What’s the deal with ring sizing? 5 myths about resizing antique and vintage rings

Picture this: you’ve found your perfect ring and are ready to take it home...but it’s not your size. Finding a great fit is amazing, but sometimes the stars don’t align for your ideal piece. Never fear - antique and vintage rings can be resized amazingly by an experienced bench jeweller.

Here’s our take on the top five myths about ring resizing that we hear about:

1. Ring resizing is expensive: Not going to lie, some jewellers charge a pretty penny, especially with the rising cost of gold. At GBJ we offer affordable ring resizing services, handled by our jeweller who has almost 50 years of experience at the bench. We offer a complimentary resize down on rings that can be sized, and can provide quotes for sizing up. Upsizing varies per piece, due to the cost of labour plus additional gold. Think of it this way - money spent on resizing is an investment in your ring. You’re adding value in terms of wearability, and sizing up even increases the gold content, making your piece slightly heavier.
2. Antique and vintage pieces shouldn’t be resized because it means losing hallmarks and patina: Resizing can be done carefully so that hallmarks are preserved. Our jeweller has completed hundreds of resizes without ever cutting off a hallmark. We offer minimal polishing to retain as much patina as possible, blending the resize seamlessly at the join. Patina at the join line (or across the entire ring, if you choose to go for a full polish) naturally develops again as you wear your piece. 
3. Resizing up involves ‘stretching’ the gold, making the band thinner/weaker: A reputable bench jeweller never simply stretches the gold. Resizing up involves adding extra gold to achieve the correct size, which not only ensures a perfect fit but also makes your ring slightly more substantial.
4. Antique and vintage rings shouldn’t be resized because it affects their authenticity: This one’s a matter of opinion, but the reality is that most rings have already been resized once (or in some cases many times) over the course of their lives. There’s no right or wrong answer, but rings are made to be worn and enjoyed - finding the perfect piece in your exact size may be tricky.
5. Resizing always leaves an obvious line: While some jewellers leave marks, our bench jeweller specialises in seamless resizes. Many customers say they can’t even tell where their ring was resized! Read our customer reviews to see what people are saying.

In the hands of a skilled bench jeweller, resizing antique and vintage jewellery preserves hallmarks and patina while allowing you to wear and enjoy your favourite pieces. Done right, resizing adds to the value, comfort, and longevity of your rings - meaning they spend more time on your finger and less time in your jewellery box.

Ready to find your new favourite ring? Browse our available rings, and get in touch if you need a resize. 😉