7 ways to reduce ring size at home or in the workshop

It is impossible to convey in words the happiness of the one who after size 48 “moves” to size 44 or even 42. A new closet, envious and interested looks, new acquaintances and dates. But only one thing overshadows the joy – gold rings literally fall off the now much more graceful fingers.

There are other situations when a gold ring is not the right size. For example, older relatives inherited a collection of jewelry, among which there are those that you would love to wear. Or a ring received as a gift. Or purchased on occasion or spontaneously (well, you did not have the strength to refuse the shining in the shop window beauty, which remained in the only size – not yours). Or it is presented together with a marriage proposal. But few other circumstances can make you the owner or the owner of the ring, which is not to fit. And what to do?

The answer seems obvious: put it on another finger. But what if the ring is a wedding ring? Or in your “arsenal” simply does not have a suitable finger? There is a way to remedy the situation, and not even one. How to reduce the size of the ring? Let’s consider the most effective methods.

How to reduce the size of the ring at home

Method 1. Transparent nail polish

Fig 1. Reducing the size of the ring with nail polish

Perhaps the easiest way. You have clear nail polish, right? And you’re not allergic to it, right? Then no problem. Apply several layers of varnish on the inside of the ring, letting each of them dry and not forgetting to try on the jewelry from time to time.

If the lacquer gets on the outside of the ring, just carefully use a liquid to remove the coating. For two or even three months, the ring will not fall off the finger, and then the procedure will have to be repeated.

Method 2. Epoxy resin

Fig 2. Epoxy resin

How to reduce the size of the ring at home with the help of epoxy resin? You will need epoxy glue or clear epoxy resin, which is commonly used for creativity. The composition will serve as a kind of invisible tab, which will reduce the diameter of the ring. The required amount of material should be applied to the inner surface of the rim, well leveled, and then left to dry – drying will take about a day.

If you suddenly have a tube or two of colorless acrylic UF-resin (used for nail extensions and creativity) and a UF-lamp in your cosmetic bag or nightstand, everything will go much faster – literally in a few minutes. Just after applying the gel, place the jewelry for 5-7 minutes under the lamp or use a regular UF-flashlight. If the surface is not hardened enough or the layer is very thick, extend the exposure to UV light for another 3-4 minutes.

Once the compound is completely dry, inspect the ring. The liner should be smooth and uniform. If there are any buildups, remove them with a piece of fine-grained sandpaper or a regular nail file.

Method 3. Inlay

Fig 3. Ring inlay to reduce the size of the ring

You can reduce the size of a gold ring with the help of an inlay. Use a ready-made one made of silicone (easily found on the marketplace or in any jewelry store) or make it yourself. For the second variant you will need a fragment of a plastic tube – a part of an empty rod from a pen or a piece of a dropper will do. Cut off a fragment of the tube about 1-1,5 cm, cut it lengthwise, grind or melt the ends and fix it on the inner side of the rim of the ring.

Method 4. Handy means (thread, plaster)

Fig 4. Reducing the size of the ring using thread

In our opinion, the most short-lived and controversial method. But if, say, in a quarter of an hour is a date or a trip to the theater, and your evening outfit just screams that it should be complemented by this ring – handy means will help. The first is an ordinary flesh-colored band-aid – it can be glued to the inside of the ring. The second – a thread wound on the finger in the place where the ring will be. A layer of thread will create a thickening, on which the jewelry will sit tighter. Be careful: overtighten the finger and thereby disrupt blood circulation in it is not allowed.

How to reduce the size of the ring in the workshop

If you decide to trust a pro, and not to engage in amateurism, we will tell you how to reduce the size of the ring in a jewelry workshop.

Method 1: Compression

Fig 5. Measuring the ring size before compression

This method is used mainly for smooth and small rings – 18 mm in diameter or less (the owner’s gender is not important). Using a punch (press fixture), the heated ring is compressed to the desired size. With this method, you can reduce the ring by half a size or one size, no more.

Method 2. Removal of the fragment

Fig 6. Soldering of the ring after removal of the fragment

After preheating, a portion of the ring rim is cut out, then the ends are joined and soldered. The joint is carefully cleaned and polished. This method is good if the product needs to be reduced significantly – up to three sizes.

Please note! Methods 1 and 2 are suitable only for smooth rings – for example, wedding rings. Sometimes they are used for jewelry with inserts, but only if the design of the ring is minimalist, and the stone is one. In this case, before the operation, the jeweler must remove the stone from the mount, and after – again carefully fix it in the jewelry.

Method 3. Insertion of precious metal

Fig 7. Inlay for a gold ring made of precious metal

This method is quite expensive, and therefore it is usually used for antique or exclusive rings, or jewelry with complex design and stones that can be damaged by other methods. Inlay for the ring is made of precious metal, and then fixed on the tire – this makes it possible to reduce the internal diameter of the jewelry and at the same time do not damage it. In this way it is possible to significantly reduce the ring – by 2-3 sizes.

When the jeweler can refuse to reduce the size of the ring

In what cases can a jewelry workshop refuse to work? Most often this happens if:

• there are problems with the stones (for example, they are scattered abundantly over the entire outer surface of the jewelry) or the ring has a too complex, openwork design that will be spoiled;
• there is engraving on the rim, which can be deformed, and you are not ready for this;
• the ring must be reduced very significantly – by 3-4 sizes, although, and here are possible options;
• the jewelry is made of several alloys of different shades (combined) – for example, yellow and white gold. The master will be difficult to disguise the place of soldering;
• a ring with a diamond facet, which in the process may lose its facets and bright shine;
• some rings with diamonds and (or) rhodium-plated, which may also be affected;
• rings made of “base metal,” costume jewelry, which are certain to lose their appeal due to tampering;
• jewelry made of platinum – because of its extreme refractoriness.

But even if your ring falls under one of the criteria, do not rush to abandon the idea of reducing it. Entrust the decision to a master.