A wedding ring should fit effortlessly — secure, comfortable, and natural on your hand. But as life changes, our fingers do too. Whether your ring feels a bit tight, too loose, or you’ve inherited a meaningful piece that needs adjusting, there are several ways jewelers can resize it safely and beautifully.
At Martin Busch Jewelers in New York City’s Financial District, resizing is treated with the same care and precision as creating a new piece — always preserving the sentiment you entrusted to the ring.
Why Your Wedding Ring May Need Resizing
Finger size changes more often than most people realize. A resize may be needed due to:
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Seasonal swelling
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Pregnancy
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Weight changes
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Natural aging
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Knuckle size differences
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A ring that’s always been slightly off
A proper fit isn’t just about comfort — it protects your ring from slipping off or being forced on.
Can All Wedding Rings Be Resized?
Most can, but some require specialized alternatives. In general:
Can be resized:
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14K & 18K gold bands
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Platinum rings
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Solitaire rings
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Three-stone designs
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Simple bands with minimal stones
More difficult or not recommended:
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Full eternity bands
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Tungsten, titanium, stainless steel
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Tension-set rings
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Bands with intricate microscopic pave
When a traditional resize isn’t possible, jewelers can still help with solutions like sizing beads, ring guards, or custom remounting.
Different Ways Jewelers Resize a Wedding Ring
1. Adding Metal (For a Larger Size)
The ring is cut at the bottom, gently expanded, and filled with a perfectly matched piece of metal.
Best for:
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Increasing more than half a size
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Gold, platinum, palladium bands
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Long-term, permanent results
2. Removing Metal (For a Smaller Size)
A small segment of the shank is removed, and the ring is soldered back together.
Best for:
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Making the ring smaller by half a size or more
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Classic designs with clean lines
Why customers choose it:
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It’s durable, precise, and keeps the original design intact.
3. Sizing Beads
Two tiny metal beads are added inside the band to gently tighten the fit.
Ideal when:
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Only a slight adjustment is needed
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Your knuckle is larger than the base of your finger
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The ring spins due to a heavy top (halo, three-stone, large center diamond)
4. Spring Inserts (or “Spring Shanks”)
A flexible U-shaped strip is installed inside the band. It compresses slightly to pass over the knuckle and springs back for a close fit.
Why people love it:
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Smooth, soft, and secure
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Invisible when worn
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Perfect for daily swelling and temperature changes
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This is one of the most comfortable options for customers with size fluctuation.
5. The Hinged Shank
This innovative hinge-and-clasp mechanism allows the ring to open and close.
Best solution for:
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Arthritis
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Large knuckle / smaller finger base
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Heirloom rings you want to keep exactly as they are
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A hinged shank preserves the design while making the ring incredibly easy to wear.
Related Questions You Might Be Asking
How much can a ring be resized?
Typically up to two sizes up or down, depending on the metal and design. Beyond that, integrity may be compromised — but a jeweler will evaluate it safely.
How long does resizing take?
Most resizing takes 1–3 days, depending on complexity and metal type. Pave settings or platinum rings may take slightly more time.
Will resizing damage my ring?
Not when done professionally. A correct resize keeps the structure strong and the finish flawless.
Can resizing change how my diamond looks?
Only in rare cases. A highly skilled jeweler ensures the stone remains secure, centered, and aligned.
What if my ring never fits perfectly due to knuckle size issues?
This is exactly when sizing beads, spring inserts, and hinged shanks become life-changing.
Resizing Options at a Glance
Care Tips After Resizing
Once your ring fits perfectly:
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Remove it when lifting weights or doing heavy activity
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Keep it clean to protect settings
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Have prongs checked yearly
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Schedule periodic professional cleanings
Why Choose Martin Busch Jewelers for Ring Resizing
Since 1954, Martin Busch Jewelers has been helping couples protect, restore, and personalize the jewelry that means the most to them. With generations of expertise, in-house artisans, and an honest, approachable way of guiding customers, your ring is always treated with the respect it deserves.
Whether you need a subtle adjustment or a complete structural modification, we’re here to help you find the perfect solution.
Ready to Give Your Wedding Ring the Perfect Fit?
Your ring should feel as good as it looks — natural, secure, and comfortable every day.
Let our team guide you.
Martin Busch Jewelers
85 John St.
New York, NY 10038