Stretching Your Gold Wedding Band

Stretching a gold wedding band is a common practice for people whose rings no longer fit comfortably. This can be due to weight gain, swelling, or changes in finger size. While it is possible to stretch a gold wedding band at home, it is recommended that this process is carried out by a professional jeweller as it can weaken the metal. To stretch a ring, a ring stretcher tool or a steel mandrel is required. The ring is placed on the mandrel and then gently hammered to stretch and widen the band. This process can only be used to stretch a ring by approximately one to two sizes. For larger size increases, a different method must be used, such as cutting into the ring and adding metal.

Stretching a gold band is best done by a professional jeweller

Gold is a soft metal that can be stretched or shrunk by a process called ring stretching. This method uses a ring-stretching machine that works as a kind of press. The jeweller slips the ring onto a mandrel-like appendage of the machine and cranks a lever to stretch the ring to the correct size. This technique is suitable for plain bands but is not suitable for rings with stones, patterns, engravings, or enamel.

Stretching a gold band at home can be done using a ring stretcher tool or a steel mandrel. However, this process should only be attempted on simple rings without any stones, as the stones may pop off during the stretching process. It is also important to note that stretching the ring will make the metal thinner, so if stretched too much, it could weaken the ring and cause it to break.

A professional jeweller will be able to assess the ring's material, design, and condition to determine the best method for resizing it. They can also advise on other resizing methods, such as ring cutting, which involves cutting into the back of the ring, adding or removing metal, and then soldering the cut shut. This method is suitable for more complex ring designs and can be used for rings that need to be resized by more than half a size.

Additionally, a jeweller can help with other adjustments, such as adding sizing beads or a ring guard to make the ring fit more snugly or replacing the entire ring shank with a larger one. These methods may be more suitable for certain ring designs or materials. Overall, it is best to consult a professional jeweller to ensure that your gold wedding band is resized correctly and safely.

Use a ring stretcher tool or steel mandrel to stretch the band

If you want to stretch a gold wedding band, you can use a ring stretcher tool or a steel mandrel. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Using a Ring Stretcher Tool:

• First, make sure you are working on a firm, hard surface like a concrete floor or sturdy metal table.
• Ring stretchers usually come with three parts: a nylon base, a slotted hollow mandrel, and a top pin. Start by sliding the slotted hollow mandrel into the nylon base.
• Place the ring around the hollow mandrel, ensuring it fits snugly.
• Insert the top pin into the hollow interior of the bottom piece. The pin is what you will hammer, and it will push open the slotted part to evenly stretch your ring.
• Use a rawhide hammer to gently tap the top pin. Hammer lightly with multiple light taps rather than a few hard taps to slowly expand the ring and avoid overstretching.
• Check the width of your ring by trying it on or using a ring mandrel. If it's not yet wide enough, return it to the stretcher and gently hammer a few more times.

Using a Steel Mandrel:

• You will need a steel mandrel, not a plastic one, as it needs to withstand the hammer taps.
• Place the ring on the narrow end of the mandrel and slide it down as far as it goes naturally. Don't force it on, as you will push it further down with a hammer.
• Tap all the way around the ring with a rawhide hammer. Tap the top of the ring, not the side, and rotate the ring as you tap to ensure even pressure.
• Flip the ring over and tap the other side. Tapping only one side will result in an uneven stretch due to the tapered shape of the mandrel.
• Continue hammering and flipping the ring until it reaches the desired size. Check the ring's position on the mandrel after each round of hammering, and remember that it's easier to stretch more than to shrink, so proceed in small increments.

Note: Before stretching your ring, ensure it is a simple band without any stones or engravings, as these might get damaged or dislodged during the process. Additionally, only stretch your ring up to half a size bigger to avoid weakening or breaking it. For larger size adjustments, consider consulting a professional jeweler.

Don't stretch a ring with stones or engraving

If your gold wedding band has stones or an engraving, it is best to avoid stretching it at home and instead opt for a professional resizing service by a jeweler. Stretching a ring with stones on it can cause the stones to pop off, and if your ring has an engraving, the pattern might become misshapen as you stretch the ring.

Stretching a ring at home is only recommended for simple rings without any stones or engravings. If you do decide to stretch your ring at home, you will need to determine the current size of your ring and your desired finger size. You can use a ring mandrel, a tapered metal rod with ring sizes marked on it, to measure your ring and finger sizes. Alternatively, you can use a ring sizer, which looks like a set of keys with metal rings of different sizes.

Once you have determined the sizes, you can use a ring stretcher tool or a steel mandrel to stretch the ring gently. Remember to stretch the ring slowly and in small increments, as it is easier to stretch a ring further than to shrink it.

Stretching a ring makes the metal thinner

Stretching a ring will make the metal thinner, so it's important to be cautious when attempting to resize your ring. If you stretch it too much, you risk weakening the ring and it could even break. Therefore, it's recommended to only stretch a ring up to half a size bigger. If you need to increase the size by more than half a size, it's best to consult a jeweller who can use other methods to enlarge the ring without thinning the metal, such as cutting the ring open and adding metal.

If you are stretching a ring at home, you can use a ring stretcher tool or a steel mandrel. A steel mandrel is a tapered rod that jewellers use for sizing rings. You can buy one at a hardware store or online. When using a mandrel, put the ring on the narrow end and slide it down without forcing it on, as you will be pushing it down further with a hammer to stretch it. You will also need a rawhide hammer, as a metal hammer may dent and mar the surface of your ring. Tap the top of the ring with the hammer, rotating the ring as you tap so that you are hitting all sides evenly. Then, flip the ring over and tap the other side. Check how far the ring has slid down the mandrel and continue hammering and flipping the ring until it is the right size. Remember, it's easy to stretch a ring, but harder to shrink it, so stretch it in small increments.

It's important to note that ring stretching is not suitable for all ring designs and may damage certain rings. Rings with stones, patterns, engravings, enamel, plating, and non-circular shapes are not suitable for ring stretching. Additionally, only sterling silver, gold, and platinum bands can be stretched. Rings made from tungsten or ceramic carbide cannot be stretched because the material is not conducive to the process.

Stretching is incompatible with many ring designs

Rings with stones or diamonds should not be stretched as the settings can be affected, causing the stones to loosen or pop off. Similarly, stretching a ring with engravings or patterns will distort the design, resulting in a misshapen appearance. The stretching process will also pull and distort milgrain detailing, and compression can remove beveled edges and flatten patterns.

Additionally, certain metals are not suitable for stretching. For example, tungsten and ceramic carbide rings cannot be stretched because the material is not conducive to the process. Only sterling silver, gold, and platinum bands can be stretched.

Furthermore, non-circular rings, such as square, octagon, or flat-topped shapes, should not be stretched as the process will damage or alter their unique designs.

Enamel and plating are also incompatible with the stretching process. Hard enamel will crack and splinter, while plating will be scratched and removed, requiring replating at an additional cost.

Frequently asked questions