Losing weight is a journey, and congratulations are in order for tackling it! As you consider changes to your wardrobe to accommodate your new shape, have you considered how weight loss might affect your rings? This article explores the connection between weight loss and ring size, offering advice on how to manage changes and ensure your rings fit comfortably and securely.
How Weight Loss Impacts Ring Size
When we think about losing weight, we typically focus on areas like our stomach, hips, and thighs. However, our fingers can also store fat, just like any other part of our body. It's important to realize that there's no surefire way to predict how your fingers will be affected by even a small amount of weight change. Genetics play a big part in this, as some people store more fat in their fingers than others. Therefore, it’s best to play it by ear.
The rule of thumb is: if the ring starts feeling a little loose, that’s the time to worry.
Monitoring Your Ring Size During Weight Loss
It's essential to keep an eye on how your rings fit throughout your weight loss journey. Just like any other part of our bodies, the sizes of our fingers can change over time. Yes! The size of your finger can change by about a quarter size day to day due to factors like weather, temperature, and physical activity.
When it gets colder, our blood vessels can constrict, causing our fingers to shrink in size. If we up our sodium intake or get reduced sun exposure, these factors can also lead to more fluid retention. Most of the time, it’s not the ring itself that’s becoming tighter or looser over time. It’s also not uncommon for us to encounter customers who think their ring size changed…only to realize that they accidentally bent their ring!
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Ring Resizing: Is It Always Necessary?
If a ring doesn’t fit, the most obvious solution is to have a jeweler resize it and be done right?
While resizing is a common solution for a ring that doesn't fit, there are situations where an alternative or temporary solution might be better.
Consider an alternative to resizing your ring if:
- Your ring is only slightly too big
- You're not done losing weight yet
- Your ring is difficult or expensive to resize
- You don't want to pay to have it resized
- You want to keep the larger ring as a reminder of your weight loss success
Alternatives to Ring Resizing
Fortunately, there are several excellent alternatives to resizing that can ensure your ring is safe and secure:
- Purchase a spacer: A spacer, like BlingWraps by BlingGuard, can create a snugger fit.
- Wear your ring on a different finger: If possible, wear the ring on a larger finger.
- Turn your ring into a necklace: Wear the ring on a chain around your neck.
- Store it safely: As a last resort, keep it in a safety deposit box.
- Ring Guards: If your ring isn’t fitting snugly, you can also consider stacking it with a ring guard, which is essentially just another ring to keep it in place.
The Wiggle Test
We recommend the wiggle test. Put your ring on the appropriate finger and wiggle your hand around. Hopefully it stays snug and secure, if not,there is always a simple solution.
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When to Consider Professional Resizing
If the ring isn’t properly sized anymore though, it’s time to talk to your jeweler about resizing it.
If you think you need a resizing, try to keep wearing your ring for a few weeks to see if it fits better under different conditions. Some engagement and wedding rings, like eternity bands will full diamond coverage, can’t be resized without seriously compromising their integrity. We recommend using our free ring sizer to help determine the perfect fit. Didn’t buy your ring from Holden? Any local professional jeweler will likely offer resizing services. Different jewelers may have different resizing processes.
Planning For Weight Loss: We’d recommend letting your jeweler know if you want to drop some weight. They can help you plan for it and pick out a ring that might not be as expensive to resize. Some rings can be quite expensive if you have to resize them over and over depending on the style and band, so your decision should be partially based around those plans.
Other Factors Affecting Ring Size
Weight loss isn't the only factor that can affect ring size. Other considerations include:
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you’re currently pregnant or breastfeeding, your fingers may be more swollen than usual, making your ring too tight. If it’s uncomfortable or you can’t wear it, don’t stress just yet! Other people’s fingers can change permanently in size after pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Age: It’s no secret that our bone structure changes as we age. Other medical conditions that you develop as you age can similarly affect your ring size.
- Daily Fluctuations: Yes! The size of your finger can change by about a quarter size day to day due to factors like weather, temperature, and physical activity. When it gets colder, our blood vessels can constrict, causing our fingers to shrink in size. If we up our sodium intake or get reduced sun exposure, these factors can also lead to more fluid retention.
Scenarios and Experiences
- One person shared that their ring size has remained consistent at 5.5 despite weight fluctuations between 115 and 145 pounds.
- Another individual noted that their ring size decreased by 1.5 sizes after losing weight, even though it didn't increase during weight gain.
- Someone else experienced finger size changes with even small 5 lb fluctuations in weight, varying between ring sizes 2.5-5.5 as an adult.
- Another said that their weight as an adult has fluctuated between roughly 115 and 145. Throughout all of it, my ring size has stayed a consistent 5.5.
These anecdotal experiences highlight the individual nature of the relationship between weight and ring size.
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Resizing Costs and Considerations
Resizing a ring could generally be anywhere from $60 to $200 depending on the complexity, size and other factors. If you have to resize it multiple times, it can hurt the structural integrity of the ring as well. Therefore, we want to plan as few resizes as possible and keep things simple. A jeweler will typically only change the ring 2 or 3 sizes to avoid damaging it’s integrity too much.
Resizing a ring can take 1-2 weeks, so make sure to plan properly and don’t do it too close to the end!
Key Takeaways for Ring Fit During Weight Loss
- Stay Aware: Whether your goal is to lose two pounds or 20, stay cognizant of how your rings are fitting throughout.
- Perform the Shake Test: Place your ring on the finger you typically wear it on and shake your hand. Does it feel like it’s going to slip off?
- Take Precautions: As soon as you feel a bit of looseness, at least take one of the precautions mentioned above to prevent losing it altogether.
- Consult a Jeweler: Then, when you’re ready, visit a trusted local jeweler to resize your ring and get it back where it belongs - safe and snug on your finger.