Resizing Wedding Rings: Stretching As A Viable Option

Wedding rings are often considered precious gifts, but they can become too tight or too loose to wear over time. While resizing a ring can be a complicated process, it is possible to stretch a ring at home or with the help of a professional jeweler. This process involves using tools such as a ring stretcher or a steel mandrel to enlarge the ring by up to half its original size. However, stretching a ring with gemstones or engravings is not recommended, as it may damage the ring. Consulting a professional is always advised to ensure the ring is resized correctly and to avoid any potential issues.

Stretching a ring at home

It is also important to note that rings with stones or engravings should not be stretched at home, as the stones may fall out and the pattern may become misshapen.

If your ring is a simple band without any stones, you can stretch it at home with the right tools. You will need either a ring stretcher tool or a steel mandrel, which is a tapered rod that jewellers use for sizing rings. You will also need a rawhide hammer.

• Slide the hollow bottom of the ring stretcher into its base.
• Place the ring around the hollow mandrel and insert the pin.
• Use the rawhide hammer to gently hammer the top of the stretcher.
• Try on the ring to check if it is now the correct size. If not, hammer it again.
• Slide the ring onto the steel mandrel at the narrow end, as far as it will go.
• Tap all the way around the ring with the rawhide hammer. Tap the top of the ring, not the side, and rotate the ring as you tap, so that you are hitting all sides evenly.
• Flip the ring over and tap the other side.
• Continue hammering and flipping the ring until it is the correct size.

When to get a jeweler to stretch your ring

Wedding rings are precious gifts that symbolise the change in your relationship status. Over time, your wedding band may no longer fit your finger comfortably, and you may need to resize it. Here are some signs that indicate when you should get a jeweller to stretch your ring:

When Your Ring is Too Snug

If your wedding ring feels too tight and does not slide off your finger easily, it is too snug and needs to be enlarged. This is a clear indication that you should consult a jeweller to stretch the ring.

When it Gets Stuck at Your Knuckles

If your ring cannot slide past your knuckles, it is definitely too small and needs to be enlarged. This situation can be frustrating and even painful. A jeweller can stretch the ring to ensure it fits comfortably and can be removed easily.

When the Ring Rotates on Your Finger

If your wedding ring keeps rotating on your finger, it is too loose and needs to be reduced in size. A ring that spins freely can be annoying and may slide off unexpectedly. A jeweller can help you resize it to fit snugly and stay in place.

When it Slips Off Easily

If your wedding ring slips off your finger without any resistance, it is too loose and needs to be reduced in size. You risk losing the ring if it slips off unnoticed. A jeweller can make the necessary adjustments to ensure a secure and comfortable fit.

When the Ring has Gemstones or Engravings

If your ring has gemstones, engravings, or intricate patterns, it is best to avoid stretching it at home. Stretching such a ring can cause the stones to pop off or the engravings to become misshapen. A professional jeweller has the expertise and tools to safely resize the ring without damaging its features.

When the Difference in Size is More than Half a Size

Stretching a ring involves making the metal thinner. If you need to increase the size by more than half a size, it is advisable to consult a jeweller. They can use alternative methods, such as cutting the ring and adding metal, to enlarge the ring without compromising its structural integrity.

In summary, while some simple rings can be stretched at home, it is generally recommended to consult a professional jeweller for resizing, especially for rings with intricate details or significant size adjustments. They can advise on the best approach, ensuring your ring is resized safely and effectively.

How to stretch a ring

Stretching a ring is a simple task that can be done at home or by a professional jeweller. It is important to note that stretching a ring can weaken its structural integrity and possibly distort its shape. Therefore, it is recommended that you only stretch a ring by up to half a size bigger. If you need to increase the size by more than half a size, it is best to consult a professional jeweller who can use alternative methods to resize your ring.

Using a Ring Stretcher Tool

• Place the hollow bottom of your ring stretcher into its base.
• Put the ring around the hollow mandrel and insert the pin.
• Gently hammer the top of the stretcher with a rawhide hammer.
• Try on the ring to check if the size is correct. If not, hammer the ring again.

Using a Ring Mandrel

• Slide the ring onto a steel mandrel at the narrow end.
• Tap all the way around the ring with a rawhide hammer. Only tap at the top of the ring, not the side, and rotate the ring as you tap to ensure evenness.
• Flip the ring over and tap the other side.
• Continue hammering and flipping the ring until it is the right size.

Using a Ring Mandrel with a Bench Vise

This method is similar to the one above, but the mandrel is attached to a table, allowing you to have both hands free to manipulate the ring. The mandrel can move a full 360 degrees, allowing you to tap the ring at any angle.

Using a Stone Set Ring Stretcher

This method is suitable for rings with mounted diamonds or other gemstones. Mount the machine to a solid surface and select the die size that fits the ring's width and shape. Tighten the handle and roll it back and forth to stretch the ring.

Risks of stretching a ring

Stretching a ring is a risky process that can easily ruin its quality, which is why many jewellers avoid it. Here are some of the risks associated with stretching a ring:

Distortion of Patterns and Engravings

Stretching a ring can pull out patterns, widening and distorting them. Similarly, engravings will also be distorted during the stretching process.

Damage to Settings and Stones

Stretching a ring can affect the settings and stones, causing them to loosen or fall out. If you stretch a ring with stones on it, the stones might pop off.

Weakening of the Ring

Stretching a ring makes the metal thinner and weaker. As a result, the ring may break more easily, especially if it is stretched too much.

Cracking of Enamel

Hard enamel is likely to crack and splinter if subjected to stretching or shrinking.

Removal of Plating

Plating will be scratched and removed during the stretching process, requiring the ring to be replated at an additional charge.

Incompatibility with Certain Metals and Designs

Ring stretching is not suitable for all types of metals. For example, tungsten and ceramic carbide cannot be stretched because the material is not conducive to the process. Additionally, non-circular rings, such as square-shaped or flat-topped rings, may be damaged during the stretching process.

Increased Risk of Breakage

Stretching a ring puts stress on the metal, increasing the chances of the ring snapping.

How to resize a ring that can't be stretched

While stretching is a method used to make a ring bigger, it can easily ruin its quality, and many jewellers avoid it. Luckily, there are other ways to resize a ring that cannot be stretched.

How to Make a Ring Bigger

If a ring needs to be made bigger, a jeweller will typically use one of the following methods:

• Ring shanking: Cut a small portion out of the band and add a piece of metal to expand the circumference. This involves carefully fitting the new piece of metal to the existing band, soldering it in place, and then smoothing and polishing the surface to blend the seams.
• Stretching the metal: Use a ring mandrel and a hammer to gradually expand the size of the band.
• Hydraulic press or roller: Use this tool to stretch the metal, depending on the type of ring and the extent of resizing needed.

How to Make a Ring Smaller

When a ring needs to be made smaller, a jeweller will usually use one of the following techniques:

• Cut and solder: Cut out a small portion of the band and then solder the ends back together to form a tighter circumference.
• Bend the band: Use pliers or a ring clamp to bend the band inward to create a tighter fit.
• Ring guard or sizer: Insert this into the band to adjust the size without permanently altering the ring's structure.

Rings That Can't Be Resized

It's important to note that some rings cannot be resized because the metals they're made with are prone to breakage or are otherwise difficult to work with. This includes rings made of titanium, cobalt, tungsten carbide, and stainless steel. Some jewellers also include rose gold in this category. Non-metallic rings (resin, crystal, or ceramic) also cannot be resized, nor can plated metals or jewellery coated in enamel.

Frequently asked questions