Are tungsten rings resizable? The short answer is, no, tungsten rings cannot be resized.
This seems to be impractical, considering that rings that used to fit perfectly may no longer fit due to several reasons, such as weight gain or weight loss, age, or pregnancy. However, there are reasons why tungsten rings can’t be resized.
Why can’t tungsten rings be resized?
The simple reason for this is the hardness of tungsten. Tungsten carbide, which traces its roots to industrial machinery is a lot harder than many metals used for jewellery. On the Mohs scale, tungsten ranks at 9-9.5, while steel is at 4.5, platinum at 3.5, and gold is at 2.5.
Because of its hardness, tungsten cannot be altered. Once it is cast and it is altered, it would break and shatter, unlike gold, which is malleable and easily shaped with the right equipment.
Then again, there are ways to “resize” your tungsten ring.
Tungsten rings: Can they be “resized”?
How can tungsten rings be resized? Again, tungsten rings cannot be physically resized, but it is impossible to have a tungsten ring that fits your finger even if the original does not fit anymore.
If you decide to get a tungsten ring, it is imperative that you purchase from a retailer that offers a lifetime resizing guarantee. While they will not physically resize your ring in the event that your ring size changes, they will accept your old ring and you will receive a new one at no additional or very minimal cost.
It is very important to look for this guarantee when choosing where to buy your tungsten carbide ring. Whether or not your ring size does change in the future, it is nice to know that you can avail the service if the need ever arises.
In summary, due to their hardness, it is virtually impossible to resize tungsten rings. However, by buying your ring from a reputable retailer that offers a lifetime resizing guarantee, you will have a new ring that fits your finger like a glove.
Why Tungsten Rings Cannot Be Resized
Traditional ring resizing involves cutting the band, adding or removing metal, and soldering it back together. This works with soft, malleable metals like gold and silver. Tungsten carbide, however, scores 9.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it far too hard to cut, bend, or reshape with standard jewellery tools.
Even with industrial diamond-tipped equipment, the process would compromise the ring’s structural integrity. The result would be a weakened ring prone to cracking.
What to Do If Your Ring No Longer Fits
If your finger size has changed, you have several options:
- Exchange programme: Many tungsten ring retailers offer free or low-cost size exchanges. Only Tungsten Rings provides exchanges for customers who need a different size.
- Ring size adjusters: Temporary silicone inserts can make a slightly loose ring fit snugly. These work well as a short-term solution.
- Purchase a replacement: Because tungsten rings are affordable (typically $30-100), buying a new ring in the correct size is far cheaper than resizing a gold or platinum ring.
How to Get the Right Size First Time
The best approach is to get your sizing right before you buy:
- Measure your finger at the end of the day when it is at its largest
- Use a proper ring sizer, not string or paper methods which are less accurate
- Consider the ring width – wider bands (8mm+) may need half a size larger
- Measure in the temperature you normally live in, as cold shrinks and heat swells fingers
- Take multiple measurements on different days to account for natural fluctuation
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