Mending Your Gold Band

If your gold wedding band is cracked, there are several possible reasons, and several possible fixes. The most common cause of a cracked ring is that it is too large for your finger, leaving it unprotected by the skin and muscle of your finger, and therefore more vulnerable to pressing against hard objects. Another common cause is that the ring has become too thin at the back, especially at the bottom of the ring shank, in the middle, under your finger. This is the part of the ring that is most susceptible to bending. If your ring has cracked, it is important to take it off and bring it to a jeweller to avoid further damage. Depending on the cause of the crack, possible fixes include resizing, reshaping, re-soldering, or reinforcing the ring with an additional piece of metal.

Take the ring to a jeweller to be resized and repaired

If your gold wedding band is cracked, it's best to take it to a jeweller to be resized and repaired. This is a common issue, and a professional will be able to advise on the best course of action.

A ring that is too large for your finger can be more vulnerable to cracking, as it is not protected by the skin and muscle of your finger. When a ring is too big, it sticks out and is more likely to press against hard objects grasped by the hand. This can cause stress on the ring, particularly at the bottom of the ring shank—the part of the ring that goes around and under your finger. This is the most common spot for a ring to crack, as it gets the most stress.

A jeweller will be able to resize your ring to fit your finger more snugly, reducing the risk of further damage. They will also be able to repair the crack. A simple solder may not be enough, as the ring is likely to break again in the same place. A re-shanking may be recommended, which involves making the ring shank thicker and deeper, giving it more strength. This is a common procedure that jewellers perform often.

If your ring has cracked, it is best to take it off and bring it to a jeweller as soon as possible. Continuing to wear it risks further damage.

Avoid wearing the ring during heavy lifting or tight grasping

Wearing your gold wedding band during heavy lifting or tight grasping can lead to serious damage to your ring and your finger. It is best to avoid wearing your ring during any activity that could put pressure or stress on the ring, such as heavy lifting or grasping onto hard objects.

When a ring is worn during activities such as heavy lifting, it is more likely to crack or bend. This is because the ring is subjected to more stress and pressure than it can withstand, which can lead to cracking or bending. Additionally, if the ring is too large for your finger, it is even more likely to crack as it is not protected by the skin and muscle of your finger.

Tight grasping onto hard objects can also cause the ring to get caught and lead to ring avulsion. Ring avulsion is when the ring gets caught on an object and applies tension force on the finger. As gold is a soft metal, it can easily puncture the skin and cause serious injury. In some cases, amputation may be necessary.

Even if the ring does not get caught, wearing it during heavy lifting or tight grasping can cause discomfort and calluses on the finger. The ring can dig into the skin and create blisters or calluses, which can be painful and uncomfortable.

To avoid these issues, it is recommended to remove your gold wedding band before any activities that involve heavy lifting or tight grasping. This will help to protect both your ring and your finger from potential damage or injury.

Avoid wearing the ring during activities such as golfing or baseball

If you want to avoid cracks in your gold wedding band, it's best to avoid wearing it during activities such as golfing or baseball. This is because rings, especially those with protruding stones, can get caught in loose fabrics and seams. If your ring doesn't fit snugly, it can also hinder your performance by causing you to constantly readjust it.

Rings can also be damaged by the gloves that are often worn during these activities. Gloves made from synthetic rubber, synthetic fabrics, and leather can all cause rings to loosen or fall off. Even if your ring doesn't come off, the prongs that hold the stones in place can be affected by constant wear and tear, and stones can be knocked loose.

Additionally, the act of tightly gripping sports equipment, such as a golf club or baseball bat, can put pressure on your ring and cause scratches or other damage. This is especially true if your ring has an eternity band with stones all the way around.

To avoid these issues, it is recommended that you remove your ring before playing golf or baseball. You can leave it at home or in your car, or carry a carabiner-type clip that you can attach to your belt and slip your ring into. This will help ensure that your ring stays safe and secure while you focus on your game.

Consider a thicker and wider ring design

If your gold wedding band has cracked, it may be due to the thinness of the band. One way to prevent this from happening in the future is to consider a thicker and wider ring design.

A thicker and wider band can provide more structural integrity and durability, reducing the chances of cracking. This is especially important if you plan to wear your ring daily and expose it to wear and tear. Wider bands can accommodate more elaborate design work, such as deep channel settings, and are suitable for softer metals like gold. They are also ideal for those with larger hands or fingers, as they complement their proportions better.

However, wider bands tend to be more expensive due to the increased amount of metal used. They may also require a larger ring size to fit comfortably over knuckles, which can add to the cost. Additionally, the extra surface area of wider bands can make it challenging to fit them around the finger, and resizing them can be more difficult.

When deciding on the width of your ring band, it's essential to consider your comfort, lifestyle, and personal preferences. If you have small hands or thin fingers, a thinner band may be more suitable, while those with larger hands can opt for wider bands. Ultimately, the perfect ring band width is a mix of your comfort and style preferences.

Avoid wearing the ring if it is too large for your finger

If your wedding band is too large for your finger, it is best to avoid wearing it. Wearing a ring that is too big for you can cause it to crack. When a ring is too large, it is not adequately protected by the skin and muscle of your finger, and this can cause it to get stressed and crack.

A ring that is too large can also be a safety hazard. If a ring is too tight, it can cause serious complications such as slowed or stopped blood circulation. In extreme cases, a doctor may need to cut the ring off your finger.

There are several signs that indicate that your ring is too tight and may be unsafe. If your ring leaves indent marks at the base of your finger and does not turn easily in either direction, it is too tight. Similarly, if you are unable to remove your ring, or if your finger tingles and is a different colour to your other fingers, the ring is too tight and unsafe.

If your ring is too large for your finger, it is best to get it resized by a professional jeweller.

Frequently asked questions