How Can My Eternity Ring Be Resized?
"Can my eternity ring be resized" is a question that clients often ask us before they buy a ring. They have been worried by reports they have read or heard about saying that resizing eternity rings is impossible. In this article, we will give you information to reassure you and help you to make the right choice for your eternity ring purchase.
What Is An Eternity Ring?
An eternity ring is a ring with diamonds placed around the entire circumference of the ring. This results in a stunning patterned look with the shimmer of diamonds all the way round the wearer's finger. Eternity rings are typically worn only by women. Originally, eternity rings were given by a husband to his wife on their tenth wedding anniversary. These rings were seen as being an extension of the engagement ring and a conformation, if it was needed, of the man’s devotion to his wife.
These days, eternity rings are often given after just a single year of marriage and sometimes, even before the engagement, as a kind of promise or commitment symbol.
Two Different Types of Eternity Rings
While an eternity ring, sometimes called an infinity ring, although they are different ring types, has diamonds around the entire circumference of the band, there is a trend for a half-eternity ring. In these rings, the diamonds only extend around part of the band, around the top and sides of the band. The half-eternity ring has several benefits over a full-eternity ring.
1) It is easier to wear a half-eternity ring because the wearer does not need to take care of the diamonds under her finger. If these diamonds get knocked during everyday wear, they can be loosened, dislodged, and lost. A half-eternity ring avoids this issue.
2) Because a half-eternity band has fewer diamonds, the purchase cost can be less than a full eternity ring. Or you could buy a ring of the same value but with larger or better quality diamonds!
3) Resizing is easier with a half-eternity ring, and that’s where we get into the central part of the article!
16 Stone Half Eternity Ring 0.15ct G/SI Diamonds in Platinum
£497.00
£767.00
A faultless collection of sixteen hand-cut perfectly placed diamonds securely set in scintillating platinum that brings a sparkling sheen that can't be missed. A ring to show off at parties or subtly display at more intimate gatherings. Handcrafted in the… read more
Resizing Eternity Rings
Many people will tell buyers that eternity rings cannot be resized and, given that eternity rings are designed to be worn throughout the relationship, hopefully for a lifetime, that is a significant drawback. It is usual that a woman’s fingers will change size over the course of a lifetime.
Weight loss or gain usually means a change in the diameter of a woman’s fingers. Pregnancy will almost always lead to a change in ring size. The passage of years will often lead to a change in ring size; many women find that their fingers become more slender as they age – even when their weight does not change significantly. Older women who fall victim to arthritis often find their knuckles swollen, making it impossible to put on or remove rings that have served them faithfully for many years.
Resizing an eternity ring is possible with some limitations.
For even the most ardent jewellery lover, resizing any ring can be worrisome because you're changing one of your beloved pieces. So what should you do if your eternity band no longer fits your finger comfortably? Is it even possible to resize a ring with diamonds around the entire band?
The truth is that it is possible to resize an eternity ring. Because there is no empty space on the ring, resizing it will be much more challenging and time-consuming than with a standard ring and will cost more. The difficulty of resizing an eternity band is a deterrent for many jewellers, so consumers are frequently given the idea that their rings cannot be adjusted when turned away from a jewellery store. This is not the case; instead, it is a laborious process that calls for a jeweller with a very high level of expertise.
When sizing a standard ring, the jeweller makes a small incision in the shank, also known as the ring’s band, and then either adds or subtracts metal to get the desired size. This approach is even more complicated when dealing with an eternity ring. Because there is no space available for the jeweller to cut into, diamonds will have to be taken out of the ring to make room for the work that must be done.
50 Stone Full Eternity Ring 0.30ct G/SI Diamonds In Platinum
£687.00
£1,157.00
Here is a timeless full diamond eternity ring handcrafted in fine platinum. The row of round brilliant-cut diamonds showcased in this classic design is mounted in a classic claw setting around the entire UK hallmarked band. The setting perfectly balances… read more
Upsizing and downsizing of an eternity ring
Downsizing: The jeweller removes stones one at a time, working their way down the ring until it is roughly the desired size. After trimming away any extra metal and ensuring the ring is still in proper shape, he uses solder to seal the opening. The purchaser receives the ring and the surplus diamonds.
Upsizing: A very challenging aspect of upsizing an eternity ring is maintaining the ring's original aesthetic without incorporating additional gemstones. An ideal upsized eternity ring will have new additional stones matching the originals. In this case, the upsizing can be almost perfect.
The jeweller removes a stone from the ring to make room for more metal, which is added until the band reaches the correct size. He then makes new settings and places the additional stones as necessary to fill out the exposed metal. If the ring's design cannot be retained, or the customer does not want to buy new diamonds, the jeweller will be unable to add new stones to the ring. In that case, there will be bare metal at the place where metal has been added, which means the original intent of the designer will have been lost.
In either case, the original setting type will affect the outcome of the resizing process. Many eternity rings use either channel or bezel-style settings to protect the diamonds against the vicissitudes of daily wear. A channel setting is more challenging to resize while maintaining the original proportions than a bezel or prong/claw setting.
Finishing the ring after resizing
Once the ring has been resized, it is cleaned and polished. The ring is polished using a polishing wheel to bring the precious metal back to a “like new” condition. At this point, the additional metal added will become invisible to the naked eye. After this, the ring is placed into an ultrasonic cleaner to remove any traces of dust and grime from the metal and precious stones.
The ring is carefully checked to ensure all the stones are securely fastened before it's returned to the client.
Are There Alternatives To Resizing An Eternity Ring?
If you need to make the ring smaller, then downsizing options exist. It may also be appropriate where you expect the change to be temporary. It is possible to retain the ring’s outside size while making it fit more snugly over the finger.
Ring sizing beads can be soldered inside the ring to bring down the effective ring size without affecting the visual appearance of the ring. Sizing beads are typically available in silver, yellow or white gold and are chosen to match the band’s colour.
If beads do not feel comfortable, it is possible to solder a bridge inside the ring; this makes the bottom of the ring, inside the band, look fatter, but in use, the effect cannot be seen.
For upsizing, if the ring has an adequate depth of precious metal, it may be possible to polish away some of the metal, making the ring slightly larger. Unfortunately, this is only possible with some types of bands, and even when possible, the amount of change will be small.
22 Stone Full Eternity Ring 2.00ct G/SI Diamonds In 18k White Gold
£2,857.00
£5,337.00
The captivating allure of white gold and diamond is deployed to outstanding effect in this classic and elegant full eternity diamond ring handmade with British craftsmen's patience and skills. It features 2.00ct of ethically sourced G/SI quality diamond, hand-cut into… read more
Resizing Half-Eternity Rings
Given that the design of a half-eternity ring always has an open part not covered with precious stones, resizing, whether up or down, is much easier. However, care still needs to be taken. To ensure the diamonds' security and maintain the ring's proportions, you may well be advised that a maximum change of one size up or down is the limit.
You may notice that the upper part of the ring covered by diamonds no longer has the same curve as the lower part. That happens because the diamonds need to remain in the same position relative to each other, so all the metal added or removed comes from the bottom part of the ring. This effect can only be seen when the ring is not worn. When the ring is worn, this effect cannot be seen.
Get The Size Right First Time!
Sometimes a ring will need resizing immediately after purchase. Invariably, this happens because the buyer got the size wrong when placing the order. This is not a significant problem for most rings, but an Eternity ring, as we know, is different!
The best way to ensure that a ring will not need resizing shortly after the purchase is to get the right size at the outset.
Don’t Fall For The Myths!
As we have seen, the idea that eternity rings cannot be resized is a myth. Where did the idea come from? Who knows, perhaps, it sprang from jewellers who lacked the skill to do resizing because it is challenging and requires a high level of skill.
Avoid resizing your eternity ring by getting the size right when you place the order. If the ring becomes too large later, resizing beads or bridges are less costly and less drastic. For upsizing, polishing away some precious metal may be an option to consider before more radical operations.
The takeaway from the resizing issue is this: Do not be put off from buying an eternity ring by resizing considerations. There are good solutions that will make it possible to enjoy your ring for a lifetime!
Channel Set Full Eternity Diamond Ring 2.00ct 18k Yellow Gold 4.0mm
£2,897.00
£5,407.00
This beautiful full eternity diamond ring is elegantly crafted in bright 18k yellow gold for a rich sheen. With round, brilliant-cut diamonds set in a beautiful channel setting around the UK hallmarked 4.0mm width band, you are sure to spread… read more
All Diamond Eternity Ring Collection
Now you know the answer to the question, "can my eternity ring be resized" and just how resizing is done, you can choose the right eternity ring for you and your special person.
At All Diamond, we have a wide range of eternity rings. Every ring is designed and handcrafted in the UK. Every ring carries our lifetime workmanship guarantee, and we offer a 30-day return or exchange policy to ensure that the ring on her finger is full of delight and just right for her!
Please take a moment to browse our range of full and half-eternity rings –remember to check the correct size before placing your order!
