If you’re like most girls, your ring finger isn’t a perfect size seven (even though that is the size that almost all engagement rings come in). Luckily, upon accepting his proposal, you can promptly take the ill-fitting band to the jeweler for sizing. Most rings can be sized up or down, but if they have an unbroken pattern, you may be able to see where the sizing occurred if the jeweler cannot get the pattern to match up after cutting (and it will certainly be visible if the ring must be upsized). And stones that are set into the side of the band as embellishments may have to be removed and replaced to avoid damage. However, a ring that doesn’t fit is no good to you, so sizing is certainly preferable to letting it gather dust in your jewelry box.
As for how your ring comes to fit your finger, the process is fairly simple. When downsizing, the jeweler will begin by measuring your finger. Since it is being made to fit you perfectly, he can customize it to half or quarter sizes. Then, he will cut out a small portion of the band, usually at the bottom center, reshape the band to a true circle, and solder the two ends together. After that it’s just a matter of polishing out the weld mark, buffing, and applying a coating where necessary (as in the case of white gold). Probably the ring will also undergo an ultrasonic cleaning for added shine. As for up-sizing, metal will simply be added to the band, although again, new seams may be impossible to mask in the case of a patterned band.
The only reason you might balk at sizing a ring is if it is an antique or the stones encircle the band (as in an eternity ring). Cutting into antique metal and adding or removing metal can often cause noticeable discoloration on the band, so it is best avoided. And most jewelers prefer to offer eternity bands in a different size rather than bothering with the difficult process of trying to size such a ring.
