Sizing a Three Stone Ring

[mw18]

Hi everyone,
I was just wondering- how difficult is it to increase the size of a three stone ring? I’ve been measured by two jewelers and both say I’m a 3.5. My FF is concerned that it will be hard to increase the size of my ring as I age…has this been anyone’s experience? I’m worried about sizing beads being uncomfortable so I’d prefer to just get my ring sized up as needed. The ring will have a 1.5 rb center and .5rbs on each side which will be mounted on platinum (not sure if this matters). I’m debating going up to a size 4 but I don’t want to worry about my rings slipping off as I work in a hospital and am constantly washing my hands. I live in Southern California so there aren’t major changes in temperature during the year, but I also don’t want to worry about them being very loose during the winter. Any opinions?
Thanks in advance!

 

[ladykemma]

not an issue they can just change out the shank. it wears out anyway

 

[mw18]

Thanks LadyKemma. Silly question-what exactly is involved in changing the shank? Is it costly? Does anyone ever just slip a little more metal into the setting?

 

[ladykemma]

i am not a professional jeweler but if it involves a huge size change, they cut out the top part and replace the round part underneath. I had a small ring size 5 once remade to fit my size 10 middle finger.

sure they can just "stretch" it too, plain metal, but not wise with channel set or bead or pave set stone.

professionals what do you say?

edited to add: some settings look bad after a few years anyway. especially gold. if you work with your hands or work with fabric. ( nurse, sheets, towels), fabric/sheets are hard on rings.

I sew and work with fabric and work with chemicals teaching high school chemistry. constant hand washing.. i do not expect my setting to last a lifetime because, with me anyway, they don't. i have changed an identical setting three times in 12 years. so be open to the idea that you may have to replace. now i have platinum prongs so i hope this will buy me more time.