What happens if the ring size is wrong — do you offer a free resize?
If a Custom Ring Doesn’t Fit: Options, Policies, and Next Steps
When purchasing a custom-made ring, most people put a lot of thought into the decision. For many, purchasing a ring is a significant milestone in their life and they expect to cherish it for a lifetime. When a custom ring arrives but it doesn’t fit due to the wrong ring size, the disappointment can often feel more intense than anticipated.
At Olertis, we understand this emotional connection, which is why we always discuss sizing openly, so our customers know what to expect when their ring arrives. In many cases, we offer a free ring resize, depending on the design.
Ring Sizing Guide
Why Accurate Ring Sizing is Crucial Before Ordering a Custom Ring
The size of your ring plays a key role in both comfort and function. A ring that’s too small can cause discomfort and even swelling, while one that’s too large may spin around your finger or slip off completely. For this reason, many buyers want to know how closely the ring needs to be sized to fit comfortably.
Jewelry industry rules have a lot exceptions and policies, but a U.S. size difference of a quarter to a half size is noticeable, particularly in wider bands or intricate designs, and this issue is of great importance in each custom project. When starting a custom piece project, we expect our customers to provide their correct ring size. This is standard practice across the industry, and most customers understand that providing the right size is their responsibility.
Most customers understand that they are responsible for ensuring that the ring size is provided correctly when placing an order for a custom piece. Some customers mistakenly take a measurement from a finger when cold, use printed ring size charts, or believe a different ring style will have the same fit. A finger size is not fixed and varies throughout the day based on factors like body temperature, physical activity, pregnancy, exercise, and even salt consumption. Taking multiple measurements in the late afternoon/early evening at room temperature, over several days typically produces the best results. When you are not sure of a surprise proposal ring size, these options help reduce risk without relying on guesswork:
- Having a professional ring sizing done using U.S. ring sizing standards for an existing ring being worn on the same finger;
- Asking a jeweler to verify your estimated size using U.S. ring sizing standards; or
- Consulting Olertis to adjust your estimate based on the type of band and fit preference desired.
Olertis Ring Resizing Policy: Free Downsize vs Paid Upsize
Olertis offers a free resize (downsize) service when the design permits, and it is feasible to downsize without completely rebuilding the structure of the ring. Our ring resizing policy is consistent with the common practices of the U.S. jewelry industry and give customers piece of mind that if a ring arrives a too large, resizing won’t come with an extra cost.
Some ring designs, like those with continuous patterns, full eternity stone settings, or complex structural features, raise the question: Can a ring be resized? In these cases, upsizing or downsizing cannot be complimentary. To increase the size of a ring requires the addition of more gold, platinum or palladium, additional labor costs and refinish costs which make up the ring upsizing cost. Some of our customer ask, “How much can a ring be resized?” and “How far can we go with a size adjustment?”. Typically, adjustments of one to one and a half U.S. sizes can be completed without significantly affecting the integrity of the ring. As you go beyond this range, the risk of distorting the ring greatly increases. Any size adjustment may require a complete polish of the ring, including re-engraving of engravings, as well as resecuring of all stone settings. Since we perform all resizing, does resizing a ring void the warranty? No, it will not void the warranty of the custom ring. Some customers are concerned that performing a size adjustment will affect their warranty coverage.
If Olertis makes a mistake and sends the wrong ring size, we take full responsibility. We will cover all resizing and shipping costs, it will cost you nothing.
Custom Ring Resizing Process: When the Ring Size Is Incorrect
If you find that your ring doesn’t fit, we encourage you to contact us within 7 days of receiving it. We’ll coordinate the return of the ring for inspection and evaluation. Please note, if the wrong size was initially provided, the customer is responsible for the return shipping costs.
Once we receive the ring back, we begin evaluating it against the original design parameters and conditions to determine the appropriate course of action. Simpler resizes typically take between one to two weeks. Rush resizing is available only for simple designs and is subject to current workshop capacity. However, depending upon the complexity of the design, it may take longer to complete the resize or may require a complete rebuild of the ring.
Before beginning any custom ring resizing, a master jeweler will review the design to ensure the process won’t affect the ring’s structural integrity or damage any stones.
Free Ring Size Consultation and Measurement Support by Olertis
Sizing issues often arise when customers are unsure how to measure their own finger. To help, Olertis offers complimentary sizing consultations and complimentary ring sizers by mail. Our complimentary sizing consultation will assist you in determining whether you prefer a snug fit, a standard fit or a relaxed fit. We recommend that you measure your finger several times throughout the day to account for the natural fluctuations of your finger size. Additionally, we can also help you determine your ring size using the internal diameter and profile of an existing ring you wear on the same finger.
When a Ring Cannot Be Resized Without Complete Remanufacturing
Certain ring designs cannot be resized without completely remanufacturing the piece. Eternity rings, for example, fall under this category, since they feature continuous stone setting. Intricate pavé settings or extremely narrow bands may also lose structural integrity if they are resized. When this occurs, Olertis will work with you to find an alternative solution. Some options may include:
- Producing a new custom ring in the correct size; or
- Making modifications to the design to preserve its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Our goal is to preserve both the look and the durability of your ring.
