Enlarging Your Wedding Band: Simple Ways To Make It Bigger

There are several ways to make a wedding band bigger, depending on the type of ring and the resources available to you. One option is to use a ring stretcher tool or a steel mandrel to stretch the metal. This method is suitable for simple rings without any stones or engravings, as these could become damaged or dislodged in the process. It is also possible to cut the band and add a bridge of metal to rejoin the pieces, but this will require the expertise of a professional jeweller. If you are unable to resize your ring, there are also temporary solutions available, such as plastic size adjusters or sizing beads, which can help to make the ring fit more comfortably without permanently altering its size.

Using a ring mandrel and a mallet

• Place the ring on the mandrel: Slide the ring onto the narrow end of the mandrel, which is usually made of steel. Don't force it down, as you will be pushing it further with a hammer.
• Tap the ring with a mallet: Use a rawhide mallet or a wooden mallet to gently tap the ring. Tap the top of the ring, not the side, and rotate it as you tap to ensure even pressure on all sides. The mandrel should be held firmly or secured with a bench pin on a table.
• Flip the ring: After tapping all the way around, remove the ring from the mandrel and flip it over. Tap the top of the ring again with the mallet, just as before. This step is necessary because of the tapered shape of the mandrel.
• Continue tapping and flipping: Repeat the process of tapping and flipping the ring until you achieve the desired size. Check the size frequently by sliding the ring down the mandrel or trying it on your finger. Remember, it's easier to stretch the ring further than to reduce its size.
• Sanding and polishing: If needed, give the ring a brief sanding and polishing to smooth out any imperfections.

It is important to note that this method should only be used for small size adjustments. Do not use this method if you need to expand the ring by more than half a size. Additionally, this method should not be used on thin bands, as they may break during the process. Always ensure that the ring you are working on is initially thick enough to withstand the stretching.

Using a ring stretcher

First, make sure you are working on a firm and hard surface, such as a concrete floor or sturdy metal table. Ring stretchers usually come with three basic parts: a nylon base that holds the tool and dampens hammering impact, a slotted hollow mandrel, and a top pin that you will hammer on. Start by sliding the slotted hollow mandrel into the nylon base.

Next, place the ring around the hollow mandrel and insert the pin. The ring should fit snugly around the metal surface of the hollow mandrel. Then, slide the top pin into the hollow interior of the bottom piece. The top pin is the part that you will hammer, and it will push open the slotted part to evenly open up your ring.

Now, gently hammer the top of the stretcher with a rawhide hammer. A rawhide hammer will be more gentle than a metal hammer and is recommended to prevent any damage to your ring. Hammer lightly with multiple light taps rather than a few hard taps, so you can slowly expand the ring and not accidentally enlarge it too much. With each tap, you should be able to see the bottom of the ring stretcher opening slightly.

Finally, check the width of your ring. Remove the ring from the stretcher and try it on your finger. You can also measure the new size on a ring mandrel. If the ring is now the correct size, you are done. If not, put the ring back on the stretcher and gently hammer it a few more times until you reach the desired size. Remember, it is always easier to stretch the ring further than to shrink it, so take your time and stretch it in small increments.

Adding metal to the band

If your wedding band is too small, one option is to add metal to the band to make it larger. This is a good option if your ring is made of a durable metal such as platinum or titanium.

To do this, a jeweller will cut open the band and insert additional metal. This method is more expensive than simply stretching the metal, but it is necessary for rings made of stronger metals that cannot be stretched. It is also a good option if you want to add a significant amount of size to your ring, as stretching the metal can only make it slightly larger.

If you are concerned about the cost of resizing your ring, consider asking your jeweller if they offer a discount. Some jewellers may be willing to discount the price of resizing if you purchased the ring from them. You may also be able to get a discount if you are a regular customer or if you have multiple rings that need to be resized.

It is important to choose a reputable jeweller to perform this service, as resizing a ring is a delicate process that requires precision and expertise. The jeweller will need to assess the ring's material, design, and condition to determine the best method for resizing it. They will also need to take into account any intricate designs, etchings, or settings that could affect the process.

Keep in mind that resizing a ring can affect its strength, so it is generally not recommended to resize a ring multiple times. If you are experiencing temporary fluctuations in your finger size due to factors such as temperature, weight loss, or pregnancy, you may want to consider using a temporary sizing solution such as a plastic ring adjuster or sizing beads instead of permanently resizing your ring.

Using plastic size adjusters

If your wedding band is too loose, you can use a plastic ring size adjuster to get the right fit. These are small silicone wedges or sleeves that sit between your ring and your finger. They are a cheap and quick solution to a loose ring, but they may cause the ring to sit awkwardly and are not as reliable as a jeweller's solution.

Plastic ring adjusters are available in different colours, such as clear, yellow gold, and rose gold. They usually come in a coil, spring, or tube form. To use them, simply slip the adjuster onto the ring's band to reduce the inner circumference, making the ring fit more snugly on your finger.

While plastic adjusters are a safe, reversible, and comfortable option, they are not designed to last forever. Over time, the material can wear away, so it's a good idea to buy extra adjusters to replace them when necessary.

If you are unsure about using a plastic ring size adjuster, it is best to consult a jeweller for advice. They will be able to recommend the best solution for your ring.

Using sizing beads

Sizing beads are small metal balls that can be soldered onto the inside of a ring band. This is a great option if you need a slight size adjustment or are dealing with a spinning ring. Adding sizing beads to your ring is a simple process: a jeweller solders two small metal bumps on the inside of the band. This method helps to keep the ring upright on your finger and can assist in getting a smaller ring over your knuckles.

Sizing beads are a prime way to fake a smaller ring size, giving you the benefits of a better fit without the downsides of actually making the ring smaller. They are one of the most common and inexpensive solutions for making a ring fit better, but they can only make the ring up to half a size smaller. Sizing beads are also a good option if you don't want to permanently resize your ring. If you decide you want to remove them, a jeweller can simply melt them off, making the ring larger again.

Some people don't like the feel of sizing beads, so it's a good idea to try on rings with this option first. If you have a ring with a heavy stone that makes the top of the ring heavier than the bottom, sizing beads may not stop it from spinning. In this case, a spring insert may be a more comfortable alternative.

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