Ring resizing is one of the most common jewellery services in Australia and it plays a big part in making sure your ring feels comfortable and secure every day. Fingers can change size over time due to weather, age, pregnancy or weight changes. You might also have inherited a ring that does not quite fit. A professional jeweller can usually resize the band so that it sits safely on your finger again.
This guide walks through typical ring resizing costs in Australia, explains what affects the price, outlines how the process works and highlights when it might be better to remake a ring instead of resizing it. You will also find practical tips on choosing a jeweller and a set of frequently asked questions at the end. You can use the Jewellink directory to find jewellers near you who offer ring resizing and other repair services.
Typical Ring Resizing Costs in Australia
Prices vary between workshops, but most quotes sit within similar ranges. The final cost depends on metal type, design complexity and how many sizes the ring needs to move.
- Making a ring smaller: around $60 to $150 for most gold bands
- Making a ring larger: around $90 to $350 depending on metal and amount of new metal required
- White gold resizing with rhodium plating: roughly $150 to $350
- Platinum resizing: often $200 to $450 because the metal is harder to work
- Rings with stones along the band: from $150 upward, sometimes more for complex designs
These figures are general guides. Your local jeweller will confirm pricing once they have examined your ring and discussed the work needed.
What Affects Ring Resizing Cost
Metal Type
Gold is relatively straightforward to resize, which keeps labour costs moderate. Yellow and rose gold usually cost less than platinum. White gold is slightly more involved because the ring typically requires a fresh layer of rhodium plating after the resizing work is finished. Platinum is dense and requires more heat and time at the bench, which increases the cost.
Design and Setting
Plain bands are the easiest to resize. Rings with diamonds or gemstones along the shoulders, intricate patterns, filigree, engraving or cut out details are more delicate. The jeweller may need to adjust claws, move stones or strengthen weak sections of the band. Full eternity rings and tension settings are especially tricky and may not be suitable for traditional resizing.
Size Change Required
Minor changes of one size up or down are usually simple. Larger changes can require extra metal, more structural support and more time to shape and finish the ring. In some cases, a very large size change may compromise the design or strength of the band, which is when remaking may be suggested.
Condition of the Ring
Older rings and pieces that have already been resized several times may be thinner or worn in certain spots. Before resizing, a jeweller will check for cracks, thinning and loose stones. If the band is weak, they may recommend reinforcing it or remaking the band to avoid future breakage.
How Jewellers Resize Rings
Resizing is a skilled process that involves cutting, reshaping and soldering metal so that the ring maintains its structure and comfort. The exact method depends on whether the ring is being made smaller or larger.
Making a Ring Smaller
To make a ring smaller, the jeweller cuts a small piece out of the band and gently closes the gap. The band is then reshaped into a perfect circle and the join is soldered. After soldering, the ring is filed, polished and cleaned until the join is smooth and blends with the rest of the band.
Making a Ring Larger
There are two main methods to make a ring larger. For small adjustments on plain bands, a jeweller may stretch the ring slightly. This is only suitable when the band is thick enough and does not contain stones around the area being stretched.
For larger changes or rings with more detail, the jeweller cuts the band and inserts an extra piece of matching metal. The piece is soldered in, shaped, filed and polished so the band is smooth and even. This approach keeps the ring strong and allows for bigger size changes.
When Rings Cannot Be Resized in the Usual Way
Some designs are not good candidates for standard resizing. Full eternity rings are set with stones all the way around, leaving no plain section of band to cut. Tension rings rely on precise pressure to hold the stone in place, so resizing can affect how secure the stone is. Very fine or heavily worn bands may also be at risk of cracking.
If your ring falls into one of these categories, a jeweller may suggest alternatives such as adding sizing beads on the inside of the band, creating a new band that reuses your stones or designing a ring guard or insert that helps with fit.
How Long Ring Resizing Takes
Turnaround time will depend on the individual workshop and how busy they are, but typical timeframes in Australia are:
- Simple gold resizing: 1 to 3 working days
- White gold resizing with rhodium plating: 3 to 7 working days
- Platinum or complex designs: about 1 week or slightly longer
If you need the ring ready for a specific occasion, such as a proposal or wedding, mention your deadline when you obtain a quote. Some jewellers offer priority services for an additional fee.
When to Resize and When to Remake
Resizing is ideal when you love the existing design and only need the fit adjusted. Remaking becomes a better option when the ring is very worn, requires major structural changes or has already been resized many times in the past.
With remaking, your jeweller can keep the original stones and recreate the look of the ring in a new, stronger band. This is common with heirloom engagement rings where the style is important but the metal has thinned over decades of wear.
Choosing a Jeweller for Ring Resizing
The quality of the resizing job depends on the skills and tools of the jeweller. When choosing a workshop, consider:
- Whether they carry out bench work on site or send it away
- Experience with rings similar to yours, especially for platinum or antique pieces
- Clear explanations of the process, risks and costs
- Examples of previous work or before and after photos
- Any warranty or guarantee on workmanship
You can use Jewellink to find and compare jewellers near you, read about the services they offer and contact them to discuss your resizing needs.
Ring Resizing FAQs
Is the join visible after resizing
If the work is done well, the join should not be noticeable. The area is polished and finished so it blends smoothly with the rest of the band. On highly patterned rings, a very close inspection might reveal slight differences, but these are usually minor.
Can engagement rings be resized
Most engagement rings can be resized, especially those with a plain section of band at the back. Rings with stones all the way around or tension settings require more careful assessment. Your jeweller will advise whether it is safe and what options you have.
Does resizing weaken a ring
When performed correctly by a skilled jeweller, resizing does not significantly weaken a ring. Problems usually arise when poor quality solder is used, the join is not properly finished or the ring is resized many times without reinforcing the band.
Can a ring be resized more than once
Yes, but each resize changes the metal slightly. If your size has changed several times, it may be more secure to remake the band. Your jeweller can inspect the ring and advise whether another resize is safe.
What should I do before booking a resize
Wear the ring for a few days at different times to confirm that the fit is consistently wrong, rather than only tight in hot weather or loose on cold mornings. When you are sure it needs changing, take it to one or two jewellers for quotes and explanations of the recommended approach.
To find jewellers who offer resizing, repairs and custom design, you can search the Jewellink directory and compare businesses in your local area.
