Ring resizing

Factual Questions
1

What is involved in resizing a ring so that it is larger? If it is done well, does it affect the strength or look of the ring? I am about to get a ring resized 1/2 a size larger, but I don’t want to do it if the ring will look and feel inferior to what it used to be.

In this case, the material in question is platinum.

Thanks for any information.

Regards,
PeeQueue

2

Only a half size will probably require just heating the metal and stretching the band part that is typically on the underside of the finger. The end result is a slightly thinner ring. If need be the jeweler may need to add a small amount of additional platinum to the ring to the keep the integrity.

3

Usually when you size up a ring, you cut it in the middle (directly opposite where the stone is set), open it up a little, stick a small piece of metal of the correct karatage (14k for 14k, pure platinum for platinum, etc.) in the gap, and solder both sides. It should not affect the look of the ring at all, and will only be a tiny tiny bit weaker than an unsized ring. Given that platinum is incredibly durable anyhow, there shouldn’t be any problems with it; if you have a solitaire, the ring likely already has one solder point where the head is joined to the shank. Stretching might be a possibility, but not if there are any channel set stones, and on rare occiasions the ring breaks when stretched and has to be resoldered anyhow. But overall, your ring should come back from the jewelers looking exactly as it did before, and I have never seen a non-filigree ring shank break at a solder point (particuarly not platinum).

4

Good jewelry repair people don’t “stretch rings.”

Just too chancy. They basically do what Gaudere says.

The only thing that will affect the look of the ring is if you have a design on the band where it will be cut and the piece added. That would require the jeweller to try to match the design by engraving etc. Hopefully, the bottom of the shank is plain, as is usual.

5

Thanks very much for the information. We’re actually bringing the ring back to the manufacturer/jewelers who made it in the first place, so I am hoping they will do a good job. There are no stones in the ring, but there is a sort of pattern on it all around - it looks hammered in the middle of the band. Luckily it is sort of a random hammered look, so hopefully you won’t be able to notice it.

I’m a little paranoid about it because it is going to be my wedding ring.

Thanks for your help,
PeeQueue