How To Resize Your Wedding Ring To A Larger Fit

Wedding rings are often considered precious gifts, but they can sometimes stop fitting snugly around your finger. Luckily, resizing a wedding ring is a common practice, and there are several ways to do it. Whether your ring is too tight or too loose, resizing can help you achieve the perfect fit. Resizing a ring can be done by stretching or cutting the metal, and there are even some temporary solutions, like using a ring guard or sizing assistant, if you don't want to alter the band permanently.

Using a mandrel and mallet to expand a ring

To begin, place the ring onto the mandrel and push it as far down the length as possible. Note the current ring size and how much it needs to be increased. Then, take the mallet and tap the ring band gently on all sides, creating an even expansion. Push the ring farther down the mandrel, if possible, and tap the band again with the mallet, hitting all its sides evenly. Keep checking the sizing by pushing the ring down the length of the mandrel. Continue this process until you have achieved the desired size expansion.

It is important to use a rawhide mallet, as it is made from leather and will not mark the metal during the process. Other types of hammers may leave marks on the ring. Additionally, the ring mandrel helps to ensure that the ring band maintains its shape during the resizing process.

Resizing a ring on a mandrel will make the ring band thinner, so it is important to ensure that the ring you are working on is initially fairly thick. Thin bands may break or have their lifespan significantly reduced. If the ring is too thin, it may be necessary to cut the band and add extra material, which is a more complex process.

Cutting and soldering a ring to make it bigger

Wedding rings are precious gifts that bear a strong sense of value and thoughtfulness. Over time, your wedding band can stop fitting snugly around your finger, making it difficult to wear. If your wedding ring has become too tight or too loose, resizing it is a good option.

Enlarging a ring is more complicated than reducing its size. One way to do this is by cutting the ring and soldering an attached matching piece to it. This method is much safer and can be used on rings that are embedded with precious stones. Once the ring is polished, it will be difficult to tell whether it has been modified.

Firstly, the jeweller will cut the ring at the bottom, and then add metal to the shank to spread the ring to the precise size. After soldering and polishing, no visual signs of the procedure will remain.

Soldering is a process that uses a 'solder', a metal alloy that melts at a very low temperature, to connect the metal of two rings together. It is different from welding, which melts the base metal of the jewellery piece. Soldering only melts the filler metal, which acts as a glue, so your rings won't be altered or damaged.

However, not all rings can be soldered. Rings with domed or heavily decorated sides are not good candidates for this process. Ideally, both rings should have flat sides so that the details won't vanish when soldered together. Also, both rings need to be sized up before soldering, as soldered rings will fit tighter.

While rings of the same metal are easier to solder, those of different colours might need fusing (heating two metals to join them into one piece). Fusing usually leaves a "melted" look where the pieces are joined together. Some metals, like titanium and tungsten, are impossible to solder.

If your ring contains heat-sensitive stones, this complicates the soldering process. Amber, coral, and pearls are so sensitive that they need to be removed if a normal soldering flame is used. Other sensitive stones should be taken out if possible. If this is not possible, then they need to be protected against heat. One way to do this is by packing them in a raw potato or a mouldable insulating material.

Cutting and soldering a ring to make it smaller

Cutting and soldering a ring is a common method to make it smaller. This process involves carefully cutting out a small section of the metal, usually from the bottom of the band, and then joining the two remaining ends with heat and a soldering agent. The jeweller will use a soldering iron and solder wire to join them together. After this, the ring can be polished or resized further if needed.

This method is much safer than simply stretching the metal and can be used on rings with precious stones. Once the process is finished, there will be no evidence that the ring was ever cut.

However, this method is not suitable for all rings. Rings made from titanium, cobalt, tungsten carbide, and stainless steel cannot be resized using this method as they are prone to breakage and are difficult to work with. Additionally, non-metallic rings such as those made from resin, crystal, or ceramic also cannot be resized as they cannot be soldered.

If you are considering resizing your ring, it is best to consult a professional jeweller who can assess the best method for your ring.

Using pliers to stretch a ring

However, if you choose to use pliers, there are a few methods you can try. One method is to use ring-bending pliers, which are oversized compared to small half-round pliers. These pliers can help you bend large and small wire and stock into almost perfect circles. Here are the steps you can follow:

• Start by measuring the length of the flat piece of stock you will be using to make the ring.
• Insert just the very end of the stock into the ring-bending pliers so that it can be gripped securely. The idea is to pinch the end just enough to hold it, and it's okay if it slips out the first time.
• Hold the pliers in your right hand and place your left hand on the other end of the metal.
• Push the metal away from your body to create a curve at the very end. Do this on both sides of the metal, aiming for a cow horn shape rather than a candy cane shape.
• Work on the centre of the curve by slowly squeezing the pliers with light pressure. Consistency is key, so avoid being heavy-handed to prevent an erratic-looking circle.
• Continue working the metal until the two ends come together.
• Clean up the ends so that they meet flush, meaning there are no gaps.
• Solder the seam to secure the ring.

Another method that can be used is a mandrel-style ring stretcher. This tool consists of a tapered mandrel with a hollow core that has been split into four vertical segments. The ring is placed onto this rod, and a smaller solid steel taper is driven into the first unit with a mallet, stretching the petals and, therefore, the ring. This method must be done slowly and carefully to avoid breaking the ring.

It is important to note that stretching a ring can stress the metal and there is a risk of snapping. Additionally, there is a limit to how much a ring can be stretched, and more radical techniques may be needed for significant size increases. Therefore, it is always best to consult a professional jeweller who can advise on the best approach and ensure a high-quality result.

Using silicone to resize a ring

If your wedding ring no longer fits, resizing it with silicone is a cheap, quick, and easy solution. This method is ideal for those who want to resize their ring temporarily and avoid any permanent alterations.

Step 1: Clean the Ring

Thoroughly clean the ring by soaking it in a solution of hot water and dishwashing soap. Alternatively, use a jewellery cleaner that is safe for gold and precious stones. Use a soft toothbrush to scrub the metal and any stones set on the ring. Dry the ring with a soft cloth before moving on to the next step. Avoid paper towels as they can scratch the metal.

Step 2: Prepare the Silicone

Use a clear silicone sealant that is food grade or aquarium grade. You will also need a small, flat applicator such as a coffee stir stick or a small popsicle stick.

Step 3: Apply the Silicone

Use the applicator to dab a small amount of silicone inside the ring. The bottom part of the ring should have the thickest application. If the ring is very loose, use a minimal amount of silicone. Apply a tapering amount of silicone up the ring's sides.

Step 4: Smooth the Silicone

Use the applicator or your finger to smooth out the silicone as much as possible. Run the applicator along the inside of the ring until the silicone is evenly distributed. Use a wet paper towel to clean any silicone that gets on the outside of the ring.

Step 5: Let the Silicone Cure

Allow the silicone to cure completely before wearing the ring. This can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours, depending on the type of silicone used. Do not wear the ring during this time, as it will disrupt the curing process.

Step 6: Try on the Ring

After the silicone has cured, try on the ring to check the fit. If it is still too loose, you can apply additional layers of silicone as needed.

Step 7: Remove the Silicone

To remove the silicone, simply loosen it with your fingernail and peel it away. The silicone should come off easily without leaving any residue behind.

Keep in mind that some lotions, sunscreens, and perfumes may cause the silicone to come loose more quickly. Over time, the silicone may become grubby-looking and will need to be replaced.

Frequently asked questions