As one of the nation‘s largest retailers, Walmart is a go-to destination for everything from groceries to automotive services to health and beauty products. But did you know the superstore also offers a wide variety of jewelry, including engagement rings, fashion rings, and wedding bands?
While Walmart may be your first stop when hunting for a sparkly new accessory to add to your collection, you might be wondering about their policies if that ring doesn‘t fit quite right. Can Walmart resize a ring you bought from them? What about a family heirloom or estate piece?
We‘ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide to ring resizing at Walmart. Read on for everything you need to know before heading to the jewelry counter.
Does Walmart Offer Ring Resizing?
The short answer is yes, Walmart does provide ring resizing services – but only for rings that were originally purchased at Walmart stores or on Walmart.com. If you bought your ring elsewhere, you‘ll need to look for another jeweler to handle the resizing.
Walmart sends rings out to third-party specialists to complete sizings, rather than having in-house jewelers who can do the work while you wait. From the time you drop your ring off at the store to when it‘s ready for pick-up, expect the process to take anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks.
According to The Knot, the average cost of resizing a ring at a jewelry store is $30 to $150. Walmart‘s resizing fees fall firmly within that range, starting around $20 for a simple sizing up or down of a plain band and climbing up to $150 for more complex rings or extensive size changes.
What Types of Rings Can Be Resized?
When it comes to resizing options, not all rings are created equal. Most rings made of traditional precious metals like yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, and platinum can be sized up or down by a skilled jeweler. Silver rings may also be resizable, depending on the specific composition of the metal.
However, rings made from more contemporary metals like tungsten, titanium, and stainless steel cannot be resized due to the hardness and durability of the materials. The same goes for non-metal rings like those made of silicone, ceramic, wood, or other alternative materials.
Certain ring styles are also not conducive to resizing, even if the material is workable. Eternity bands, for example, feature stones set all the way around and therefore cannot be cut and resoldered to change the size without disrupting the setting.
Some intricately designed rings or those with fragile settings may also be difficult or impossible to resize without causing damage. Walmart‘s jewelers will assess your ring in person to determine if resizing is possible given the style and material.
Tips for Finding Your Perfect Ring Size
Of course, the easiest way to avoid needing ring resizing services is to purchase the correct size in the first place. But with so many different sizing systems out there – not to mention the fact that our fingers can change size due to weight fluctuations, temperature, and other factors – it‘s not always easy to know exactly what size to buy.
If you‘re shopping for a ring at Walmart, you can get sized at the jewelry counter to find your ideal fit before making a purchase. The store associates can also provide guidance on how the specific style you‘re interested in fits, so you can decide whether to size up or down for comfort.
When purchasing online, you may need to do some at-home sizing to determine what will fit best. Walmart.com sells inexpensive ring sizer tools from third-party sellers that you can use to measure your finger. These typically cost less than $10 and can be used multiple times to check your size.
You can also get a rough estimate of your size using a string, paper strip, or piece of floss. Simply wrap it around the base of your finger and mark where the end overlaps, then measure the length in millimeters and refer to a ring size chart to find your corresponding size. Just be sure not to pull too tightly, which can throw off the measurement.
If you‘re between sizes, it‘s generally best to err on the side of slightly loose versus too tight. You can always have a ring sized down, but sizing up may not be possible depending on the material and style. It‘s also more comfortable to wear a ring that has a bit of breathing room.
What to Expect When Resizing a Ring at Walmart
If you do need to have a ring resized that you originally purchased from Walmart, the process is fairly straightforward. Start by taking the ring to the jewelry counter at your local store, where an associate will assess if the ring can be resized and provide a quote for the work.
Pricing for resizing at Walmart starts at $20 for a basic sizing up or down of a plain band. If your ring has a more intricate setting or you need to change the size by more than a half size or so, the cost will likely be higher. The associate can give you an accurate estimate based on your specific ring.
After you approve the resizing fee, the Walmart jeweler will take your ring and send it out to a third-party specialist to complete the work. The store associate can provide an estimated timeline for completion, which is typically 1 to 3 weeks from drop-off to pick-up.
While the time frame may be an inconvenience compared to jewelers who can resize on-site while you wait, the benefit of Walmart‘s resizing service is the price and the quality guarantee. If you‘re not satisfied with the resizing when you receive your ring back, Walmart will work with you to resolve the issue.
Here are a few more things to keep in mind when resizing a ring at Walmart:
- Rings must be in good condition to qualify for resizing. If your ring is damaged, excessively worn, or has existing cracks or fractures, it may not be eligible.
- Some gemstones may not be able to withstand the heat and pressure of resizing. Opals, emeralds, and pearls in particular can be prone to damage. Walmart‘s jewelers can advise you if your specific stone is safe to resize.
- White gold and platinum rings will require rhodium plating after resizing to restore the original color and finish. This may add to the timeline and cost of resizing.
- If your ring has an inscription or personalization, resizing may affect the placement or appearance of the engraving. In some cases, the engraving may need to be removed and redone after resizing.
Walmart‘s Other Jewelry Services
In addition to resizing, Walmart offers a range of other jewelry services to help you keep your accessories in top shape:
-
Free Cleaning and Inspections: Drop off your fine jewelry at the counter for a professional cleaning and once-over to catch any loose stones or damage before it worsens. Walmart recommends having your jewelry professionally cleaned and inspected every 6 months.
-
Engraving: Add a personal touch to your jewelry or gift with custom engraving. Walmart can engrave text, dates, and monograms starting at around $15.
-
Insurance and Warranty Plans: Protect your jewelry investment with an optional insurance or extended warranty plan. Prices vary depending on the value of the piece and the length of coverage.
-
Upgrades and Trade-Ins: Some Walmart stores may offer upgrade or trade-in programs for certain jewelry purchases. For example, you may be able to trade in an engagement ring bought at Walmart for a credit towards a more expensive ring.
-
Watch Services: In addition to jewelry services, Walmart can also replace watch batteries, adjust bands, and perform other minor watch repairs. Battery replacements start around $10.
The Bottom Line
Walmart may be known for its low prices and wide selection, but it‘s also a trusted source for jewelry, including ring resizing services. If you‘ve purchased a ring from Walmart that doesn‘t fit quite right, you can have it resized for a reasonable fee – typically between $20 and $150, depending on the complexity of the ring and the extent of the work needed.
Just keep in mind that the resizing will be done off-site by a third-party jeweler, so you‘ll need to leave your ring at the store for 1 to 3 weeks. Walmart also only resizes rings that were originally bought at Walmart, not outside purchases.
To avoid the need for resizing in the first place, be sure to get accurately measured before buying a ring. You can get sized for free at a Walmart jewelry counter or use an at-home sizing tool to find your best fit.
With these tips in mind, you can shop confidently at Walmart for all your ring needs – and know that you have affordable resizing services available if your jewelry ever needs an adjustment.
