Franklin Dean
Wedding rings can lose their shape due to regular wear and tear or a change in ring size. Bent rings are a common occurrence, often caused by impact on hard surfaces or catching on sharp objects. To restore a ring to its original shape, one option is to use a mandrel, a tapered cylinder made of metal, and a soft mallet. This method involves placing the ring on the mandrel and gently hammering it to mould the metal around the mandrel's circular shape. Alternatively, for slight bends in softer metals, it may be possible to use your fingers or plastic-tipped pliers to gently manipulate the ring back into shape. However, it is important to first determine the type of bend and the integrity of the metal to choose the most suitable approach. Consulting a professional jeweller is recommended for guidance on the best repair method and to ensure a secure and scratch-free result.
Characteristics and Values of Re-rounding a Wedding Ring
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Mandrel, soft mallet, pliers with plastic tips, rounded jeweler's hammer |
| Metal | Soft metals are easier to re-shape |
| Bend Type | Flattened, wavy, slight oval bends |
| Repair Options | Check warranty, call the location where purchased, consult a jeweler |
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What You'll Learn
Using a mandrel and mallet
If your wedding ring is only slightly bent, you can try moulding it to an acceptable level of roundness using only your fingers. If this doesn't work, you can use a mandrel and mallet to reround your ring.
A mandrel is a tapered cylinder used to form, shape, and reshape rings. Most mandrels are graduated, which means they are marked with ring sizes. When choosing a mandrel, check the product's description to see if it's the right fit for your ring size. You can make your own mandrel or purchase one made of hollow nickel, solid brass, solid stainless steel, plastic, Delrin, wood, aluminium, or a combination of these materials.
A rawhide mallet is a type of hammer made from leather that will not mark your metal during the process. You can also use a nylon/plastic mallet or a bully sticks mallet.
To reround your ring, place it onto the mandrel and hold your finger over any stone settings. Then, use the mallet to strike the back of the band and continue striking the ring in a downward motion. You can also try placing the ring on the mandrel and pressing down on its surface with your fingers, moulding it to the circular shape of the mandrel. If the dents are stubborn, use the mallet to lightly tap the sides of the ring on the mandrel. Remember to frequently take the ring off and turn it around to ensure it is evenly round.
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Moulding with fingers
If your wedding ring is only slightly bent and made of a soft metal like copper, brass, nickel, silver, or gold, you may be able to restore its shape using only your fingers. Start by placing the ring on a mandrel—a tapered dowel used for resizing and repairing rings, made of either wood or metal. Slip the ring down the cylinder's shaft until it can't go any further, being careful not to forcefully push it past this point to avoid further warping.
Once the ring is in place on the mandrel, apply gentle but firm pressure with your fingers, working them around the ring's surface to mould it to the mandrel's circular shape. This technique is essentially a matter of gently manipulating and massaging the ring to regain its round form. If the ring is slightly oval-shaped, this method should be effective in restoring its original shape.
It's important to note that this approach is best suited for rings that are only slightly bent. For more severe bends or wavy type bends, you may need to use additional tools, such as a jewellery mallet, to tap the ring into shape while it's placed on the mandrel. Always exercise caution when working with valuable jewellery, and consider consulting a professional jeweller if you're unsure about the process or if the ring contains gemstones.
Additionally, consider taking preventative measures to avoid bending your ring in the future. Remove your ring during physical activities, intense exercise, or tasks that involve using your hands extensively, such as sports, gardening, or washing dishes. Proper storage is also crucial—keep your ring in a designated box or jewellery case when not wearing it to prevent accidental damage.
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Using pliers with plastic tips
Pliers with plastic tips can be used to reshape a wedding ring that has only slight bends in it. This method is best for softer metals. To begin, hold the ring by its edges and use the pliers to carefully bend the metal inward towards the centre until you have achieved your desired size. This process can be repeated around the ring until it is back to its original round shape.
When using pliers with plastic tips, it is important to be gentle and gradual in your manipulations to avoid causing any further damage to the ring. Take your time and work slowly, making small adjustments until the ring is back in shape.
It is also important to note that this method is best suited for rings with only slight bends. If the ring has more severe bends or is wavy, it may be necessary to use a ring mandrel or seek the help of a professional jeweller. Attempting to fix a severely bent or damaged ring with pliers alone may result in further damage or an uneven finish.
Additionally, if the ring has any stones or metal pieces holding them in place, it is important to be very careful when using pliers. Too much pressure can cause these pieces to break or become loose. In this case, it may be necessary to first remove the stone and then use the pliers to reshape the ring before resetting the stone.
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Repair options from the seller
Wedding rings can be resized and reshaped by jewellers, and this is a common repair job. If you are unsure what your ring is made of, it is best to consult a jeweller before attempting to reshape it. Some jewellers offer free inspections and cleaning services, and it is recommended to get your ring serviced professionally at least once a year.
The most common wedding ring repair is sizing, and this can be done by removing the appropriate amount of metal and then soldering the ring back together. Rings can also be reshaped by placing them on a mandrel and pressing down to mould them to the circular shape. This can be done at home, but it is advised to leave it to a professional to avoid any issues.
Some jewellers offer maintenance plans, which can be purchased at the time of buying the ring. This can include resizing, reshaping, cleaning, and stone tightening or replacement services. It is worth calling around to compare prices and services offered, as well as checking the warranty of your ring to see if repairs are covered.
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Consulting a jeweller
Consulting a professional jeweller is a good option if you are unsure about the material of your ring or if you are uncomfortable attempting to reshape it yourself. When you bring a bent ring to a jeweller, they will first examine the shank, or the band of the ring. They will check if it is mostly intact, if there are any cracks, or if the metal is thinning in certain areas. These factors will determine the best repair approach. If the ring is mostly intact but slightly misshapen, the jeweller will use a mandrel to restore its circular shape. A mandrel is a tapered dowel made of metal, which is used for resizing and repairing rings. The jeweller will place the ring on the mandrel and use a mallet to gently hammer it, moulding the metal around the mandrel until it returns to its original round shape. Finally, the ring is polished to remove any scratches caused by the repair process.
If the metal of the ring is very weak, the jeweller may recommend a shank replacement. This is also the recommended repair for a thin shank, as weak metal at the back of the ring can cause it to eventually crumple and break with use. Before attempting any repairs at home or consulting a jeweller, it is worth checking your warranty or contacting the place of purchase to inquire about free or inexpensive repair options.
It is important to note that preventing a bent ring is always better than repairing one. To avoid this issue, ensure your rings are properly sized and avoid wearing them while working with your hands. Additionally, if your ring is only slightly bent and made of a soft metal, you may be able to gently mould it back into shape using your fingers or plastic-tipped pliers.
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Frequently asked questions
If your ring is only slightly bent and made of a soft metal, you can try to reround it yourself using your fingers or pliers with plastic tips. If the bend is more severe, you can take it to a jeweler to have it examined. They will check for cracks or thinning metal, which will affect the repair. If the ring is mostly intact but misshapen, it can be rerounded.
You can use a tapered cylinder called a mandrel and a soft mallet to gently hammer the ring back into shape. Place the ring on the mandrel and press down on its surface, molding it to the circular shape of the mandrel. You can also use your fingers to mold the ring.
Jewelers will first examine the ring for any damage that might affect the repair. If the ring can be rerounded, they will place it on a metal mandrel and use a mallet to lightly hammer it into shape. Finally, they will polish the ring to remove any scratches from the repair process.
