Gluing Wedding Bands: A Quick Fix

There are many reasons why someone might want to glue their wedding bands together. For example, to prevent them from spinning, separating, or causing discomfort by pinching the skin. While some people choose to wear both their wedding band and engagement ring together, there may be days when they prefer to wear only one. The most common method to glue wedding rings together is soldering, which involves melting a metal alloy to fuse the two rings together. However, soldering is a permanent solution that does not allow for the rings to be worn separately. Other non-permanent methods to glue wedding bands together include using a ring guard, an insert ring, a ring connector, or jewellery glue.

Pros and cons of soldering

Pros of Soldering Wedding Bands:

• Less metal maintenance: Soldering your wedding bands together reduces the friction caused by two different metal rings rubbing against each other, which leads to less wear and tear and saves money in the long run.
• More comfortable fit: Soldering prevents the rings from spinning or sliding around on your finger, which can cause the centre diamond to be off-centre or pinch the skin.
• The two rings will always line up perfectly: This is especially important if you like things to be lined up perfectly, such as channel-set diamonds on your wedding band matching those on your engagement ring.
• Strengthens the ring bands: Soldering makes the rings stronger as one large band than as two separate bands.

Cons of Soldering Wedding Bands:

• You always have to wear the two rings together: Soldering takes away the option of wearing just one ring, which may be inconvenient or unsafe in certain situations or occupations.
• You are not able to mix and match: Soldering removes the versatility of being able to add different bands or mix and match your engagement ring with other bands.
• There is potential damage to the rings if you decide to separate them later: While it is possible to reverse the soldering process, there is a risk of damaging one or both rings, which may be an issue if you want to pass them down as separate heirlooms.
• Difficult to reverse: Although it is possible to separate soldered rings, it is a difficult process that may result in minor repairs.
• Resizing: Soldering makes the rings slightly smaller, so resizing may be necessary.

Non-permanent methods for keeping rings together

There are several non-permanent methods for keeping rings together. Here are some options:

Ring Connectors

A ring connector is a small piece of flexible plastic or wire wrapped around the bottom of the ring to create a tighter fit. You can use a ring connector to hold two bands together. For a more secure hold, use a connector made for a wider band. If your rings are tight-fitting, a ring connector may not be the best option as it will make the rings feel smaller and could cause discomfort.

Ring Guards

Ring guards, also known as ring enhancers or insert rings, are placed between two rings to prevent separation and rubbing. They are similar to ring connectors but instead of wrapping around the underside of the rings, they fit snugly along the contours of the actual rings. Ring guards can be purchased in place of wedding bands and can be more ornate, adding extra personality to your rings. However, it is important to note that when using a ring guard, the two bands are not actually connected. Additionally, a straight band will not have a curve for the ring guard to fit into, so ring guards are best used with bands that have some curves.

Ring Adjusters

Ring adjusters are small spirals made of clear plastic that can be wound around the underside of one or two bands to create a snug fit. They are designed to fit around a ring that is slightly too large, but some are flexible enough to be used on two bands. Ring adjusters can be purchased online or at jewellery stores.

String or Thread

You can also use a string or thread that matches the colour of your rings to tie the two rings together. This method is temporary but allows you the flexibility to wear the rings together or separately.

Resizing Beads

Resizing beads can be added to the large ring to make it tighter and fit more adequately on your finger. This will help to prevent the rings from moving around and spinning.

How to remove super glue from rings

If you've glued your wedding bands together, don't panic! There are several ways to remove super glue from your rings. Firstly, it is important to note that you should avoid exposing your precious metals to chlorine or mercury, as this can cause pitting and make the gold brittle over time. Therefore, avoid using any products containing bleach, and do not wear your rings into chlorinated pools or hot tubs. Now, here are some methods to remove that super glue:

• Try placing your rings in the freezer, as super glue is not as strong in the cold, and you may be able to flick off the glue.
• Use non-acetone nail polish remover. Dab a little on the inside of your ring first and check it after a couple of hours before attempting to remove the glue on the outside.
• Soak your ring in heated water to soften the glue.
• Head to a model shop and purchase a debonder product designed to remove super glue. These products are typically used to remove glue from model airplanes and are not too harsh on the skin.
• Use industrial-strength acetone to remove the glue. Note that this method should be avoided if your rings contain porous stones such as pearls or opals.
• Take your rings to a professional jeweler for cleaning and glue removal.

Remember to always be cautious when attempting to remove super glue from your rings, and if you are unsure, it is best to consult a professional jeweler for advice and assistance.

Choosing a wedding band style

Metal Bands

Classic metal wedding bands typically feature no gemstones and are usually crafted from platinum, titanium, stainless steel, or 18K/14K white, yellow, or rose gold. Platinum is the most popular choice, as it is the shiniest metal and develops a beautiful patina with age. Metal bands are a good option for those who lead an active lifestyle and don't want to worry about diamond or prong damage. They can be paired with any style of engagement ring or layered with other bands.

Pavé Bands

Pavé wedding bands are encrusted with diamonds or gemstones, adding a bit of sparkle and flair. You can find styles that match the stones of your engagement ring, or opt for a pavé eternity band with pavé diamonds all around. Pavé bands are a good choice for those who want the sparkle of a diamond band without the look of high-set prongs.

Eternity Bands

Eternity bands feature diamonds or gemstones around the entire perimeter of the band. There are two common styles: shared prong and channel settings. In a shared prong setting, two stones share a prong, forming a "u" shape from the side. Channel-set eternity bands have diamonds laid side by side within a metal channel for a more encrusted look. Eternity bands can be worn alone or paired with a classic engagement ring for added shine.

Anniversary Bands

Anniversary bands are similar to eternity bands but feature clusters of diamonds or gemstones that go halfway around the band. They are meant to celebrate milestone wedding anniversaries. Anniversary bands can be paired with any type of engagement ring, creating a timeless and cohesive look without the bulkiness of diamonds between the fingers.

Contoured Wedding Bands

If you have a low-set engagement ring and want your band to sit flush against it, a contoured style is a good option. These bands are designed to match the curvature of your engagement ring and can be custom-made to suit your preferences.

Notched Wedding Bands

Notched wedding bands are another option for a flush look. They are completely straight until the front, where there is a notch for the stone to fit in place.

When choosing a wedding band style, you can opt for a matching set or mix and match metals and shapes to create a modern look. Consider your engagement ring setting and whether you want your wedding band to sit flush against it or leave a small gap. With so many styles available, you can find the perfect wedding band to commemorate this special chapter in your life.

Mixed metals

While it is possible to glue wedding bands together, it is not recommended as it can damage the precious metals and stones in the rings. Soldering is the most common method to fuse rings together. However, this method is not suitable for mixed metal rings as certain metals are softer than others and can cause dents or dings.

If you are looking to glue together wedding bands made of mixed metals, such as gold and platinum, it is important to consider the differences in hardness between the metals. Platinum is more durable and dense than gold. When gold is scratched, small pieces of the metal are lost, whereas platinum, when scratched, becomes harder and develops a sheen known as a 'patina'. This creates a vintage or worn look for the ring.

To avoid any damage to your rings, it is recommended to use a ring connector, which is a small piece of flexible plastic wrapped around the bottom of the rings to create a tighter fit. Another option is to use a ring guard, which fits snuggly along the contours of the ring to prevent separation and rubbing. These methods are ideal for mixed metal rings as they do not require any alteration to the rings themselves.

Additionally, when mixing metals, consider choosing colours that contrast. Warm and cool colours pair well together. For example, if your engagement ring is platinum or white gold, opt for a wedding band in yellow gold or rose gold. Conversely, if your engagement ring is in a warmer hue of gold, choose platinum or white gold for the wedding band.

Frequently asked questions