Expanding 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 tools available. One option is to use a ring stretcher tool, which typically consists of a slotted, hollow mandrel, a nylon base, and a pin. The ring is placed around the mandrel, and the pin is inserted and gently hammered to stretch the ring. Another method is to use a steel mandrel, which is a tapered rod used by jewellers for sizing rings. The ring is slid onto the narrow end of the mandrel and tapped with a rawhide or wooden hammer, moving it down towards the thicker end to stretch the metal. Additionally, some people choose to cut the band and add a bridge of metal to increase the size, although this can be costly and may affect the ring's structural integrity. It is important to note that stretching a ring can weaken it, and some rings, such as those with stones or engravings, are not suitable for stretching. Consulting a professional jeweller is recommended for more complex resizing.

Using a ring stretcher

• Prepare the ring stretcher: Place the nylon base of the ring stretcher on a firm and hard surface. The ring stretcher typically has three parts: the nylon base, a slotted hollow mandrel, and a top pin. Slide the slotted hollow mandrel into the nylon base.
• Insert the ring: Place the ring around the hollow mandrel, ensuring it fits snugly. Then, insert the top pin into the hollow interior of the mandrel. The top pin will be used for hammering and will push open the slotted part to expand your ring.
• Hammer gently: Use a rawhide hammer to gently tap the top pin. It is important to hammer lightly and use multiple light taps rather than a few hard taps. This will help you slowly expand the ring and avoid overstretching it. With each tap, you should see the bottom of the ring stretcher opening slightly.
• Check the size: Remove the ring from the stretcher and try it on your finger to check if it is now the correct size. Alternatively, you can measure the new size using a ring mandrel. If the ring is still too tight, put it back on the ring stretcher and gently hammer it a few more times. Remember, it is easier to stretch the ring further than to shrink it, so it is best to stretch it in small increments.
• Repeat if necessary: If the ring still needs to be enlarged, repeat the process. However, keep in mind that stretching the ring too much can weaken and even break it. If the difference between the current size and the desired size is more than half a size, it is recommended to consult a jeweler for other enlargement options.

While using a ring stretcher is a convenient way to make a wedding band bigger, it is important to note that this method may not be suitable for all rings. Ring stretching is best for plain bands without any stones or engravings, as these may become misshapen or dislodged during the stretching process. Additionally, this method should not be used on rings made of hard metals like tungsten, stainless steel, or titanium, as it can distort their shape.

Using a steel mandrel

Stretching a wedding band using a steel mandrel is a straightforward process, but it should be noted that this method is only suitable for plain bands without any stones or engravings. This is because stretching can cause the pattern to become misshapen and gems to pop off. If you are looking to resize a ring with stones or engravings, it is best to consult a professional jeweler.

Now, here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a wedding band bigger using a steel mandrel:

Step 1: Prepare the Ring and the Mandrel

Place the ring on the narrow end of the steel mandrel and slide it down as far as it goes. Do not force it down; you will be pushing it further with a hammer later in the process. If you want a more secure setup, you can use a bench pin to secure the mandrel to your table.

Step 2: Tap the Ring with a Rawhide Hammer

Using a rawhide hammer, gently tap the ring at the top, not the side. Rotate the ring as you tap, ensuring that you hit all sides evenly. Stop tapping once you have gone around the full circle. Remember to use the same amount of pressure for each tap to maintain an even finish. Your hammer strokes should be parallel to the mandrel, gently pushing the ring down towards the thicker end. Do not use a metal hammer as it may dent or damage the ring.

Step 3: Flip and Tap the Ring on the Other Side

Remove the ring from the mandrel and flip it over. Place it back on the mandrel and repeat the tapping process on the other side. This step is necessary because the mandrel is tapered, and tapping only one side will result in an uneven finish.

Step 4: Continue Tapping and Flipping Until the Desired Size is Achieved

Check the ring size after each round of tapping and flipping. You may need to repeat this process several times until you reach the desired size. Remember, it is easier to stretch the ring further than to reduce its size, so proceed gradually.

Important Considerations:

• Only use this method if your ring is made of a pliable metal such as gold, silver, platinum, or palladium. Rings made of titanium, stainless steel, cobalt, or other extremely hard metals will not stretch using this method.
• Do not stretch the ring more than half a size bigger. Stretching the ring will thin the metal, and excessive stretching can weaken the structure, leading to potential breakage.
• Be cautious when working with rings that have mounted gems or diamonds. Only strike the lower half of the shank, staying away from any gemstones.

Sizing beads

The process of soldering sizing beads is less likely to damage the exterior design of the ring, but it is not suitable for all types of rings. For example, sizing beads cannot be used on rings made of ceramic carbide, tungsten, or titanium, as these metals do not react to the soldering process.

The cost of sizing beads is usually around $35 for sterling silver, but the price will vary depending on the type of metal used and the complexity of the work. The process is typically quick, with a turnaround time of one day, but additional work such as polishing or plating may increase the time and cost.

It is important to note that sizing beads can make a noticeable difference in ring size, but they may not be the best solution for rings that need to be significantly reduced in size. While it is possible to add larger beads, it may not look aesthetically pleasing as the space between the finger and the ring will be very visible.

Some people may opt for temporary solutions such as plastic ring sizers that can be wrapped around the ring to make it fit more snugly. However, sizing beads are a more permanent solution and can be removed without damaging the ring.

Spring insert

A spring insert is a good alternative for people with large knuckles. It is a thin metal band attached to the inside of the ring, which flattens when putting on the ring and springs back into place, past the knuckle, as it sits on your finger.

This option can be more comfortable than sizing beads. However, it is a more complicated procedure and requires an experienced jeweler. A spring insert can alter your ring size by up to one whole size, giving more flexibility than sizing beads. Additionally, since it doesn't involve cutting the band of the ring, it maintains the integrity and strength of the metal while still offering more comfort and a better fit than a ring without it.

Plastic size adjusters

Plastic ring size adjusters are a great, temporary solution to making your wedding band fit more snugly on your finger. They are small, clear plastic loops that snap onto the inside of your ring, making the ring fit more securely. They are easy to use, comfortable, and discreet.

There are two main types of plastic ring size adjusters: clip-on adjusters and coil adjusters. Clip-on adjusters come in different sizes, so you can choose the one that best fits your ring. They are easy to put on and stay in place, but some users have reported that they can fall off and get lost, so it is important to follow the directions for use. Coil adjusters, on the other hand, are made of flexible plastic that you can wrap around the inside of your ring to achieve the desired fit. They are also easy to use and comfortable, but they can get dirty and discoloured over time.

Both types of plastic ring size adjusters are inexpensive and can be purchased online or at jewellery stores. They are a good option if you only need to adjust your ring size by a small amount, or if you are unsure about permanently resizing your ring. However, if your ring is significantly too large, it is recommended to have it professionally resized. Additionally, keep in mind that plastic adjusters may not be suitable for daily wear, as they can get dirty and discoloured, and they may not be as secure as a resized ring.

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