There are many reasons you may wish to reset a ring. It could be a gift, heirloom, or even engagement ring that doesn’t fit quite right. In any case, you should know how much the service will cost beforehand.
The following article can give you an idea of how much you can expect to pay. It will also outline the different conditions that can impact the overall price.
What is the Cost of Resizing a Ring?
The resizing of a ring can cost anywhere between $30 and $100,. This cost can vary depending on various factors, including if you are making the ring bigger or smaller, what metal the ring is made of, the design of the ring, and more.
Here are the elements that can determine the overall cost:
Making a Ring Smaller vs. Bigger
In general, the ring resizing cost will be less if you are making a ring smaller. This is because this process is simpler. A jeweler simply has to remove the excess metal and then solder the two pieces back together.
When making a ring larger, the task is more complex as the jeweler has to add on new material. What’s more, you have to pay for the additional metal. This can vary quite a bit depending on current market prices.
The Type of Metal
Rings can be made from a wide variety of metals, each varying in value and, therefore, price. If your ring is made from a cheaper metal, then the cost will be lower. If the metal is a precious or rare one, then the cost will naturally be higher.
You also have to take into consideration that some metals are easier to work with than others. As such, you may need to take your ring to a specialist jeweler if the metal is tricky to shrink or enlarge. The corresponding price will be greater.
Here is a breakdown of the most common metals:
- Sterling Silver: if your ring is made from sterling silver, then the having it reset will cost less. This is because it is a fairly affordable metal and is easy to alter.
- Yellow Gold: as with silver, this metal is more common and thus, cheaper. It is quite malleable as well. You should be aware that gold prices can fluctuate, however, and that the resizing cost will reflect this.
- White Gold: the unique finish on white gold is due to an application of rhodium – this will be disturbed when the ring is re-sized. As such, it will need to be reapplied once the ring is fixed, resulting in a higher cost.
- Platinum: this is one of the more expensive ring materials on the market. Therefore, if you are resizing a platinum ring, you will have to pay more. The metal is also much harder to work with as it has a high melting point.
You should be aware that most jewelers will not resize rose gold, titanium, or tungsten rings. In the case of rose gold and titanium, there is too much of a risk that the material will shatter or be disfigured. As for tungsten, the material is just too hard to work with.
The Thickness of the Band
A thicker band has more material. Due to this, the jeweler will need to use an additional amount of metal and this will cost you more. Thicker bands can also be more labor intensive and you may end up getting charged for this work as well.
When you think about thickness, you also have to consider whether your ring has a feature that is known as a Euro shank. This is a square-ish feature at the base of the ring. Its function is to allow the ring sit on your finger better and to not spin around. It is often found on engagement rings.
If your ring has this feature, then the re-size may cost more for a couple of reasons. First, this is additional material and, as already discussed, can result in a higher cost.
Furthermore, the resizing process is more complex here. With this feature, the ring has to be cut in three different places. It then has to be soldered into place once the sizing is complete.
The Complexity of the Design
A simple wedding band without any intricate design will be the easiest to resize and, thus, the cheapest to reset. On the other hand, if your ring boasts any kind of design at all, the cost will rise with the complexity of the artwork.
For instance, if your ring has a center stone, you will need to consider if it is a tension set or half bezel. The half bezel is far more difficult to re-design and it will cost you more money.
If you have stones along the band, then you can expect to incur additional charges as well. This is because a ring can’t be resized with the stones still in place. Not only does the metal have to be cut and altered, it typically has to be put under immense heat.
Jewelers have to first remove the stones to ensure that they won’t be damaged. Of course, once the resizing is complete, then the jeweler will have to recreate those indentations. In some cases, they may have to alter the stones as well to fit the new band.
Then, the jeweler has to carefully replace the stones in a similar pattern as before. Remember, if you need to add more stones to accommodate a longer or larger band, then this can end up costing you a considerable amount of money.
The Jeweler
Last, but certainly not least, the jeweler that you take your ring to can impact the price as well. Better known or famous jewelers will often cost you more money. This is especially true if you didn’t purchase the ring from them in the first place.
The advantage, however, is that you can guarantee a higher quality of work. You will also have peace of mind knowing that your ring will not be damaged in the process.
Most experts would advise you to not skimp when resizing your ring. It is far better to pay a higher price to ensure a high quality of work. This is especially true if you are resizing an engagement ring or family heirloom.
How Much Will Ring Resizing Cost?
On average, the cost of the ring will be around $30 to $100, with the cost varying according to the design of the ring, the type of metal used, the thickness of the band, whether the ring will be made smaller or larger, and the jeweler you visit.
How Location Can Affect Ring Resizing Costs
The location of the jewelry store or jeweler you choose to resize your ring can impact the overall cost. Different regions and countries have varying price ranges and labor costs for resizing rings.
For example if you’re in a major city or popular tourist destination you may end up paying more due to higher living costs and increased competition among jewelers. In contrast smaller towns or rural areas may have lower prices because of lower overhead expenses.
In addition to location it’s important to note that some jewelry stores or jewelers may overcharge for ring resizing. This is why it’s crucial to research and compare prices from different sources before making a decision. Ask for quotes or estimates from multiple jewelers to ensure you aren’t being overcharged.
When evaluating the cost keep in mind that the cheapest option may not always be the best. Consider the reputation and expertise of the jeweler as a bad job can result in damage to your ring or a poor fit. Reading reviews or seeking recommendations from other jewelry lovers can help you identify reputable jewelers in your area.
Ultimately the location of the jewelry store or jeweler you choose can have a significant impact on the price of resizing your ring. Take the time to compare prices and evaluate the expertise and reputation of the jeweler to ensure you receive quality service at a fair price.
