Does Resizing a Ring Make Diamonds Fall Out?

We all hold certain pieces of jewelry close to our hearts. They tell stories, celebrate milestones, or simply add a touch of elegance to our attire. Among these cherished pieces, rings often occupy a special place. However, a ring that doesn’t fit perfectly can lead to a series of questions, the most significant of which is: does resizing a ring make diamonds fall out?

In general, the likelihood of diamonds falling out is relatively low if resizing is done by a professional jeweler. Such experts understand the intricacies of the process. However, there might be other factors contributing to the falling out of diamonds. Let’s uncover these factors in this article.

Stages of Resizing and Associated Risks

Ring resizing has several stages: initial assessment, cutting, adjusting, and finishing. The stages of cutting and adjusting pose the most risk to your precious stones.

Cutting

In the case of a ring needing to be downsized, the band is cut and the ends are soldered back together. For enlarging a ring, the band is cut, and an extra piece of metal is inserted, or the ring is stretched if the required adjustment is minor. In both scenarios, the pressure exerted on the ring during these procedures could unsettle the settings holding the diamonds, making them loose.

It is during this stage that the jeweler may choose to cut out only the shank and this causes the ring to come out as oval instead of a perfect circle. I have discussed this the article “Ring Looks Different After Resizing“.

Adjusting

In this stage, the cut band is adjusted to the new size. This might mean closing up a gap or expanding the ring’s circumference. If not handled carefully during this adjustment, diamonds, especially those close to the resizing spot or those set around the band, may experience strain and potentially loosen.

While these risks exist, it is important to note that they are typically only a factor when resizing is not done correctly. A skilled jeweler can adeptly manage these risks, ensuring the security of your stones throughout the process.

Other Potential Causes of Diamond Displacement

There might be some other causes of the diamond falling after you just got it resized. It may be due to the following.

Pre-existing Loose Settings

 If the setting of the diamond was already loose, resizing could disturb it further, leading to the displacement of the diamond.

Wear and Tear

Over time, daily wear and tear can weaken even the most robust settings. The metal can wear down, and stones can become loose.

Poor Construction

If your ring wasn’t constructed securely in the first place, resizing could highlight and exacerbate this flaw.

What to Do if a Diamond Falls Out After Resizing?

Should you find yourself facing the unfortunate incident of a fallen diamond after resizing, don’t panic. Read this quick and easy guide if your Stone Fell Out of Ring and Got Lost.

Some of the actions you can take are:

Contact the Jeweler

Contact the jeweler who made your ring in the first place or sized it. Reputable jewelers typically offer guarantees on their work and should be able to repair the problem either free of charge or for a minimal fee.

Get a Second Opinion

If returning to the original jeweler isn’t feasible, consider getting a second opinion from another professional. They can assess the situation, identify the cause, and suggest the best action.

Preventive Measures

To avoid any unforeseen mishaps, follow these steps:

Regular Checks

Have your ring periodically checked for wear and tear, especially if it’s an older piece. Regular inspections can identify loose settings or potential issues before they turn into a problem.

Choose a Reputable Jeweler

Always opt for a trusted and experienced jeweler for resizing jobs. They possess the necessary knowledge and tools to execute the process correctly and safely.

Consider the Ring Design Before Resizing

Certain ring designs are more prone to issues during resizing. For instance, rings with diamonds or other gemstones encircling the entire band (also known as eternity bands) can be more difficult to resize without affecting the setting. Before making a decision, discuss the design of your ring with your jeweler to understand any potential risks involved in the resizing process.

Some rings simply can not be resized. I have discussed this in detail in my article “Does Resizing a Ring Leave a Mark?“

Take Care in Daily Life

Our daily activities can have a significant impact on our jewelry. Manual work, exercising with your ring on, or simply knocking your ring accidentally can loosen the diamond setting over time. Therefore, removing your ring during potentially harmful activities is advisable.

Regular Professional Cleaning

While cleaning your jewelry at home is important, professional cleaning takes it a step further. A jeweler can clean areas that you can’t reach and, in doing so, may also identify potential problems you may not have noticed. Scheduling a professional cleaning once or twice a year can help maintain the integrity of your ring.

Alternatives to Traditional Ring Resizing

Sizing Bars

Sizing bars are thin metal rods placed horizontally at the bottom of a ring’s shank to reduce its size. They may seem a bit uncomfortable, but they are actually surprisingly comfortable.

Recommended Sizing Bars: Cobb Findings White Gold Filled Medium Ring Guards

Ring Cushions

Ring cushions can be placed around the ring’s band to adjust its size. They are available in various materials, such as silicone, gel, or foam. 

Recommended Ring Cushions: Feramox Invisible Ring Size Adjuster

Bottom Line

In summary, while resizing a ring does come with a slight risk of diamonds falling out, this risk is typically minimal when the work is done by a competent professional.

Remembering that other factors like pre-existing loose settings, wear and tear, and poor initial construction can also contribute to diamonds falling out is crucial.

Jewelry often bears sentimental value and tells our personal stories. By showing them the right level of care, these pieces can continue to shine brightly, symbolizing our cherished moments for years to come.

Articles related to ring resizing:

• Can You Add Gold to a Ring to Make it Thicker?
• Ring Looks Different After Resizing- Here’s Why and What To Do
• Does Resizing a Ring Leave a Mark?
• Does Resizing a Ring Devalue It?
• How Much Does it Cost to Melt a Ring and Make a New One?
• Stone Looks Different After Resizing- Here’s Why and What To Do