Stretching

• If your ring's band is simple, thick and does not have a pattern carved into it, a jeweler can usually stretch the band without cutting it. A metal like gold can be heated and gently stretched to your size, but this must be completed by a trained jeweler. This option works best if you are increasing the size only by a small degree because stretching too much could cause the band to break. Jewel settings may need to be reset after resizing the ring because stretching the ring may loosen the settings. The finished ring will have a slightly thinner band than before.
  
  

Heat Compressing

• As with stretching a ring, it is also possible to slightly shrink a ring with heat to avoid cutting it. Keep in mind that a band with carvings or intricate detail will not shrink well, and the band will end up thicker after the resizing. To shrink the band, a jeweler would heat the ring and gently compress and smooth it into a smaller size. Jewel settings may need to be reset after resizing the ring, so consult an accomplished jeweler for this project.
  
  

Spacers

• Spacers can be inserted into a ring to temporarily shrink it. This is a good idea for people whose fingers shrink during the winter but swell during the summer. These spacers are rubber or plastic rings that fit inside of the band, but are not visible when the ring is worn. For extreme size changes, spacers of larger sizes are available. Spacers are available at many jewelry stores.
  
  

Complicated Rings

• Plated metal, stainless steel, tungsten carbide and titanium rings are difficult to impossible to resize because of the metals' properties. For rings made of these materials, it might be necessary to buy a replacement band. Rings with jewel settings surrounding the entire band may be challenging to resize because of their complicated jewel settings. Do not resize antique rings (especially white gold antique rings) with heat because old jewelry-making techniques negatively influence the sturdiness of these bands. Consult a trusted jeweler when considering resizing any of these rings.