Do you have a big ring that does not fit your finger? Maybe you got the wrong size ring, or your ring size changed due to weight, temperature, or pregnancy. You must know how to make loose rings fit better and more securely.
This article will show you some common ways to make a ring smaller for a long or short time, depending on what you want. We will also give you some tips and tricks to make your ring more comfortable and stop it from falling off or spinning around.
How to Make Ring Smaller?
You can make your ring smaller at home without going to a jeweller or spending money. These methods are easy, cheap, and reversible but may not work for all rings or sizes.
Here are some popular DIY methods for making a ring smaller:
1. Use a Metal Ring Guard
A ring guard is a small plastic or metal device that attaches to the inside of your ring band and reduces its circumference.
You can buy ring guards online or at some jewelry stores or make your own with wire or string. To use a ring guard, slide it onto the back of your ring and adjust it until it fits snugly on your finger. You are always free to remove it.
For more information on how to use a ring guard, you can check out this guide.
2. Use Ring Snuggies (Silicon Ring Guard)
Metal ring guard can become uncomfortable for some users especially those having softer fingers. Using ring snuggies or silicon ring guard is a better way to resize a ring as its made of transparent silicon making it comfortable and invisible.
You just have to put it around the ring band at the bottom side and that’s it. It works very well and get the ring size down by 1 or even 2 sizes easily.
A typical set of ring snuggies or silicon ring guard costs just $4-$6. Check out some popular ones here.
3. Use Silicone Sealant
It is a clear gel that fills the gap between your finger and the ring by applying it to the inside of the ring band.
You may get it online or at any hardware store. Clean and dry your ring well. Then, use a stick to apply and smooth a small amount of silicone sealant inside the bottom part of your ring band.
Let it cure for 24 to 48 hours before wearing your ring. Peel it off anytime you want. You can check out this guide for more information on how to use tape.
You can also make your ring smaller without tools or materials at home. These temporary methods may not be comfortable or secure, but they can help quickly.
Here are some of the most ingenious ways to make a ring smaller without tools:
4. Use Nail Polish
Nail polish can paint nails and shrink rings without tools. The glue sticks the finger and ring band, making friction to stop the ring from sliding. To use nail polish, apply a thin layer of clear nail polish inside the ring band and dry it. Then, wear the ring, apply another layer, and dry it. Repeat until fit. Remove nail polish with remover anytime.
You can check out this guide for more information on using nail polish.
5. Use Hot Glue
Heat a hot glue gun and put some hot glue inside the ring band. Be careful not to burn yourself or the ring.
Put on the ring and make it fit your finger. Wait for the hot glue to cool down before moving your finger. The hot glue will act as a filler and reduce the ring size.
You can peel off the hot glue anytime you want. You can check out this guide for more information on using hot glue.
Both methods can fit your finger size and are reversible and comfortable. But they may not work for very loose rings or complex designs.
If none of the above methods work for you or you want a more permanent solution, you may need to take your ring to a professional jeweller and resize it properly.
A jeweller can use various techniques to tighten a ring, such as:
6. Adding Sizing Beads
You can tighten a ring without changing its original size by adding sizing beads. Sizing beads are small metal balls that bump inside the ring band. These beads can easily reduce the ring size by 1 – 1.5 sizes. Any jeweller can add these sizing beads on your favorite ring within a couple of hours.
7. Adding Spring insert
A spring insert is a horseshoe-shaped metal strip that makes a spring inside the ring band. Your jeweller will fix this on the inside of the ring band making it effectively smaller than the original size. The best thing about having spring inserts is that fact that you can bend them to fit almost any size.
8. Shrinking the Ring
Shrinking a ring involves cutting a small section of the ring band and then joining the resulting two ends together. The jeweller will then solder, shape, and polish the ring to restore its original look.
This method is suitable for most types of rings, especially those made of metal or with simple designs. However, it may weaken the ring structure and affect the value of the ring.
Pros and Cons of Making a Ring Smaller
Making a ring smaller can make it fit better and prevent it from falling off. But resizing a ring can also damage it or change its look. Here are some of the pros and cons of making a ring smaller:
Pros
- Better and secure fit for your ring
- Money-saving DIY methods
- Original design and metal preserved
- Various options to choose from
- Reversible methods
Cons
- Damaging or losing the ring quality by using the wrong method or doing it wrong
- Changing the ring’s appearance and comfort by adding extra material or altering its shape
- Reducing the options for future resizing by making the ring too small or too large
- Voiding the ring warranty or insurance by resizing it without consulting the jeweller or the manufacturer
- Losing some of the ring stones or details by cutting or stretching the band
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you reduce the size of a ring without cutting it?
You can make a ring smaller without cutting it using DIY methods, such as a ring guard, silicone sealant, tape, nail polish, or hot glue. These methods can reduce the size of your ring by creating a buffer or bond between your finger and the ring band.
What is the cost of resizing a ring?
Resizing cost varies by metal, design, resizing amount, and jeweller. Usually, it ranges from $20 to $150 or more. Some jewellers may resize for free if you buy from them or have a warranty. Resizing may change the ring’s value and quality, so ask a professional first.
How does water make a ring smaller?
Water shrinks fingers by dehydrating and narrowing blood vessels. Less fluid and blood flow make the finger smaller, and the ring fits better. But this is temporary and unreliable, as finger size changes with hydration and temperature.
How does a jeweller shrink a ring?
A jeweller can cut and join the ring band, then solder, shape, and polish it. It works for most metal or simple rings but may weaken or devalue them. It costs $20 to $150+, depending on metal, design, and resizing.
What are sizing beads or spring inserts?
They are devices to tighten rings without changing size. Sizing beads are metal balls inside the ring band, making bumps to reduce circumference. The spring insert is a horseshoe-shaped metal strip inside the ring band, making the spring fit the finger. Both devices are reversible and comfortable but may not suit loose or intricate rings.
Conclusion
There are different ways to make your ring fit better and more securely. Some are easy, cheap, and reversible but may not work for all rings or sizes. You can also use water or dental floss without tools, but these are temporary and may not be comfortable or secure.
Contact a jeweller and resize your ring correctly if you want a permanent solution. These work for most rings, but they may change your ring’s look, comfort, and value. We hope this guide helped you learn how to make a ring smaller and find the best method for your ring and size. Keep your ring clean and dry.
