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Ring Resizing and other Common Ring Issues

It can be frustrating and annoying if you have a piece of jewelry that isn't working out. The most common piece of jewelry that can cause problems is the ring. Is your ring slipping off your hand? Is it impossible to move or stuck on your finger?

Perhaps you have an itchy ring or it is causing irritation on your skin. From ring resizing to various metal options, here's how to fix some of the most common ring jewelry issues.


Ring Too Big

If your ring is constantly slipping off or sliding down your finger, you've probably got a size that is too large. This is not only an annoyance, but it's also a security issue. Wearing a ring that is too big, especially an engagement or wedding ring, presents the risk for loss. Even a non-forceful gesture can send your ring flying off your finger if it's too loose. You certainly don't want to lose your ring, so fixing this problem is a top priority!

The Fix

Ring resizing is your best option. You may need to size a ring down. Platinum, gold and silver can generally be sized larger or smaller by two sizes depending on the style. And, in some cases, extra metal can be added to the ring if you need additional sizing help. Alternative metals cannot usually be resized.

However, you may not need to have the ring resized to help it fit better. For example, if your ring just spins on your finger, it might not need a full resizing. Talk to a jeweler about mechanisms that can be inserted to help the ring fit better. Some options might include fold-over devices and ring beads.


Ring Too Small

Help! Your ring is on your finger and it won't come off! It's a situation that can cause panic – a stubborn ring tightly latched on your finger. If this is a ring you wear every day without issue, your hand is likely swollen. If the ring doesn't belong to you or you've tried it on at the jewelry store, remain calm.

The Fix

For swollen hands and fingers, elevate and ice the hand to calm the swelling. If swelling isn't the issue, reach for any slippery substance to help loosen the grip. Olive oil, petroleum jelly, body lotion, and even dish soap all contain lubricants that can help slide the ring off. Apply to your finger and gently twist and pull the ring. It could take a few tries, so be patient.

If your ring is consistently too small, you may need to see about getting it resized to be a bit larger. Not all rings are able to be resized, so check with your jeweler if you have any questions. Also, depending on the style of the ring, you may need to pay to have extra gold or metal added.


Is it Bad to Resize a Ring Multiple Times?

You may have a family heirloom ring or have already resized your ring several times. Contrary to what some people believe, there is no limit to the number of times a ring can be sized.

If your ring is made of quality materials, it should be able to handle being sized several times. However, having the same ring resized several times could weaken the structure of the ring. While it’s generally easy enough to have a jeweler add metal or reshape the band, be sure to talk to him or her first to ensure your ring is strong enough to withstand reshaping/resizing.


Itchy Ring Finger

Do you have a ring allergy or ring rash? First, rule out simple irritation. This condition actually has a name: wedding ring/contact dermatitis. Don’t worry; it sounds a bit more dramatic than it is.

The constant wear of your wedding and or engagement ring causes the irritation of your skin. Wearing your ring all of the time means you could be trapping dirt, soap, moisture and other debris close to the skin. This can cause some discomfort in the form of redness and itching.

The Fix

Let your skin breathe by removing your ring for a day or two and have the ring cleaned. If you no longer experience itching once you start wearing the clean ring again, you can safely assume no allergy is present.


When it Could be a Metal Allergy

If you have tried everything else and still have a problem, you may have a sensitivity to an alloy in your ring. Nickel is the most prevalent metal allergy. Nickel is added to many types of gold, so this may be the culprit for your itchy ring finger.

Gold that is 18K and above contains the least amount of nickel while 14K and 10K will have more. It is not uncommon for someone to develop an allergy to certain metals over time.

The Fix

Changing your band for a metal that won't cause your metal allergy to flare up may not be an option. Talk to your jeweler about coating the inside of your ring with a protective film or plastic to help negate any allergic reaction.


Still Need Help for Your Common Ring Issue?

Have a question about sizing or need a professional opinion about ring alterations? Sometimes meeting face to face with a jeweler is the best way to solve your common ring issue. Find a Zales store near you or schedule an appointment ahead of time. At Zales, we are committed to helping you get the most enjoyment out of the jewelry you own.

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