preloved buying guidelines

[LouMom]

I have been combing the Preloved section, Etsy, and eBay for the perfect ring, but unfortunately my ring size (3.75) makes it really difficult to find the right one "as is". I searched the archives here unsuccessfully, so have come to the experts for advice and experience in regard to resizing rings.

Essentially, is it preferable to resize larger or smaller, drastically or incrementally? Start with something that's nearly my size, such as off by a half size, or much different (within a full size or two)?

I realize that these questions don't apply at all to eternity or heavily paved styles and that fit can vary a bit depending on width of the ring. I am looking mostly at bands, plain or milgrained or with a few diamonds, primarily in platinum.

Thank you!

 

[FightGravity]

Easiest is to size down 1/4 size (add sizing beads) or up 1/4 size (can often easily stretch or polish out the inside of the ring). After that, sizing up/down within 1 size is usually no problem on an all-metal band, although you may have trouble with matching any engraving. Sizing down may be a bit easier than sizing up with a vintage band because you don't have to worry about matching the alloy.

The viability of sizing more than that depends on the ring - may be easy or quite difficult - you're best off looking for sizes reasonably close to a 3.75.

 

[VRBeauty]

Part of it depends on the structure of the ring, how large the decorative "head" area is, whether or not the head/shoulders area is contoured, and how much this area is integrated into the shank. The simpler the ring, the easier it will be to re-size.

 

[Stone Hunter]

Just thinking outside the box here...

If you find something you really like you could have the ring shank replaced in your size. Check with a jeweler about the cost of that since it'll be more than a resizing, but with your tiny finger it might give you the best fit.

HTH

 

[lilysweet]

Just saw this listed. http://www.diamondbistro.com/category/214/Eternity-Rings/listings/43374/Pave-Diamond-Eternity-Ring-14k-White-Gold-(31tcw.html Probably not what you are looking for but would make a nice stacker and in your size!

 

[LouMom]

Just saw this listed. http://www.diamondbistro.com/category/214/Eternity-Rings/listings/43374/Pave-Diamond-Eternity-Ring-14k-White-Gold-(31tcw.html Probably not what you are looking for but would make a nice stacker and in your size!

Thank you, lilysweet. Hopefully more of these will continue to pop up now- haha!

 

[LouMom]

Thank you, FightGravity. Your answers are what I've been thinking. Unfortunately finding things a size down is even harder! But the aspect of matching alloys is helpful.

 

[LouMom]

Thank you for the responses, Stone Hunter and VRBeauty. I'm looking at fairly basic, straight bands, trying to avoid structural rebuilds- haha!