How To Renovate A Men's Wedding Band

Wedding rings are a symbol of love and commitment, but over time, styles and tastes may change, or you may want to breathe new life into a ring. Renovating a men's wedding band is an option for those who want to update their ring to reflect their current style or commemorate a new chapter in their life. Renovating a wedding band can involve changing the metal type, adding or removing gemstones, or even completely redesigning the ring to create a custom piece that suits the wearer's vision and budget.

Adding gemstones or changing the cut of the stone

When changing the centre stone of your wedding band, you can opt for a different size, shape, or colour. If you want to add more stones, consider a halo or extra side stones. Keep in mind that certain ring designs might not accommodate a new stone of a different shape and size. For instance, rings with elaborate centre stone settings typically cannot be modified in this way. On the other hand, a plain wedding band is usually the best type of ring to modify since the blank metal allows for more flexibility in setting the stone.

If you're not looking to add any gemstones, you can instead change the cut of the stone. This can be a great option if you don't like the shape of the stone on your wedding band. The excess cuts from the original stone can even be used as additional embellishments on the band, ensuring that no portion of the stone goes to waste.

In addition to adding gemstones or changing the cut, there are several other ways to renovate a men's wedding band. You can update the band itself by changing the material or adding elaborate designs. Alternatively, you can turn your wedding band into a cocktail ring, especially if it contains a lot of coloured gemstones.

Resizing or reshaping the band

Resizing or reshaping a men's wedding band is possible, but it depends on the type of metal. Softer metals like gold, silver, and platinum can be resized by jewellers. Harder metals like tungsten and titanium are too tough to resize. If you have a ring made of a hard metal, you could consider an exchange service, where you pay for shipping and handling to receive a replacement ring.

The process of resizing a ring differs depending on whether you are making it larger or smaller. When sizing up, an affordable jeweller will use a process called "soldering". This involves cutting the ring, adding a bridge, and then soldering the ends together. To make a ring smaller, a professional jeweller will cut off a strip of the ring and then solder the ends together.

The cost of resizing a ring depends on the ring's metal type, design, and size. A complex design with an expensive metal may be more costly to resize than a simple band. The size of the ring also affects the price, with larger bands costing more to resize than smaller ones.

It is important to note that resizing a ring can be risky, especially if there is a big difference in size. It could damage the ring or affect its integrity. In some cases, it may be necessary to remake the ring from scratch.

Before resizing a ring, it is recommended to determine the new size and consider any complex design elements that may complicate the process. It is also crucial to understand why the ring doesn't fit, as factors such as weather and weight loss can cause finger size differences.

Replating or polishing the metal

If you are considering replating your men's wedding band, it is important to understand the process and the qualifications of the person doing it. Firstly, the surface of the metal must be cleaned and polished to ensure that any trace of oil or dirt is removed. Then, the piece is placed into a tank containing the precious metal that will form the outer layer. For some metals, like zinc, specialised machinery and experienced professionals are required for successful replating.

When replating your wedding band, you can choose the type of metal you would like to use. For example, you could transform a sterling silver band into yellow gold or rose gold. This process can also be used to change the colour of your jewellery, such as converting yellow gold to white gold with a rhodium finish.

In addition to replating, polishing is another option to restore the shine of your wedding band. Over time, scratches can accumulate and dull the luster of the metal, especially for softer metals like gold. A professional jeweler can polish your ring to restore its original shine and luster.

Keep in mind that replating and polishing may not be suitable for all types of jewellery. For example, if your wedding band contains certain stones, such as rhinestones or faux pearls, the process may cause them to lose colour, crack, or fall out of the setting. In such cases, a custom recreation of the ring in a solid metal may be a better option to preserve the sentimental value of the piece.

Engraving a message or design

Renovating a men's wedding band through engraving is a great way to personalise the ring and make it more meaningful. The message or design can be something that is significant to the wearer or their partner. Here are some ideas for engraving a men's wedding band:

Traditional and Romantic Engravings:

• The date of your first date, first kiss, or engagement.
• The name or initials of your partner.
• "To my wife" or "To my husband".
• "Love, honour, cherish".
• "Amor vincit omnia" (love conquers all).
• "The beginning of forever".
• "Written in the stars".

Religious Engravings:

• "Deus nos lunxit" (God joined us).
• "Love is patient, love is kind".
• "Where you go, I will go".
• "Do everything in love".
• "God bless this marriage".

Fun and Funny Engravings:

• "You're stuck with me now".
• "Property of [name or initials]".
• "I love you more than coffee".
• "Us against the world".
• "Alarm will sound if removed".
• "Resistance is futile".

Engravings for Couples Who Like to Explore:

• "My greatest adventure".
• "To infinity and beyond".

Engravings for Movie Fanatics:

• "To me, you are perfect".
• "I'll never let go, [name]".

Engravings for Disney Fans:

• "Found my Prince Charming".
• "I love you/I know" (inspired by Star Wars).

The options for engravings are endless and can be tailored to the wearer's interests, personality, and relationship. It is a great way to add a unique touch to a men's wedding band.

Replacing the band with a different metal

Renovating your wedding band is a great way to breathe new life into your ring and help you remember why you got married in the first place. If you're looking for a complete change, you can replace the band with a different metal. Here are some factors to consider and popular metal options to choose from:

Factors to Consider:

• Durability: Wedding bands are meant to last a lifetime, so choosing a scratch-resistant and durable metal is essential. Some metals are more prone to scratches and wear and tear than others, so consider your lifestyle and how often you'll be wearing the ring.
• Style: Choose a metal that suits your personal style and taste. If you prefer a traditional look, precious metals like gold, platinum, or silver might be ideal. However, if you want something unique, alternative metals like tungsten or titanium offer a modern and contemporary design.
• Maintenance: Some metals require more upkeep than others. For example, gold bands may need occasional professional polishing to maintain their shine, while platinum develops a patina that can be restored by a professional. Consider how much time and effort you're willing to put into maintaining your ring.
• Comfort: The weight and thickness of the band can affect how comfortable it feels on your finger. Heavier metals like platinum or tungsten might feel bulkier, especially if you have large hands. Lighter metals like titanium or cobalt can be more comfortable for everyday wear.
• Budget: Different metals vary in price, with platinum being one of the most expensive options. Alternative metals like tungsten or titanium offer a more affordable choice without compromising on style or durability. Consider your financial priorities when making your selection.

Popular Metal Options:

• Gold: Gold is the traditional choice for wedding bands and comes in various colours like white, rose, and yellow. It is versatile, malleable, and can be mixed with other metals for increased durability. However, pure gold is soft and prone to scratches, so consider a lower karat gold for more durability.
• Platinum: Platinum is a popular choice for wedding bands due to its durability, strength, and hypoallergenic properties. It retains its colour and doesn't need replating over time. However, it is usually the most expensive metal option.
• Tungsten: If you're looking for a scratch-resistant and affordable option, tungsten is an excellent choice. It comes in a variety of colours and is easy to maintain. However, tungsten rings cannot be resized, so ensure you have the perfect fit.
• Titanium: Titanium is a lightweight, durable, and affordable alternative to precious metals. It offers a contemporary design and can be customised with inlays of other metals. However, it is challenging to resize and may not come in fun styles.
• Silver: Sterling silver is a soft, malleable, and affordable option for wedding bands. However, it tarnishes easily and may not be suitable for those who work with their hands, as it can get scratched and damaged.

Remember, the most important thing is to choose a metal that makes you happy and suits your lifestyle and budget. You can always consult a professional jeweller to guide you in making the right choice.

Frequently asked questions