A buyer in Seattle shipped a custom solitaire back to us in August: the client's finger had swollen in the summer heat and the ring was now too tight. That is the classic post-delivery resize case, and it is one we can handle in three working days. But when the same buyer asked us to resize a pave halo by two sizes up, we had to tell them it would be a recast, not a stretch. The difference between those two answers is the subject of this article, because it is the question we get most often after a custom piece ships.
When a resize is safe versus when to recast
Stretching a ring means cutting the shank and adding or removing a segment of metal. It works when:
- The band is plain or carries only prong-set stones on the top face.
- The size change is within +/- 1 US size (roughly +/- 0.65 mm circumference).
- The engraving is short and can be moved or redone.
It does not work when the pave runs down the shank, when the ring carries a channel-set row on the sides, or when the size change is more than +/- 1.5 sizes. In those cases the stones would shift out of alignment or the band would thin past spec. We recast the piece from the same CAD file at roughly 60% of the original price. Our pave durability guide explains why stretching a pave shank breaks bead setting.
Moissanite heat tolerance during resize
Moissanite survives soldering temperatures, but we remove the center stone before any torch work on the shank. The pave beads are low-temperature and can relax under direct heat, so even bead-set stones on the top face are protected with a heat shield or removed where feasible. We follow the same thermal reference a lab would: Wikipedia's moissanite entry lists the thermal and stability numbers we quote to buyers.
Cost and turnaround of a post-delivery resize
We price post-delivery resize as a fixed labor rate, not as a percentage. Current rates:
- Plain solitaire, +/- 1 size: $28 labor, 3 to 4 working days plus courier both ways.
- Prong-set side stones, +/- 1 size: $48 labor, 5 to 6 working days.
- Pave halo or channel-set, +/- 1 size: $68 labor, 7 to 8 working days; we re-tighten every bead after the cut.
- Recast at a new size: roughly 60% of the original piece price, 21 to 25 working days.
Engraving that crosses the cut line is redone at no charge if the buyer supplies the text again. Our engraving font guide lists the font and size spec we use when re-etching.
How we size the first time to reduce resize
About 70% of post-delivery resize requests are half-size issues, which means the original size was slightly off. We now do three things at order intake:
- Ask the buyer to size the client at two different times of day, not once in the morning.
- Build a comfort-fit band, which runs slightly looser on the finger and reduces tightness complaints.
- For orders at MOQ 5 units, build two half-size steps (e.g., US 6, 6.5, 7) so the buyer can offer an in-store swap.
The pre-shipment QC checklist includes a mandrel measurement at both room and body temperature.
Engraving and stones affected by the cut
The shank is cut at the back of the ring, opposite the head. Any engraving that crosses that point is removed. We photograph the inside wall before the cut and tell the buyer exactly which characters will disappear. For short engravings like a date, we move the text to a clear section of the band and re-etch it for free. For longer messages, we quote a re-engraving pass. Moissanite side stones on the shoulders are not affected by a back-of-shank cut; only pave that runs down the lower shank has to be re-tightened after the cut closes. We also insure the piece for its wholesale value during the return courier, so a lost package on the way back to us does not land on the buyer.
Can a pave halo be resized?
By +/- 1 size, yes, but at the higher labor rate and with a full bead re-tighten. Beyond +/- 1 size we recast from the CAD file.
How much does a post-delivery resize cost?
$28 for a plain solitaire, $48 for prong-set side stones, $68 for a pave halo. Recast is about 60% of the original price.
Does resizing damage moissanite?
Not when the stone is removed or shielded during torch work. We remove the center stone on any resize that involves heating the head.
How many sizes up or down can you go?
+/- 1 US size by stretch. Beyond that we recast. A two-size change on a plain solitaire is possible but thins the shank, which we disclose on the quote.
How long does a post-delivery resize take?
3 to 8 working days in our workshop, plus courier both ways. Most buyers quote their clients a 10- to 14-day total window.
Send us the piece and the target size. We will confirm resize versus recast within one working day and return a firm rate. Book your post-delivery resize today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is moissanite a good diamond alternative for retail buyers?
Yes for price-sensitive customers who want brilliance and hardness. Moissanite ranks 9.25 on the Mohs scale, holds up to daily wear and costs a fraction of a natural diamond of the same size, so it resells fast in bridal and fashion lines.
What is the minimum order for wholesale moissanite?
MOQ starts at 50 pieces per design for stock items. Custom cuts and private-label settings usually start at 100–300 pieces depending on the mold.
Do you provide certificates with moissanite stones?
Yes. Every parcel ships with GRA or IGI documentation listing carat weight, color grade and cut. We recommend passing the certificate to your end customer for trust.
How long does sample and bulk production take?
Samples ship in 3–5 days. Bulk runs take 15–20 days under 500 pieces, and 25–30 days for custom work.
