Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding rings are often imbued with immense sentimental value, so it can be distressing when they break or become damaged. Repairs can be costly, but there are some simple DIY fixes that can be done at home to restore your ring. However, it's important to understand the type of damage and the materials involved before attempting any repairs. For example, if your ring has gemstones, it's best to consult a professional to avoid damaging the settings or losing precious stones. If your ring has simply become bent out of shape, you can use a mandrel and a soft mallet to gently reshape it. For rings with cuts or breaks, cleaning the area and using a jeweller's torch to heat and fuse the metal back together may be an option, but this should be done with caution. In more severe cases, it may be necessary to consult a professional jeweller for repairs, resizing, or even a custom redesign.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ring damage type | Cut rings, loose/chipped/lost diamonds, bent rings, cracked rings |
| Repair method | DIY, professional jeweler |
| DIY repair tools | Jeweler's torch, solder, polishing cloth, soft brush, warm soapy water, mandrel, soft/jewelry mallet, buffing wheel/polishing lathe |
| Professional repair methods | Ring chuck, wooden/rubber sledgehammer, resizing, claw re-tipping, diamond replacement, re-setting, re-polishing |
| Preventative measures | Regularly check for wear and damage, store separately in a soft-lined box, remove during household cleaning or sports |
| Cost | $30 for repair, $25 for rhodium plating, $50 and upwards for engagement ring repair |
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What You'll Learn
DIY fixes for minor breaks
Wedding rings can break due to regular wear and tear, accidents, or because the ring size is incorrect. Before attempting any repairs, it is important to assess the type and severity of the damage. For example, rings with diamonds or other gemstones can suffer from loose settings, chipped stones, or lost stones. The hardness of the metal should also be considered, as some metals are more difficult or even impossible to reshape at home. Titanium, tungsten, and tungsten carbide are examples of metals that are challenging to reshape, whereas copper, brass, nickel, silver, and gold are more malleable.
If your ring has minor cuts or breaks, you can try to repair it yourself. First, clean the ring with warm, soapy water and a soft brush to remove any dirt or debris from the affected area. Then, use a jeweler's torch to carefully heat and fuse the metal back together. Be cautious and consult a professional if you are unsure about this step. Next, apply the appropriate solder to the heated area to close the gap, ensuring that the solder matches the ring's metal type. Finally, polish the ring to smooth any rough edges and restore its shine.
For rings that have become bent, you can use inexpensive jewelry repair tools such as a mandrel and a soft mallet. Place the ring on a mandrel, which is a tapered cylinder, until it cannot go any further. Use your fingers to press down on the surface of the ring, molding it to the circular shape of the mandrel. If the dents are stubborn, lightly tap the sides of the ring on the mandrel with a jewelry mallet. You can purchase a mandrel and a mallet from specialty jewelry stores or online marketplaces.
In some cases, you may be able to repair a broken ring by soldering it at the breaking points. However, this may not be a long-lasting solution. Another option is to cast a replica of your ring in the desired shape. This method can be particularly useful for super-thin rings that have cracked in half.
It is important to note that some types of damage may require professional repair. If your ring has gemstones, it is preferable to have it professionally repaired to avoid damaging the settings or knocking out small stones. Additionally, if your ring is severely damaged, you may need to consider remodeling or custom design services. Preventative care is crucial to maintaining the longevity and appearance of your rings. Periodically check your rings for any signs of wear or damage, especially around the prongs and settings. Store your rings separately in a soft-lined jewelry box to avoid scratches and tangling.
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Professional repairs for severe damage
If your wedding ring is severely damaged, it is best to consult a professional jeweller for repairs. They can assess the damage and advise on the best approach for repairs. Depending on the severity of the damage, the ring may need to be sent to a third-party or off-site repair shop.
If your ring has been cut or has a visible gap or separation, it will need to be carefully mended to ensure it regains its strength and integrity. For significant breaks, a professional jeweller may use a jeweller's torch to heat and fuse the metal back together. They will then apply solder to the heated area to close the gap, matching the ring's metal type. Finally, the ring will be polished to smooth any rough edges and restore its shine.
If your ring is bent or misshapen, a jeweller can place it on a sizing tool called a mandrel and gently hammer it to reshape the metal. If the band is cracked or broken, the two ends must be soldered together. In some cases, a full shank replacement may be necessary if the ring is severely damaged or too thin for a solder repair.
For rings with diamonds or gemstones, a jeweller can help find a replacement stone that matches the original in size and quality. They can also repair loose settings and chipped stones. It is important to address these issues early to extend the life of your ring and prevent further damage.
To prevent severe damage to your wedding ring, it is recommended to get it serviced professionally at least once a year. Regular inspections can catch small issues before they turn into bigger problems, saving you from costly repairs. Additionally, it is advisable to remove your ring during heavy activities and when using household cleaners or chemicals that can weaken or discolour the metal and stones.
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Preventing further damage
To prevent further damage to a broken wedding ring, it is important to first understand the type of damage. For example, cuts or breaks can occur due to stress or improper sizing, while loose settings, chipped stones, or lost stones can also be an issue. Diamonds may break, and precious metals may scuff and scrape.
To prevent ring damage, it is recommended to:
- Periodically check your rings for any signs of wear and damage, especially around the prongs and settings.
- Store rings separately in a soft-lined jewellery box to avoid scratches and tangling.
- Remove rings when using household cleaners or chemicals that can weaken or discolour the metal and stones.
- Take off rings during activities that could cause impact or pressure, such as sports or heavy lifting.
Additionally, it is important to keep your rings properly sized and to avoid wearing them while working with your hands. Softer metals, such as gold, are more prone to damage, so consider the hardness of the metal before attempting any repairs. If you are unsure about the type of damage or how to fix it, it is best to consult a professional jeweller. They can assess the damage and determine the best approach for repairs.
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Resizing and reshaping
Tape Reshaping
This method requires some patience and a few simple tools. First, measure the circumference of your finger and the ring. Then, take some strong adhesive tape, such as masking tape, and wrap it around the inside of the ring, slightly overlapping the layers to ensure they stay secure. Next, use pliers to carefully bend the ring's edges inward towards the centre until you achieve your desired size. Finally, remove the tape, and your ring should be perfectly sized!
Silicone Sealant
To make a ring smaller, use a coffee stirrer or similar tool to apply silicone sealant along the inside of the ring. Smooth out the sealant with the stirrer, then let it dry for 24-48 hours before wearing the ring. This method requires patience, but it is an effective way to resize a ring without soldering or other complex techniques.
Soldering
For rings with minor cuts or breaks, you can use a jeweler's torch to carefully heat and fuse the metal back together. Apply an appropriate solder to the heated area, ensuring it matches the ring's metal type. Finally, polish the ring to smooth any rough edges and restore its shine.
Ring Guards
If you need a minor adjustment to your ring size, ring guards can be a good option. These are small, adjustable clips that attach to the inside of the ring's band, making it fit more snugly and securely. Ring guards come in various styles and materials, including plastic and metal, offering a semi-permanent solution.
Professional Jeweler
For more severe damage or resizing needs, it is advisable to consult a professional jeweler. They have the necessary tools and expertise to resize or reshape your ring without causing further damage. A jeweler typically uses a ring chuck and a wooden or rubber mallet to reshape a ring without damaging the metal. While repair costs can vary, they generally should not exceed $150.
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Insurance and costs
The cost of repairing a broken wedding ring can vary depending on several factors, including the type of metal, the extent of the damage, and labour and materials required for the repair. It is recommended that you consult a professional jeweller to assess the damage and provide an accurate quote for the repair.
Minor repairs, such as soldering a small crack or fracture, can start from as little as $30 to $35. More significant breaks, such as a cut in the band, can cost upwards of $45. If the ring's entire metal structure is failing, a half or full-shank replacement may be recommended, which starts at a minimum of $120.
In some cases, the repair may be covered by insurance. For example, if the ring was damaged in an accident or due to a manufacturing defect, your insurance policy may cover the cost of the repair. It is important to review your insurance policy carefully to understand what is covered and any exclusions or limitations.
Additionally, some jewellers may offer warranties or protection plans that cover the cost of repairs. It is worth inquiring about such plans when purchasing a ring or having it repaired.
To prevent future damage and the associated costs, it is recommended to take preventive measures. This includes periodically checking your ring for any signs of wear and tear, storing it safely in a soft-lined jewellery box, and removing it during activities that could cause impact or exposure to harsh chemicals.
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Frequently asked questions
You can fix a bent ring at home using inexpensive jewelry repair tools, including a tapered cylinder called a mandrel and a soft mallet. Place the ring on the mandrel and use your fingers to mould it to the circular shape. If this doesn't work, use the mallet to gently tap the sides of the ring on the mandrel.
Minor cuts may be fixed at home by cleaning the ring with warm, soapy water and a soft brush to remove dirt, then using a jeweler’s torch to heat and fuse the metal. Apply solder that matches your ring’s metal type, then polish to smooth rough edges. For significant breaks, consult a professional jeweler.
If the settings are loose or damaged, it is best to have the ring professionally repaired to avoid damaging the settings further or losing precious stones. If a diamond or gemstone is chipped or broken, consult a jeweller about sourcing a replacement and resetting the stone.
To prevent ring damage, periodically check your ring for any signs of wear or damage, especially around the prongs and settings. Store your ring in a soft-lined jewellery box to avoid scratches and tangling, and remove it when using household chemicals or during activities that could cause impact.
