How to Resize an Opal Inlay Ring

Opal is a stunning stone well-suited for rings.

Opal inlay rings are beautiful pieces of jewelry. The ornate yet delicate look of the opal, combined with either white or yellow gold, creates a visually stunning display. If your ring size has changed -- due to age or a change in weight -- and your opal inlay ring no longer fits, there are a few options you can pursue with a professional jeweler to have your ring resized.

Instructions

1. Take your ring to a professional jeweler, and ask about the resizing options. Resizing a ring to make it larger requires your jeweler to melt part of it and add enough metal to expand the ring to fit your finger. Expect this method to result in the new portion not having opal inlay like the rest, if the inlay runs the entire length of the ring.

2. Resize your opal ring to fit more snugly by having the jeweler install tiny pins inside, matching the metal your ring is composed of. These pins help the ring stay positioned properly on your finger, once it passes over your knuckle. Choose this option if you are having trouble with the fit due to enlarged knuckles -- from injury, age or arthritis.

3. Request that a butterfly fitting be soldered to the inside bottom of your ring, to reduce the size without having to melt down the metal. The butterfly fitting will compress as you thread the ring onto your finger and spring up to hold it securely while you are wearing it.

4. Have the jeweler melt down the shank of your ring, removing half of the shank. Request that a movable shank be installed in its place. This way, you can open the bottom portion of your ring when putting it on, and then close the shank to keep it attached securely to your finger.

5. Review your options with the jeweler, and get a second or even third opinion from other professional jewelers -- getting a price quote from all of them. Ask for advice regarding which method of resizing will do the least damage to the ring, while preserving its beauty and structural integrity. Select the option, jeweler and quote that best fits your needs.

Tips & Warnings

• If you cannot afford to have your opal inlay ring professionally resized smaller, purchase a metal or plastic ring guard to fit inside the bottom of your ring and help fill the extra space. This temporary option is inexpensive and requires no permanent changes to the ring.

References

• Professional Jeweler Magazine: Alternative Ring Sizing Techniques

Resources

• Esslinger: How to Size a Ring using a Plastic Ring Guard