How to Resize a Stainless Steel Ring

Wedding rings and ribbons

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Although stainless steel is widely recognized as an excellent material for appliances and machinery due to its strength and durability, it also makes for some pretty cool jewelry. In fact, more and more couples are considering stainless steel for their wedding rings. Stainless steel is a cool gray color that complements diamonds and matches most clothing. It also can look very modern and masculine. As an added benefit, stainless steel is very difficult to scratch or break. Unfortunately, this quality makes stainless steel rings very difficult to resize.

Close-up of a diamond ring on a woman's finger

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Forget about resizing the ring if it is set with a precious gem. Attempting to resize the ring is very likely to cause the stone to crack or even shatter.

Jeweler assisting man with rings

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Measure your finger to determine exactly what size of ring you wear. Your best option is to visit a professional jeweler and ask them to choose your ring size for you. The jeweler will have a set of sizing rings to try on your finger. He will be able to tell you which size suits you best. He will also tell you what size your stainless steel ring is currently if you do not already know.

Hands of affectionate couple

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Buy a new stainless steel ring if you thought you would save money by having your old one resized. Stainless steel is very inexpensive compared to other metals used for jewelry such as platinum or gold. It is also very difficult to resize though. Resizing the ring will probably cost you more than replacing it would have. Only attempt to get your ring resized if you want to keep it for sentimental reasons.

Jeweler assisting couple with rings

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Give your ring to the jeweler to resize. Because stainless steel is very difficult to resize, the ring will probably have to sent away to a stainless steel ring manufacturer to get resized. Unlike softer metals such as gold, silver and even platinum, stainless steel cannot be resized by hand. Some stainless steel ring manufacturers have special machines that will either compress or stretch the ring. Note that these machines can only change the size of your ring one quarter to one half of a size. For example, if you wear a size seven, you may be able to get your ring stretched to seven and a half.

Man Sitting at a Table Opposite a Shop Assistant in a Jewellery Shop Looking at Necklaces and Rings

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Do not despair if you need a significantly larger or smaller ring and you do not want to replace your ring for sentimental reasons. If it turns out to be impossible to get your stainless steel ring resized to fit your finger, put the ring on a chain and wear it around your neck.