People ask this about eternity bands and eternity rings — same question, same answer. Whether it can go bigger or smaller depends on how the stones are held, and that is something we can tell you in a minute at the counter.
Why it is different
On a normal ring there is a plain section at the bottom. We cut there, add or remove metal, solder, re-round and polish. On a full eternity band there is no plain section — the stones go all the way round, so there is nothing to cut without going through a setting.
So what can be done
- Sizing beads — if the ring is only a little loose, beads inside the shank can hold it in place without altering the band.
- Removing and resetting stones — on some bands a section can be taken out and the stones reset. It depends on how they are held and how many there are.
- Remaking the band — the stones come out and go into a new band at the right size. More work, and sometimes the right answer for a ring you intend to wear forever.
- Leaving it and wearing it differently — on another finger, or on a chain. Not the answer people want, but sometimes the honest one.
Half eternity is a different story
If the stones only run across the top half, there is a plain section at the bottom and it usually sizes like any other ring. Plenty of people call a half eternity a full one. Worth having us look.
Bring it in
We will look at it under magnification and tell you what is genuinely possible with your ring — not eternity rings in general, yours.
Questions we get asked
Can a full eternity band be sized at all?
Not by cutting the shank, because there is no plain section. There are other routes and we will walk you through the ones that apply to your ring.
What about a half eternity?
Usually yes. There is plain metal at the bottom to work with. Plenty of rings people call full eternity are actually half.
Would sizing beads work on mine?
If it is only slightly loose, often yes. Bring it in and we will try it against your finger.
Can the stones be moved to a new band?
On many rings, yes. It is more work than a standard resize and we will explain what it involves before anything is agreed.
Can an eternity band be resized bigger?
Sometimes. Going up means adding length, which on a full eternity band usually means taking stones out and resetting them, or remaking the band at the larger size. On a half eternity there is plain metal at the bottom and it often sizes normally.
Can an eternity band be resized smaller?
Often easier than going bigger. If it is only slightly loose, sizing beads inside the shank may be enough and nothing about the band changes. If it needs to come down properly, a section can sometimes be removed and the stones reset.
Not sure we can fix it?
Send a couple of details and we will call you back. Or just walk in — it is quicker, and we can actually look at the piece.
Drop it off, shop the mall, wear it tonight
We are inside Orland Square Mall in Orland Park. Walk in during mall hours, no appointment. Most repairs are finished the same day and a good number while you wait.
Where we are
Julio's Jewelry, 800 Orland Square Drive, Orland Park, IL 60462 — inside Orland Square Mall. Mon–Thu 10am–8pm · Fri–Sat 10am–9pm · Sun 11am–6pm. We are also at North Riverside Park Mall, 7501 W Cermak Rd, North Riverside, IL 60546.