If your engagement ring or wedding band no longer fits, you're not alone. Fingers change size with the seasons, with weight changes, and sometimes a ring simply wasn't sized correctly to begin with. Resizing is one of the most common jewellery repairs, and one of the questions we're asked most often at our Hatton Garden studio is: how much is this actually going to cost?
The honest answer is that it depends on the ring. Here's what actually drives the price, so you know what to expect before you book an assessment.
The main factors that affect resizing cost
1. The metal
Platinum is denser and has a higher melting point than gold, which makes it more time-consuming to work with, so platinum resizing generally costs more than gold or silver. Within gold, thicker or heavier bands also take more work than a slim, lightweight band.
2. Making a ring smaller vs. larger
Making a ring smaller usually involves removing a section of the band, rejoining it, and refinishing the join, generally the more straightforward of the two directions. Making a ring larger often means adding metal to the band, which takes more skill to blend seamlessly and typically costs a little more.
3. How many sizes you need to go
A one-size adjustment is usually quick and inexpensive. Going up or down by three or more sizes is a bigger structural change, and on some rings it can affect the proportions or strength of the band, which is why a jeweller needs to see the ring in person before quoting confidently.
4. Stone settings
A plain band is the simplest case. Rings with pavé, channel-set, or eternity stones close to the resizing point need extra care, since the resizing process can loosen nearby stones if it's not done carefully. This added care is reflected in the price.
5. Condition of the ring
A ring with a worn or previously repaired shank may need additional work before it can be safely resized. This is something a jeweller can only properly assess by examining the piece.
What resizing typically costs in London
As a general guide, straightforward gold band resizing in London typically starts in the £30–£60 range for a simple one or two-size adjustment, with platinum, complex settings, or larger size changes running higher, sometimes £100–£200 or more, depending on the work involved. These are general market figures rather than a fixed quote: the only way to get an accurate price for your specific ring is to have it assessed in person.
At HD Studio London, every resizing job starts with a free, no-obligation assessment at our Hatton Garden studio. We check the metal, the setting, the condition of the band, and the number of sizes needed, then give you a clear price before any work begins. No surprises, no guesswork.
How long does it take?
Most straightforward resizing jobs are completed within a few working days. More complex pieces, such as eternity bands or rings with intricate stone settings, can take a little longer since they need extra care. Same-day resizing may be possible for simpler jobs depending on workshop availability, so it's always worth asking when you book.
Not every ring can be resized
It's worth knowing upfront that a small number of rings are difficult or impossible to resize safely, including full eternity bands (stones set all the way around), certain tension-set designs, and rings with extensive existing damage. If your ring falls into one of these categories, we'll always tell you honestly at the assessment stage rather than risk damaging a piece that means something to you.
Book a free resizing assessment
If your ring needs resizing, the best first step is simply to bring it in. Visit our Hatton Garden studio or book a free consultation, and we'll give you an honest assessment and a clear price on the spot.