Junior Rasmussen
Wedding rings can be made bigger, but the process is more complicated than making them smaller. The complexity of the process depends on the ring's structure, material, and design. For instance, rings with intricate designs or made of certain materials, like tungsten, titanium, or rose gold, are more difficult to resize. On the other hand, rings made of gold, silver, or platinum can typically be resized without issue. The resizing process can be completed in a few hours or may take several weeks, depending on the complexity of the ring and the expertise of the jeweler.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ring resizing process | Ring shanking, stretching, or cutting the band to add additional metal |
| Ring structure | Shank, setting, stone layout |
| Ring materials | Gold, silver, platinum, tungsten, titanium, cobalt, stainless steel, rose gold, etc. |
| Ring design | Engravings, filigree, or other decorations |
| Ring size | Should be snug but comfortable, not tight or spinning |
| Resizing limitations | Certain gemstones, intricate designs, and metals may be difficult or impossible to resize |
| Resizing cost | Ranges from $20 for simple jobs to hundreds of dollars for complex jobs |
| Resizing time | From a few hours to several weeks, depending on complexity and jeweler |
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What You'll Learn
Ring structure and materials
The structure and materials of a wedding ring are crucial factors when it comes to resizing. The shank, or circular band of the ring, is typically the section that is adjusted when making the ring larger. This process may involve cutting a small portion of the band and adding a piece of metal to increase the circumference, a technique known as ring shanking. The chosen method will depend on the type of metal and the extent of resizing required.
Some metals, like tungsten, titanium, cobalt, and stainless steel, are too hard to be resized. Tungsten and titanium wedding bands, for instance, cannot be resized because the metal is too hard to alter. Stainless steel rings also present challenges due to the metal's high melting point, requiring specialised machinery.
On the other hand, gold, silver, and platinum rings are generally easier to resize. The jeweller may use mechanical elongation to increase the diameter of gold or silver rings, but this should be done sparingly to avoid weakening the structure. Platinum rings can also be resized, but the process may vary depending on the design of the ring.
Rings with gemstones or intricate designs can be more challenging to resize. Certain gemstones, like opals and emeralds, are extremely fragile, increasing the risk of damage during the resizing process. Eternity bands, which are filled with gemstones, may be nearly impossible to resize due to the limited bare metal available for adjustments. Additionally, the resizing process for rings with intricate designs or paved with diamonds can take longer, as the stones need to be tightened to ensure they remain secure.
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Ring shanking
The cost of ring shanking can vary depending on several factors, including the metal type, colour, thickness, width, and the amount of the band being replaced. It is generally more expensive to enlarge a ring due to the additional metal required. Rings with diamonds or other gemstones may also incur higher costs as they require extra care during the process.
It is important to note that some rings cannot be resized using ring shanking due to the nature of the materials used. For example, rings made of titanium, cobalt, tungsten carbide, and certain types of stainless steel are challenging to resize because they are prone to breakage or are difficult to work with. Non-metallic rings, such as those made of resin, crystal, or ceramic, also cannot be resized using this method.
Before proceeding with ring shanking, it is advisable to consult a reputable jeweller who can evaluate the ring and recommend the most suitable resizing method. They will consider the unique characteristics of the ring, including any gemstones or intricate details, to ensure that the resizing is done correctly and safely.
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Ring stretching
A jeweller will typically use a ring stretching machine, which works as a kind of press. The ring is slipped onto a mandrel-like appendage, and a lever is used to crank the machine until the ring is the correct size. The mandrel is a tapered rod with ring sizes marked on it, which is used to measure ring sizes. Steel mandrels are more versatile and can also be used to stretch a ring.
It is also possible to stretch a ring at home with some simple tools, but this should only be done with a simple ring that does not have any stones or engravings. A ring stretcher tool or steel mandrel can be used, along with a rawhide hammer to gently hammer the top of the stretcher. The ring should be checked for size after hammering and hammered again if necessary.
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Gemstones and settings
Wedding rings with gemstones can be made bigger, but the process is more complicated than with plain bands. The complexity of the process depends on the type of gemstone and setting.
Rings with gemstones set into the band can be made bigger, but this is more challenging than resizing a ring with a plain band. The gemstones may need to be adjusted or reset during the resizing process, which increases the risk of damage and adds to the expense. Certain gemstones, such as opals and emeralds, are extremely fragile, making them more susceptible to damage during resizing.
Rings with stones placed throughout the band, such as eternity bands, are even more difficult to resize. These rings have very little bare metal to work with, and resizing may require cutting or adding gemstones. In some cases, it may be impossible to resize these rings without altering the original design.
Rings with tension settings, where a centre gemstone is held in place with pressure rather than prongs or another mounting, are also challenging to resize. Adjusting the size of the ring can change the tensile strength or cause the gemstone to become misaligned.
When making a ring bigger, a jeweller typically cuts into the metal and adds an extra piece of metal to expand the circumference. This process can increase the size of the ring by up to two sizes. However, stretching the metal can only be done up to a half size larger. If the ring needs to be made even larger, the jeweller may need to cut and add more metal, increasing the cost and complexity of the process.
It is important to choose a skilled and experienced jeweller who can work with the specific metal, setting, and gemstone of the ring. A good jeweller will be able to advise on the best method for resizing and ensure that the ring is resized correctly without damaging the gemstones or setting.
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Jeweler expertise
When it comes to resizing wedding rings, there are a few different methods that can be employed by a professional jeweler. The specific method used will depend on the ring's structure, material, and how much bigger it needs to be.
One common method is ring shanking, which involves cutting a small portion of the band and adding a piece of metal to increase the circumference. The new piece of metal is carefully fitted, soldered, and polished to blend seamlessly with the existing band. This method can be time-consuming, especially for more complex rings, and may take anywhere from half an hour to several weeks.
Another approach is to stretch the metal using a ring mandrel and a hammer or a hydraulic press or roller, depending on the type of ring and the extent of resizing required. This method is typically used for gold and silver rings when only a small size change is needed. However, excessive stretching can weaken the ring, so it should only be done by a skilled jeweler with experience in ring resizing.
In some cases, the jeweler may need to cut and remove a portion of the metal to make the ring smaller before soldering it back together and polishing it. This technique is often used for rings that are too large, and the process can be completed in as little as half an hour to three hours for simpler rings.
Additionally, certain gemstones, such as opals and emeralds, are extremely fragile, so resizing a ring with these stones carries a higher risk of damage. An experienced jeweler will know how to protect the gemstones during the resizing process and will check and tighten them to ensure they are secure.
When choosing a jeweler to resize your wedding ring, it is generally recommended to opt for a small local jeweler over a chain jewelry store. Local jewelers often have more experience with complex resizing jobs and can complete the work more quickly. It is also important to discuss costs and potential difficulties upfront, as the price and timing can vary depending on the complexity of the job.
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Frequently asked questions
Wedding rings can be made bigger by cutting a small portion of the band and adding a piece of metal to increase the circumference. This process is called ring shanking. Rings can also be stretched using a mandrel and a hammer or a hydraulic press.
The structure and material of the ring determine whether it can be resized. Rings made of tungsten, titanium, cobalt, stainless steel, and rose gold are difficult to resize. Non-metallic rings, plated metals, and rings with intricate gemstone settings also cannot be made bigger.
The cost of resizing a wedding ring can vary from as low as $20 for a simple job to hundreds of dollars for more complex work. The price depends on the complexity of the task, the metal, and the jeweler.
