Refitting Wedding Bands: Is It Possible?

It is possible to refit a wedding band, and this is a more common request than you might think. Whether it's resizing to accommodate weight fluctuations, reshaping after an accident, or even adding engraving, jewellers are often able to work their magic and restore a ring to its former glory.

Adding diamonds to a wedding band

Yes, it is possible to refit a wedding band. Couples may choose to upgrade their wedding bands for several reasons, such as renewing their vows, celebrating a special occasion, or reflecting a change in their sense of style. Adding diamonds to a wedding band is one way to achieve this.

There are various ways to add diamonds to a wedding band, depending on the size and design of the ring. One option is to add a single diamond or a flush set of diamonds to an existing plain band. This can be done through various setting styles, such as channel-set diamonds or flush-set stones. Channel-set diamonds laid edge-to-edge provide a continuous flow of stones with a textured effect, especially with Princess cuts. In contrast, round brilliant-cut diamonds are spaced out at intervals, creating a contrast between the shiny metal band and the sparkling stones.

Another option is to add diamonds to a solitaire ring by creating a wrap-around design that goes on the sides of the centre jewel. This gives the ring a seamless look, and the new diamonds add extra sparkle. Alternatively, you can replace the centre stone with a larger diamond of a different cut and shape by changing the setting and prongs or adding a raised bezel.

If you want to add more diamonds to a wedding band that already has them, you can cut the band next to the last stones and add extra settings. However, this can weaken the ring and make it difficult to work on in the future. In this case, it may be more practical to create a new ring with more diamonds or use the existing gold to make a new ring with the desired number of diamonds.

When adding diamonds to a wedding band, it is important to consider the depth of the band. Lighter bands are only suitable for tiny diamonds, while larger gems require a deeper band and greater setting depth. The cost of adding diamonds will depend on the number, size, and quality of the stones, as well as the labour involved.

Reshaping a wedding band

If you are considering reshaping your wedding band, it is essential to consult a professional jeweler to assess whether it can be done without compromising the integrity of the ring. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action and provide a cost estimate for the work.

One option for reshaping a wedding band is to cut out a small portion of the band and solder the pieces back together at the correct size. This method is typically used when making a ring smaller. The jeweler will then polish and clean the ring to smoothen its surface and remove any signs of soldering.

Another method for increasing the size of a ring is by stretching it. However, this method is limited to increasing the size by a maximum of half. For larger increases, additional metal pieces need to be soldered into the gap.

It is worth noting that resizing a ring multiple times may affect its structural integrity and appearance. Therefore, it is recommended to seek professional advice and carefully consider the options before proceeding with any modifications.

Resizing a wedding band

When it comes to resizing your ring, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it is important to know the correct size of your finger. A ring that is properly sized should feel a bit tight but easy to put on and a bit harder to come off, with a slight brush against your skin. If your ring feels too tight or uncomfortable after a few days, you should consult a jeweller.

Making a ring smaller is a fairly easy process compared to making it larger. To make a ring smaller, a jeweller will usually cut out a small portion of the band and join the pieces back together. The ring is then soldered, cleaned, and polished to smoothen its surface. Increasing the size of your ring can be done through stretching if it only needs to be modified slightly. If it needs to be made larger by more than half a size, the ring will need to be cut and additional pieces of metal will be soldered into the gap.

Resizing a ring may pose a problem if your band has an ornate pattern or multiple stones attached to it. In this case, the ornate design might have to be remade completely, and the diamonds or gems may need to be moved around the band to balance the setting. Regardless of whether you are enlarging or shrinking your ring, you should always check that the ring has been properly polished and that its surface is smooth and even, with no visible signs of soldering lines.

The cost of resizing a ring can vary depending on factors such as material costs (gold/platinum) and labour fees. A general ring resizing job is estimated to cost around $50-$75. However, it is important to note that certain rings cannot be resized, such as titanium, tungsten, and stainless steel rings, as well as non-metal bands. Additionally, resizing an eternity ring with a continuous setting of gemstones can be very tough and may damage the gemstones.

Refinishing, polishing and securing the stone settings

Wedding bands are often cherished and valued by the wearer, so it's important to know how to take care of them. One way to upgrade your wedding band is through refinishing, polishing, and securing the stone settings. This is a simple type of upgrade that restores the ring's original lustre without changing its design. It is recommended that a professional jeweller performs the entire process for the best results.

Firstly, a professional jeweller will polish and buff out any scratches on the ring. This process can be done occasionally, but it is generally not recommended for rings with delicate engraving as some metal and detail will be removed. For rings with intricate details, a soft polishing cloth can be used to gently buff the ring.

Next, the stone settings must be secured. Over time, dirt, grease, oils, and lotions can build up on the ring, especially in the nooks and crannies of the stone settings. If left for too long, the pressure can cause the stone to come loose or pop out. Therefore, it is important to regularly clean your ring, especially if it has stones set into it.

When cleaning a wedding band with stones, it is crucial to avoid soaking the ring in water as this can loosen the stones. Instead, use a soft toothbrush to gently work soapy water in and around the stones and along the band. Rinse the ring and repeat the process until it is clean. Finally, dry the ring with a lint-free cloth and allow it to air dry completely.

By following these steps, you can maintain the shine and finish of your wedding band, ensuring that it always looks its best.

Engraving a wedding band

Wedding rings are often cherished and valued by the wearer, but it is common for couples to want to upgrade their wedding bands. One way to upgrade a wedding band is to have it engraved. Engraving is a simple action that can make a special item even more meaningful. It is a secret message for only you and your spouse to share.

If you know you want your rings engraved before you get engaged, let your jeweller know before purchasing. Engraving usually happens at the end of the manufacturing process, so you have time to think about your desired engraving while your rings are being made. However, if you decide to get your rings engraved after you've bought them, or even after the wedding, you can still do so. Just be prepared to be without your ring for a little while.

Most jewellers will laser engrave rings, as it is the easiest and safest option. It is a precise and fast process using a pencil-sized laser beam. The strength of the laser changes based on the type of metal. This method shouldn't harm the integrity of your jewellery.

The cost of engraving depends on the number of characters in the inscription, the font used, and whether it will be engraved by hand or machine. Hand engraving can be pricier but adds a special hand-forged feel. The average cost ranges from $50 to $100, and most rings accommodate between 15 to 30 characters.

If you're feeling stuck for what to engrave on your wedding ring, here are some ideas:

• Your names or initials
• A monogram of your new initials
• Your engagement date
• The date you first said "I love you"
• The name of a significant location
• Your nicknames for each other
• "To my wife" or "To my husband"
• "Written in the stars"
• "Forever begins – Jun 10" or "A+B Always" (using your initials)
• "Je T’aime" (French for "I Love You")
• "Amor Vincit Omnia" (Latin for "Love Conquers All")
• "Alarm will sound if removed"
• "You're stuck with me now"
• "I love you more than coffee"
• "Little Spoon / Big Spoon"
• "Love Is Patient / Love Is Kind"
• "I am my beloved’s / My beloved is mine"
• "I found my other half / My other half found me"
• "To infinity / And beyond"
• "You Make Me Feel So Brand New"
• "Do Everything in Love" (1 Corinthians 16:14)
• "Love is Patient, Love is Kind. (1 Corinthians 13:4)"
• "God Unite Both in Love"
• "Where You Go I Will Go" (Ruth 1:16)
• "In God and Thee My Joy Shall Be"
• "Pour tous jours" (French for "Joy Without End")
• "Mon amour" (French for "My Love")
• "Vivo per lei" (Italian for "I Live For Her")
• "My heart is in your hands"
• "We'll grow old together"

Frequently asked questions