler will recommend remaking the whole ring.
Even if you find a willing jeweler, prepare your pocket for high fees because the resizing process for this kind of ring is more complicated. It also takes a lot of time and effort on the crafter’s part.
11. Rose Gold Rings
Rose gold rings are becoming trendy because of the material’s aesthetically pleasing pink tones. It’s also a more affordable and more durable choice compared to gold.
However, rose gold is brittle, unlike silver, gold, and platinum. It can’t handle high levels of pressure. So if jewelers try to cut and bend it according to your resizing needs, the material will crack or crumble.
Even if it survives the stress, your jeweler will still have difficulty finding the exact match for the metal’s shade and composition.
12. Pavé Rings
Pavé rings are famous for their classic and elegant style. This is one of the best choices if you want a diamond ring but don’t have the money for it. The design also has a way of emphasizing the gemstone in the center of the band.
Since pavé rings are usually manufactured on thin bands, and the diamonds and other gemstones run all around the band, you’ll have a hard time finding a qualified jeweler to resize it. You’ll have no problem if the gemstones are only half the band, but you still have to consider the base material.
Reasons Why a Ring Cannot Be Resized
Before a jeweler agrees to resize your ring, they will first look at several factors to decide whether it’s worthwhile. If they decline your resizing request, it’ll likely be due to one of the reasons discussed below.
The Material Used Is Not Meant for Resizing
The ring’s material plays a big part in whether it can be resized. Some materials are impossible to resize because they’re too hard to bend or crush easily.
Titanium is a perfect example. Because titanium is the strongest metal and can withstand intense pressure, jewelers will have difficulty resizing it unless they’re highly skilled and equipped with advanced tools. The same goes for rings made out of rose gold, except these have low pressure tolerance and, thus, will crush easily.
The Ring’s Design Is Too Complicated
Rings with complicated designs, no matter the base material, can be turned away for resizing. These include rings with eternity bands, vintage styles, surrounding precious stones, and the like.
Some ring designs are just impossible to recreate after resizing. This is particularly true for custom and vintage rings. Others can be recreated, but they take so much time, money, and effort that resizing isn’t worthwhile.
If the jeweler finds your ring’s design too complex to restore after resizing, chances are they’ll avoid it totally and recommend another course of action. Even if they have the skills to recreate the design, they might decline your resizing request because it takes too much time and possibly requires specialized equipment.
The Ring’s Base Material Requires Special Equipment
There are times when a jeweler may refuse to resize your ring because they don’t have the right equipment. This is likely the explanation you’ll get if your ring is made of tungsten and stainless steel. Basic resizing tools are insufficient for such rings; resizing one without specialized equipment will only damage it.
If your jeweler rejects your resizing request on these grounds, it might be worthwhile to try a few more. Just be ready for possibly higher fees.
What Can You Do With Your Ring if It Can’t Be Resized?
It can be inconvenient if everything — from the proposal to the planned wedding — is perfect except your ring’s fit. It’s even more heartbreaking if your ring can’t be resized.
Here are some solutions you can turn to in this situation:
- Buy a new one.
- Wear the ring on another finger.
- Put the ring through a chain and wear it as a necklace.
Of course, it’s still best to ensure that you get the right ring size the first time to save you and your partner the hassle of resizing or buying an entirely new ring. If you’re unsure about the fit, I recommend sticking to rings made of gold, platinum, and silver. Rings made of these materials can be modified easily, even by local jewelers.
Final Thoughts
Rings made of atypical and unbendable materials like ceramic, jade, resin, wood, base metal, stainless steel, tungsten, titanium, and rose gold can’t be resized. Certain ring designs like full eternity bands, pavé rings, and those with tension settings also fall in that category.
Some skilled jewelers may accept the task of resizing difficult-to-work-with materials like titanium and rose gold but expect to pay more.
