Ring Sizing: What to Know Before You Resize

10K gold pinky ring

Most solid gold rings can be resized, usually up or down a size or two, by cutting the band and adding or removing a small piece of gold. Whether yours can, and how far, depends on the band style, the stones around it, any engraving and the metal.

How do you find your correct ring size?

The most accurate way is to be measured in person with a set of metal sizing rings. Fingers change size through the day, so a few tips help:

  • Measure at the end of the day, when fingers are a little larger.
  • Avoid measuring right after a workout, in hot weather or when your hands are cold.
  • The ring should slide over the knuckle with a little push and not spin freely.
  • Wide bands, around 6 mm and up, fit tighter than thin ones. Many people go up a half size for a wide band.

At home, you can measure the inside diameter of a ring that already fits that finger and compare it to this chart.

US size Inside diameter
5 15.7 mm
6 16.5 mm
7 17.3 mm
8 18.1 mm
9 18.9 mm
10 19.8 mm
11 20.6 mm
12 21.4 mm

Each full size is about 0.8 mm in diameter. Paper strips and string are fine for a rough idea, but they stretch and slip, so confirm in person before resizing or ordering a custom ring.

Which rings are easy to resize?

  • Plain solid gold bands and men's wedding bands
  • Solitaire engagement rings with a plain shank
  • Signet and pinky rings with a solid band
  • Rings with stones only on the top of the ring

Which rings are hard or impossible to resize?

Ring type Why
Eternity bands with stones all the way around No plain metal to cut; usually remade or a size chosen carefully
Tungsten, titanium, ceramic Generally cannot be resized
Heavily patterned or textured bands The pattern can be interrupted at the seam
Rings with stones down the sides Bending the band can loosen side stones
Large jumps of 3 or more sizes Can stress the setting and change the ring's shape

If a ring cannot be resized, there are often other options, like sizing beads or a spring insert to make it a little smaller. Ask us what fits your ring.

What else should you know before you resize?

  • Engraving. Sizing can shorten, stretch or cut through inside engraving. Plan resizing before engraving when you can.
  • Stones. Prongs get checked when a ring is resized. It is a good time to catch a loose stone.
  • White gold. The rhodium plating may need to be redone after sizing so the seam matches.
  • Custom and personalized pieces are final sale, so get the size right before ordering. We will work with you to make sure you are happy with it.
  • Seasonal swelling. If your ring is only tight in summer, you may not need to resize at all.

Should a ring be tight or loose?

A good fit goes on with slight resistance at the knuckle and comes off with a gentle twist. If it leaves a deep dent or you struggle to remove it, it is too small. If it slides off when you shake your hand or spins so the stone ends up underneath, it is too big. A loose ring is the most common way rings get lost. Once it fits, keep it looking its best with our guide on how to clean diamond jewelry safely.

Visit or text us

Ring sizing is done in store. Come by 260 Main St, Orange, NJ, to get measured, or call or text (973) 673-3800 for details and pricing. We are open 7 days. Browse our rings, including men's wedding bands and engagement rings.

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Questions? Ask the family behind the counter.

30 years at 260 Main St, Orange, NJ. Open 7 days. Call or text (973) 673-3800.

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