band, design, jewelry education, repair, rings, services, sizing

When Your Ring Size Changes: Reasons and Remedies

Posted on by Diamonds By Monet
06
Oct

Your ring is more than just a piece of jewelry; it’s a symbol of love, commitment, and holds many memories. But what happens when that cherished ring no longer fits comfortably on your finger? Fear not! Let’s explore some common reasons why your ring size may change and also provide practical solutions to ensure your ring remains a perfect fit for every occasion.

 

 

Jewelry is meant to fit comfortably, but changes in weight, lifestyle and even the weather can cause your ring size to change. So what can you do if you need to adjust the size of your ring temporarily or permanently?

What To Know About Ring Size Changes

There are many different factors that can cause our ring sizes to change. Some size changes are temporary, which can be addressed with nonpermanent fixes. Other size changes might be permanent, which means its time to consider resizing your ring with the help of a jeweler.
  

Temporary Size Changes

Temporary size changes are ones that are influenced by factors that will normalize after a given period of time. Common situations that can cause your ring size to fluctuate include:
  1. Changes in weather 
  2. Hormonal changes 
  3. Pregnancy and breastfeeding  
  4. Eating a high salt meal 
  5. Temporary weight changes 
  6. Fluid retention 
  7. Time of day 
  8. Reactions to some medications 
  9. Elevation changes
These temporary changes can be small, such as a quarter or half a size difference in your ring size. This often results in being able to put your ring on, but having it feel a little tighter or looser than normal. In fact, most people find that their exact ring size changes throughout the day. Temporary size changes influenced by pregnancy may be more drastic and last longer, even taking some time after delivery before the size normalizes.  

What To Do If Size Changes Temporarily

Short-term finger size changes often resolve on their own. A ring that fits a little too tightly in the morning will fit better in the afternoon. The best thing to do is to be patient and wait for your finger size to normalize.  

Permanent Size Changes

While many instances of finger size changes are temporary, some are permanent. Permanent size changes can be caused by: 

  1. Weight changes 
  2. Pregnancy and childbirth 
  3. Medical conditions 
  4. Aging  

Every person is unique, so while these are common factors, you may have a different situation that’s resulted in your ring size changing permanently. 

 

What To Do If Size Changes Permanently 

If your finger size has changed for good, it’s time to enlist the help of a jeweler to adjust your ring’s fit. 

How To Tell If A Ring Is Too Small

Your ring may be too small if: 

  1. It leaves lines or marks on your finger 
  2. You can’t comfortably close your hand with the ring on 
  3. It doesn’t move easily
  4. You have difficulty getting the ring over your knuckle 
  5. It feels uncomfortably tight  
  6. Your finger bulges above or below the ring  
  7. You can’t spin it when it’s on your finger  

These are a few signs that your ring is too small for your finger. Remember, some factors that can make a ring fit too tightly may be temporary. It’s best to consult with a jeweler before permanently resizing your ring.

 

What To Do If A Ring Is Too Small

When a ring fits too snugly, resizing is the only way to get things to fit comfortably. But you should only have your ring resized if your finger size has changed permanently. Repeatedly resizing a ring for temporary fit changes can be unnecessary and damaging to the longevity of the ring.  

How To Tell If A Ring Is Too Big

Your ring may be too large if: 
  1. It keeps spinning around the base of your finger on its own 
  2. It slides up and down your finger  
  3. You’re afraid it’s going to fall off your hand  
  4. It slides when you’re washing your hands  

Changes in weather, elevation and lifestyle can all cause a ring to fit looser than normal. Talk to a jeweler before resizing your ring with permanent measures.  

What To Do If A Ring Is Too Big

There are several ways to resize a ring that’s too big. For temporary fixes, add plastic sizing covers to the shank for a tighter fit. If you’re wondering how to make a big ring fit with a permanent solution, you’ll need the help of a jeweler. Your ring can likely be made smaller through sizing beads, sizing bars or traditional resizing techniques in which the shank is made smaller.  

What to Do When Your Ring Size Changes

  1. Resize Your Ring: If you’ve experienced a permanent change in your ring size due to weight loss or gain, consider getting your ring resized. A professional jeweler can adjust the size to fit your finger comfortably.
  2. Ring Guards or Sizers: For temporary changes, such as those during pregnancy or due to climate, you can use ring guards or sizers. These are small, flexible devices that fit inside your ring to make it snugger.
  3. Stackable Rings: Consider wearing stackable rings instead of resizing. This way, you can add or remove rings as needed, accommodating changes in finger size.
  4. Wear a Necklace: If your ring no longer fits on your finger, but you still want to keep it close, wear it as a pendant on a necklace. This way, you can wear your ring without worrying about fit.

How should a ring fit?

Rings should fit snug enough so they won’t fall off on their own. This typically means that you can slide your ring over your knuckle, having it rest securely and comfortably at the base of your finger. Your ring should be loose enough for you to slide it over your knuckle so it sits at the base of your finger, but it should be tight enough that it won’t slide over the knuckle on its own. A ring that leaves indentations on your finger is likely a little too tight. Our expert jewelers can help you find the right fit for your favorite ring styles.  

 

Have questions about how to size your ring?

 

Need to make an appointment to find your current ring size?

 

Contact our experts at Diamonds by Monet for all your jewelry sizing and repair needs!