Getting a ring resized is mostly a routine and mundane task, much like getting a leaking pipe in your kitchen fixed. However, it can quickly turn into a nightmare when you get the ring back and notice that the stone looks completely different, especially when the ring holds a sentimental value.
Under ideal circumstances and in the hands of a shriveled, expert jeweler, resizing of the ring should not affect its appearance in any way whatsoever. Nonetheless, if it does happen and you do notice that the stone looks different now, here is a thorough breakdown of the causes and their easy solutions for your guidance.
Read my complete guide if you think your ring looks defferent after resizing.
Stone Looks Rough/Less Shiny
The most frequent change that clients notice in their stones, once the ring comes back after getting resized, is that the stone looks rough. It might be less sparkly and even worse, might have scratches on its surface.
This is a usual occurrence that happens due to the coarse handling of the ring during the aggressive resizing process. It does not, however, impact the quality of the stone.
If you notice that your stone looks rough or worn out, you can take it to the jeweler who will smoothen it out and apply a silicone coating. This should make it look good as new.
If you suspect that this is simply due to gunk and debris, you can try cleaning it with a jewelry cleaner first.
Recommended jewelry cleaner: Hagerty Luxury Jewel Clean Concentrate
A similar change of looks can occur to the rest of the ring. In such a case, you might want to read my article Does Resizing a Ring Leave a Mark?
Color Of The Stone Is Changed
One of the commonest complaints that clients come up with is that the stone looks slightly discolored, and sometimes entirely of a different color, after they get their ring resized. Although in most cases the clients are tempted to think that the jeweler replaced the stone, there is actually a more technical explanation to it.
During the resizing process, intense heat is applied to the ring through a soldering torch, in order to add or remove the metal from it. Most of the delicate stones such as opal, pearls and turquoise can not withstand this degree of direct heat and can become entirely discolored, often completely white.
This can be prevented before the resizing process by properly insulating the stones, or taking them out altogether before applying heat. Unfortunately, however, once the thermal damage has been done to these exquisite stones, it is most often irreversible. The stones need to be replaced. Ideally, the jeweler/ company should be asked for reimbursement for the damage.
Stone Is Cracked/Chipped
Another distressing issue that can be faced is that the stone appears to be chipped on the edges or even slightly cracked. This happens when the jeweler, after initially taking out the stones for the resizing process, puts them back and applies too much force in order to tighten them.
The chips are particularly common if the ring has a bezel or flush setting, and the surrounding metal is tightened too much. It can also occur if the stone is not removed at all, and the jeweler attempts to alter the ring size with the stones still embedded in it. The pushing in or pulling out of the metal during the sizing up/down puts a significant strain on the stone which might crack it.
Unfortunately, the only fix to this problem is to get the stone removed and replaced with a new one.
There is also a very small likelihood of the stone falling out following resizing which I have explicitly mentioned int he aticle “Does Resizing a Ring Make Diamonds Fall Out?“
Black/Brown Deposit At The Bottom Of The Stone
Sometimes, clients notice a brown or black circumferential deposit around the stone, most commonly with diamonds, when their ring comes back after resizing. This can also appear as a discoloration.
The reason this happens is that with everyday use, there can be accumulation of dirt, sweat and other gunk under the stone. When heat is applied, this debris can become hardened and black in color. Thus, it becomes unduly prominent, especially when the stone is clear.
On the other hand, the black material can also be the polishing compound or rouge that might have creeped under the stone during the process.
To prevent the gunk from becoming black and visible, the jeweler should ideally clean the stone with an ultrasonic device before exposing it to heat. However, once this has happened, it can be removed by putting it in hot caustic soda.
Alternatively, you can take it to a qualified jeweler who can clean it thoroughly until it appears brand new. The entrapped rouge can also be cleaned off by the jeweler.
Stone Looks Displaced/Tilted
As mentioned above, the resizing of a ring involves a lot of bending under heat. When the band is pulled together, especially when sizing the ring down, it can ruin the tension that holds together the prongs that contain the stones. The prongs might be pulled apart, which can loosen the stones sitting in them.
As a result, the stones get tilted to one side or displaced from their original position. This can make the stone look oddly asymmetrical.
If you are faced with this issue, all you have to do is take the ring to an expert who will reposition the stone to its original place and then tighten the prongs.
If you are worried that this might decrease the value of the ring, you should definitely check out my article “Does Resizing a Ring Devalue It?” where I discuss the subject in detail.
Stone Looks Larger/Smaller
As mysterious as this sounds, it is possible for you to notice that your stone looks smaller or larger in size than before, after you get your ring resized. This is usually an illusion that appears because you are used to seeing your ring with specific proportions. Naturally, if the ring has been sized up, the stone might appear smaller than before and vice versa. As mentioned previously, this is entirely an illusion and you will most likely get used to the new proportions of the ring. However, if you feel that the ring looks odd, you can easily get the stone replaced with a larger or smaller one to suit it to your liking.
Check out some of my other equally helpful ring guides too:
- Stone Fell Out of Ring and Got Lost: What to Do Next
- Does Resizing a Ring Devalue It?
- Does Resizing a Ring Make Diamonds Fall Out?
- Does Resizing a Ring Leave a Mark?
- Ring Looks Different After Resizing- Here’s Why and What To Do
- Can You Add Gold to a Ring to Make it Thicker?
- How Much Does it Cost to Melt a Ring and Make a New One?
- How Much Extra Does a Hidden Halo Cost?