Resizing Your Gold Wedding Band: Making It Smaller

If your gold wedding band is too big, there are several ways to resize it. One common method is to cut out a small portion of the band and then solder the ends back together to form a tighter circumference. This process involves carefully cutting out a small section of the metal, usually from the bottom of the band, and then joining the two remaining ends with heat and a soldering agent. Another technique involves bending the band inward using pliers or a ring clamp to create a tighter fit. You could also add sizing beads, which are small metal balls that are soldered onto the inside of the ring band to make the ring fit more snugly on the finger.

Cut and solder

If your gold wedding band is too big, resizing it is a common and straightforward process. One method for making a ring smaller is to cut and solder. This involves cutting a small section of the band away and then using heat to soften the metal and bring the ends together. After soldering and polishing, there should be no visible signs of the procedure, and your ring will fit perfectly.

Step 1: Mark the Cut

Use a permanent marker to mark the bottom part of the ring where you will cut it. Make sure to measure and mark accurately to ensure the ring is resized correctly.

Step 2: Cut the Ring

Using a jewellery saw, carefully cut the ring at the marked point. Take your time and cut slowly and steadily to avoid any mistakes.

Step 3: Prepare the Ends

Once the ring is cut, use a needle file to smooth and shape the ends of the ring. This will ensure that the ends meet flush when soldered together.

Step 4: Heat the Ring

Use a jeweller's torch to heat the ring, softening the metal and making it pliable. Be careful not to overheat the metal, as this can cause discolouration or damage.

Step 5: Join the Ends

Once the metal is soft enough, carefully bring the ends of the ring together, ensuring they are aligned properly. You may need to use jewellery pliers to hold the ends in place.

Step 6: Solder the Joint

Apply solder to the joint, melting it with the heat of the torch to fuse the ends of the ring together. Again, be cautious not to overheat the metal.

Step 7: Clean and Polish

Allow the ring to cool, then use a pickling solution to remove any oxidation and clean the ring. Finally, polish the ring to restore its shine and conceal any signs of the soldering process.

The cut and solder method is a permanent solution for making a gold wedding band smaller. It is important to measure and mark the ring carefully before cutting to ensure an accurate fit. While this method can be done at home, it is recommended to seek the services of a professional jeweller to avoid damaging your ring.

Beading

The process of beading is straightforward. First, the jeweller will clean the ring to ensure there is no dirt or residue on the metal. Next, they will carefully solder two small gold balls onto the inside of the band. The balls are placed directly opposite each other, creating a balanced look and feel. The jeweller will then polish the ring to ensure there are no visible signs of the procedure.

While beading is a safe and effective method, it is important to note that it may not be suitable for all rings. For example, rings with intricate designs or patterns on the inner band may not be ideal candidates for beading as the beads could disrupt the design. In such cases, a jeweller may recommend alternative methods such as cutting and soldering or ring stretching.

Ring guard

To use a ring guard, simply choose the correct size for your ring, snap it into place on the inside of the band, and put your ring on as usual. The ring guard will help keep your ring in place and prevent it from twisting or sliding around on your finger.

Ring clamp

Using a ring clamp is one of the methods to make a gold wedding band smaller. This method involves bending the band inward to create a tighter fit.

Firstly, you need to determine how much smaller the ring needs to be. If the ring needs to be smaller than half a size, it is recommended to take it to a professional jeweller for resizing. However, if the change is less than half a size, you can likely make adjustments yourself.

To use the ring clamp method, start by wrapping the band with masking tape at the spot where it needs resizing. This will protect the metal from scratches or damage while you work. Then, use a ring clamp or pliers to gently bend the band inward until you achieve the desired size. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this can cause the band to break.

Once you have achieved the correct size, remove the tape and polish the ring with jewellery cleaner. Buff it with a soft cloth or brush, and your ring will be ready to wear!

It is important to note that this method may not be suitable for all ring designs or materials. For example, eternity bands with stones all around the band may be difficult or impossible to resize using this method without compromising the design. In such cases, it is recommended to consult a professional jeweller for alternative solutions, such as adding sizing beads or a spring insert to the inside of the ring.

Ring stretching

Using a Ring Stretcher Tool:

• Slide the hollow bottom of the ring stretcher into its base.
• Place the ring around the hollow mandrel and insert the pin.
• Use a rawhide hammer to gently tap the top of the stretcher.
• Try on the ring to check the size. If it is still too tight, repeat the process until the desired size is achieved.

Using a Steel Mandrel:

• Slide the ring onto a steel mandrel, starting from the narrow end.
• Tap all the way around the ring with a rawhide hammer, using the same amount of pressure for each tap.
• Flip the ring over and tap the other side, as tapping on only one side may result in an uneven finish.
• Continue hammering and flipping the ring until it reaches the desired size.

It is important to note that ring stretching should be done gradually, as it is easier to stretch the ring further than to shrink it. Additionally, stretching the ring will make the metal thinner, so excessive stretching may weaken the ring or cause it to break. Therefore, it is generally recommended to stretch the ring up to half a size bigger. For larger size adjustments, other methods such as cutting and soldering may be more appropriate.

Frequently asked questions