Franklin Dean
Wedding rings are precious items, but over time, they may no longer fit as comfortably as they once did. This could be due to weight fluctuations, changes in climate, or simply because our fingers change shape as we age. Whatever the reason, resizing a ring is a common practice, and there are several methods for doing so. While it is always best to consult a professional, there are also some DIY methods for resizing a ring at home. This article will explore the different ways to enlarge a wedding ring, whether that's by a professional jeweller or at home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Complexity of the task | Complexity depends on the design, type of metal, and the jeweler's assessment |
| Cost | Depends on the complexity of the task and the labor it requires; enlarging a ring is more expensive |
| Time | Most jewelers can complete a resizing job in a matter of days, but allow a month or so if there's a deadline |
| Ring design | Rings with intricate designs or gemstones around the band can be difficult to resize without affecting their integrity |
| Type of metal | Rings made from tungsten, titanium, or ceramic may be challenging to resize |
| Temporary solutions | Ring adjusters, ring guards, or sizing assistants can be used temporarily to adjust the size without permanently altering the ring's structure |
| Permanent solutions | A jeweler can cut a small portion out of the band and add a piece of metal to expand the circumference, or use a hydraulic press or roller to stretch the metal |
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What You'll Learn
Cutting and soldering
Enlarging a wedding ring by cutting and soldering is a common practice, but it requires precision and expertise. Here is a detailed guide on the process:
Cutting the Band:
The first step involves making a precise cut on the ring's band to open it up. This cut should be straight and clean. Jewellers usually use a pair of wire cutters or pliers with a cutting edge, applying smooth and even pressure to avoid accidental slips or damage to the ring. It is important to mark the underside of the ring along its centre before cutting to guide the cut accurately.
Removing Excess Metal:
After making the initial cut, a small section of the band is carefully removed to create space for the desired enlargement. This step requires a skilled jeweller who can determine the exact amount of metal to be cut out without compromising the ring's structure. The removed section will then be filled with additional metal to achieve the desired size.
Inserting Extra Metal:
A piece of metal that matches the ring's original material is inserted to widen the ring. This process, known as ring shanking, involves carefully fitting the new piece of metal to the existing band. The jeweller pulls the two sides of the ring apart, adding a bridge by soldering the extra metal. This method is best suited for rings made of softer metals like gold or silver.
Soldering the Band:
The new piece of metal is soldered to the ring, ensuring a seamless connection. This step involves using heat and a soldering agent to join the original metal with the inserted piece. The soldering process requires precision and control to avoid damaging the ring or creating visible signs of repair. Laser technology can be used for more precise cuts and re-soldering.
Smoothing and Polishing:
Once the soldering is complete, the ring undergoes a smoothing and polishing process. This step is crucial to blend the seams and restore the ring's original shine, making the soldering line invisible. The jeweller will buff and polish the ring to perfection, removing any roughness, scratches, or signs of repair.
It is important to note that this process may vary depending on the ring's design and the expertise of the jeweller. Some rings, especially those with intricate designs or certain types of materials, may not be suitable for this enlargement method. Consulting a professional jeweller is always recommended to ensure the best outcome and avoid any damage to your valuable ring.
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Ring shanking
The first step in ring shanking is to cut the ring's shank with precision. The two sides of the ring are then pulled apart, creating a gap that will be filled with additional metal to achieve the desired size. This new piece of metal, known as a bridge, is carefully fitted to the existing band and soldered in place. The surface is then smoothed and polished to blend the seams, creating a seamless finish.
While ring shanking is a common method for enlarging a ring, there are alternative techniques available. One alternative method involves stretching the metal of the ring using a ring mandrel and a hammer. This process gradually expands the size of the band by gently pounding the ring, ensuring that the same spot is not repeatedly struck. This method is suitable for making the ring up to half a size larger.
In some cases, a jeweller may use a hydraulic press or roller to stretch the metal, depending on the type of ring and the extent of resizing needed. It is always recommended to consult a professional jeweller to determine the best approach for resizing a ring, as they can assess the ring's design, metal type, and any potential challenges.
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Using a ring mandrel and hammer
Enlarging a wedding ring using a ring mandrel and hammer is a delicate process that requires caution to avoid damaging the ring. Here is a step-by-step guide:
First, it is important to understand the tools required for this process. A ring mandrel is a large, tapered tool made of steel, with ring sizes marked on it. It is used for forming, shaping, and reshaping rings. The mandrel ensures that the ring maintains its shape during the enlargement process. The other essential tool is a hammer, specifically a rawhide mallet, which is made from compressed rawhide and will not leave marks on the metal.
Before beginning the process, it is crucial to understand the limitations. Rings with stones or engravings should not be stretched using this method, as the stones may come loose, and engravings may become misshapen. Additionally, very thin rings should only be stretched minimally to avoid weakening the band.
Now, for the step-by-step instructions:
- Place the ring onto the mandrel, ensuring that it is positioned correctly. If there are any stone settings, hold your finger over them to protect them.
- Use the rawhide mallet to gently strike the back of the ring band. Continue striking in a downward motion, using light taps rather than hard ones to slowly expand the ring.
- Frequently remove the ring from the mandrel, turn it upside down, and place it back on. This ensures that the ring stretches evenly.
- Keep checking the size of the ring on the mandrel until you reach the desired size.
- If the ring is now the correct size, you can finish by buffing it with rouge on a polishing mop or cloth to restore its sparkle.
This process requires patience and caution to avoid overstretching the ring. It is a delicate procedure that may require multiple attempts to achieve the desired size.
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Stretching metal
Stretching a ring can be done at home with a ring stretcher or mandrel and a hammer. A ring mandrel is a tapered metal rod with ring sizes marked on it, which can be used to measure ring sizes. The ring stretcher has three parts: a nylon base, a slotted hollow mandrel, and a top pin. The nylon base holds the tool and dampens hammering impact. The slotted, hollow mandrel is then slid into the base. The ring is then placed on the mandrel, and the top pin is hammered gently to stretch the ring. It is important to use a rawhide hammer and tap lightly to avoid overstretching the band.
Alternatively, a jeweller may use a hydraulic press or roller to stretch the metal, depending on the type of ring and the extent of resizing needed. This method can be used to enlarge a ring by up to two sizes. However, it is important to note that stretching a ring will make the metal thinner, and overstretching can weaken the ring and cause it to break. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a professional jeweller for ring resizing, especially for valuable or intricate rings.
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Adding metal balls
While resizing a ring is best done by a professional, it is possible to make a ring bigger by adding metal balls. This method is known as using sizing beads or balls. Sizing beads are small metal balls that can be soldered onto the inside of the ring band. These beads make the ring fit more snugly on the finger, making the ring smaller. If the ring is too tight, the jeweler can remove the beads to make it larger.
This is a non-permanent method to change the size of the ring and is also cost-effective. However, some people may not feel very comfortable with these metal balls, so it is recommended to try a sample before proceeding. Note that the use of these metal parts requires goldsmith experience, as it is very delicate and cannot be done at home.
To enlarge the ring, the goldsmith cuts the ring, pulls it to the desired size, and uses other metals to fill the gap. The goldsmith welds two metal balls of gold or other precious metals inside the stirrup of the ring. The little balls grip your finger, eat up some of that extra space, and keep your ring upright.
It is important to note that resizing a ring from size 7 to 10, or any significant size adjustment, may not always be feasible due to structural limitations. The possibility of enlargement depends on the ring's design, the type of metal, and the jeweler's assessment. Rings with intricate designs or gemstones may be difficult to resize without affecting their integrity.
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Frequently asked questions
If your wedding ring is too tight, unable to fit beyond the knuckles, or keeps rotating around your finger, it needs to be enlarged.
The jeweler typically cuts a small portion of the band and adds metal to expand the circumference. This process is called ring shanking, and it involves soldering, smoothing, and polishing the ring to blend the seams.
The cost depends on the complexity of the task and the labor it requires. Enlarging a ring is generally more expensive than reducing its size because metal is added. The thicker the ring and the presence of diamonds also increase the price.
Yes, you can use a sizing assistant or ring guard to temporarily make your ring more snug. You can also add two tiny gold balls to the inside of the band to help grip your finger and take up extra space.
It is recommended to take your ring to a professional jeweler or goldsmith to have it enlarged. They will be able to assess the ring and determine the best method for enlargement.
