Mending Your Wedding Band

Wedding bands are often imbued with sentimental value, so it can be distressing when they break. Fortunately, there are several ways to fix a broken wedding band. The best method depends on the type of ring and the severity of the damage. For example, if your ring has a fracture, or has broken into multiple pieces, it is best to take it to a jeweller to be soldered and filed back together. If your ring has become misshapen, you may be able to twist it back into its original shape.

Take it to a professional jeweller

If your wedding band has a fracture, has completely broken, or has loose diamonds, it is always best to take it to a professional jeweller to be assessed and repaired.

Firstly, a professional jeweller will be able to identify the cause of the break. This could be due to the ring being too large for your finger, which can cause stress on the band, or because the ring has been worn while lifting heavy objects or tightly grasping hard objects. It could also be that the ring has been weakened at a connection point, or that a weaker section of the ring has become stressed. A professional will be able to advise on future wear solutions and whether the ring needs to be redesigned to meet your needs.

Secondly, a professional jeweller will be able to repair your ring using the correct techniques and tools. For example, if your ring is gold, a professional will be able to repair it using a suitable soldering alloy. They will also be able to advise on whether the ring needs to be reshaped and resized.

Thirdly, a professional jeweller will be able to advise on the best way to care for your ring in the future, to prevent further damage. For example, they may recommend that you do not wear your ring while lifting heavy objects or exercising.

Finally, taking your ring to a professional jeweller will give you peace of mind that your ring has been repaired correctly and will reduce the risk of further damage or loss of precious stones.

It is important to choose a reputable jeweller who has experience in repairing jewellery. You may wish to ask for recommendations from friends or family, or read reviews online. It is also a good idea to get a quote for the repair work before proceeding, to ensure you are happy with the cost.

Avoid online 'hacks' for cleaning or repairing jewellery

Wedding bands are often imbued with great sentimental value, so it can be distressing when they break or lose their shine. While there are many online "hacks" for repairing and cleaning jewellery, these should be avoided.

One such hack recommends boiling jewellery, but this should be avoided as it could damage your wedding band. Similarly, using high-alcohol content liquids or abrasives to clean jewellery pieces can be harmful. Instead, a gentle approach should be taken when cleaning jewellery, especially if the piece contains diamonds or other gemstones.

For example, a soft-bristle toothbrush can be used to gently scrub away any built-up dirt or grime. This is especially useful for reaching tough-to-reach nooks and crannies. However, be sure to avoid using toothpaste, as this can scratch and damage your wedding band. Instead, a few drops of gentle dish soap can be added to a cup of hot water, and your ring can be soaked in this solution for a few minutes before being scrubbed with a toothbrush if necessary.

Another method for cleaning a wedding band is to use baking soda or heartburn tablets, which cause a chemical reaction when mixed with water, producing bubbles and fizz that can help remove buildup. However, this method should not be used on pearls or soft gemstones.

If your wedding band is made of gold, it can be cleaned with dish soap, ammonia glass cleaner, or even just hot water. A soft toothbrush or a small brush designed for jewellery can be used for scrubbing.

It is important to be cautious when cleaning jewellery at home, as some methods are better suited for certain types of jewellery. For example, soft gemstones like pearls, opal, jade, aquamarine, and onyx should only be cleaned with gentle soap and lukewarm water, as other methods may be too harsh and cause damage.

If your wedding band has sustained significant damage, such as a fracture or loose diamonds, it is best to take it to a professional jeweller for assessment and repair.

Understand why it broke

Wedding bands are often seen as eternal representations of commitment, but sometimes they need to be cut off or break. Understanding why your wedding band broke is important for knowing how to fix it.

The most common reason for a ring to break is normal wear. Over time, the band becomes thinner and more susceptible to breakage. This usually doesn't happen quickly, but wearing a ring continuously can lead to the band cracking or breaking. Soft metals like yellow gold are more likely to crack or break, whereas more durable metals like platinum are less likely to show signs of wear and tend to last longer. The thickness of the band also plays a role in how likely it is to break.

Resizing a ring can also lead to breakage, especially if the ring is resized more than two sizes up, as this can cause the band to become too thin and lose its structural integrity. A ring that is too large can also lead to breakage, as it will be looser on the finger and sustain more stress.

Attempting to carry something very heavy, such as lifting weights or picking up a suitcase, can put a lot of strain on the ring band and cause it to break.

Additionally, certain emergency medical situations may require that you remove your ring, and if it cannot be easily taken off, it may need to be cut or broken. This is especially important if the ring is stuck on your finger and causing pain or cutting off circulation.

Finally, accidents can happen during manual work or sports, and in such cases, rings made of materials like tungsten or ceramic that shatter on impact may be preferable to those that can be cut, as they are less likely to cause ring avulsions or cuts.

Get an estimate from a local jeweller

If your wedding band has broken, it is advisable to take it to a professional jeweller to be assessed and repaired. Before taking the ring to the store, take photos of it so you can be sure the original ring is returned to you. It is also important to take all parts of the ring to the jeweller for repair, and to note the ring's type of metal.

If the ring is particularly meaningful to you, ask the jeweller to sketch the final product with the repairs and adjustments before any alterations are made. This will help ensure that the result is as you envision.

If the damage was caused by a notable event, explaining the problem or accident that resulted in the break can also help the jeweller in their approach to repairing the ring and advise on future wear solutions. This may also open discussions about redesigning the item if required to meet your needs.

If you don't have any sentimental attachment to the ring, or you don't want to go through the repair process, you can always look at selling your jewellery.

Consider a replacement band

If your wedding band is broken, you may want to consider replacing it, especially if the damage is extensive and the ring holds significant sentimental value. Here are some reasons why opting for a replacement band could be a good idea:

Extent of Damage

The extent of the damage will determine the complexity and cost of repairs. If your ring has sustained severe damage, such as a thin or missing shank (the band of the ring), it may be more practical to replace it entirely. A qualified jeweller can advise you on whether repair or replacement is the best option.

Resizing

If your ring was removed due to being too tight, it will need to be resized to avoid any recurrence of the issue. In some cases, resizing may not be possible without compromising the durability of the ring, especially if the band is already thin. A replacement band of a larger size may be a more suitable option in such cases.

Metal Type

The type of metal used in your ring will influence the repair process and cost. Precious metals like gold, platinum, and sterling silver are more valuable and, therefore, more expensive to repair. If your ring is made of a complex or costly metal, replacing the entire band may be a more cost-effective solution.

Sentimental Value

If your wedding band holds immense sentimental value, you may prefer to have it replaced rather than risk further damage during repair work. This is especially relevant if the ring has intricate settings, gemstones, or engravings that could be affected during the repair process. A replacement band ensures that the original ring, with all its sentimental value, is preserved as-is, and you have a new ring for daily wear.

Cost

In some cases, replacing the band may be more economical than repairing it, especially if the damage is extensive. The cost of repairing a ring depends on factors such as the labour involved, the type and amount of metal required, and any additional work, such as resizing or stone resetting. If the repair cost is estimated to be high, consider whether investing in a new band might be a more financially prudent decision.

While repairing a broken wedding band is often possible, there are situations where replacing the band is a more viable option. By considering factors such as the extent of damage, resizing needs, metal type, sentimental value, and cost, you can make an informed decision about whether to repair or replace your wedding band.

Frequently asked questions