Rings are the most individual jewelry, very demanding on the physical parameters of the owners. If the size of the same earrings, chain or brooch affects exclusively the aesthetics of the product, then with rings the situation is fundamentally different.
A large ring is, to put it mildly, inconvenient to wear; too small is completely impossible. So, should you sell your favorite jewelry or put it in a box until better times?
Not at all necessary: there are ways to adjust the ring to size. They are not universal, they are not suitable for all products, and the range of size changes is limited to a maximum of a couple of units, but still!
So what to do if the ring is too small?
Several reasons to change your ring size. A way to enlarge a ring at home
An increase may be required in the following cases:
- change in body weight;
- purchasing through an online store where the size chart does not correspond to reality;
- a gift from a person who didn’t guess the right size;
- the decoration was inherited;
- the owner of the jewelry is subject to regular swelling of the fingers.
Most often there is a need to increase the size of the wedding ring. This can be done at home, but the existing method is quite labor-intensive and dangerous, as it can lead to serious defects in the product. The best solution would be to contact a jewelry workshop.
Possible risks
When increasing the size of the ring with your own hands, you need to take into account the risk of irreversibly damaging the jewelry: the ring may become deformed, the pattern may float, the stones may fade or fall out. Considering the low cost of the corresponding operation in workshops, this risk can hardly be called justified.
Buy jewelry exactly in size, when choosing rings as a gift - contact online jewelry stores (this way, a product that doesn’t fit can be returned or replaced). And don’t rush to change the size of your jewelry during the summer heat or pregnancy.
17.09.21
How do jewelers increase the diameter of a ring?
Increasing the diameter of a ring is one of the most common services provided by jewelry workshops. There are several methods for this procedure; the jeweler chooses the appropriate one based on the characteristics of the product.
Rolling out a small ring
So how do you increase your ring size?
Rolling is a simple universal method that involves increasing the diameter by reducing the thickness of the decoration.
The ring is heated, placed in a special device and carefully expanded. Afterwards, the rim of the decoration is leveled, ground, and polished.
It should be taken into account that products become thinner as they are rolled out, so this method is not suitable for narrow rings.
Rolling out a ring in a jewelry workshop costs about 600 rubles, and the process itself lasts no more than half an hour.
Rolling out the ring to size
Inserting an element into a product
The method involves enlarging by soldering a piece of metal of identical composition and shade.
The jeweler cuts the ring from the bottom, then pushes the base of the entire piece apart by 3.14 millimeters. This is exactly how long one size is.
Metal is inserted into the incision, and the resulting seams are removed with a laser. Next, the entire product is immersed in a chemical solution of boric acid, it gives the decoration a shine and smoothes out the soldering areas.
If the work was performed by a qualified professional, the insertion site will be completely invisible.
This work lasts up to three hours, the price is up to 700 rubles.
Stretching with the Pinocchio tool
To change the diameter, the master uses a special tool, nicknamed “Buratino” in the jewelry industry. It is used both to increase and decrease the diameter of seamless products.
Application of mechanical stretching of metal
When answering the question of whether it is possible to increase the size of the ring, one cannot help but recall the method of mechanical stretching of the metal. However, the method is not suitable for products with complex decorative patterns. The presence of a small stone in this case is allowed. The ring itself should also not be too wide. Its approximate thickness should not be more than 10 mm.
During the work process, the master usually performs calculations and determines the size. After that, he rotates the fixed decoration on a special crossbar and heats it. Thus, he manages to achieve suitable dimensions of the product. At the end of the procedure, it is necessary to eliminate roughness and uneven areas of the tire. To do this, it is cleaned and polished.
Which decorations are difficult or impossible to roll out?
Laconic, smooth rings are considered “problem-free” jewelry; an experienced specialist can enlarge them in a matter of minutes. But changing the diameter of a small ring is not always possible. Sometimes expansion can have a negative impact on the decoration, and craftsmen do not take on the job, realizing the risks.
Ring in a jewelry store
They will probably refuse the service if:
- The ring is jewelry. The alloy of such products is unknown; the master will not be able to predict how the metal will behave during work. Also, jewelry can release chemical compounds harmful to humans when heated.
- The weight of the decoration is up to one gram. Such jewelry works are too thin and fragile for expanding manipulations.
- The product is inlaid with a path of precious stones. Before enlarging, the master removes the stones, but this is not possible in all cases. Large precious minerals may fall out of the socket after the diameter is expanded.
- Ring material: platinum. To work with such a refractory metal, you need special equipment, which is not available in every workshop. Also, such an alloy may darken at the weld site.
- Patterns or engraving are applied to the surface of the product. The drawing may “float” due to stretching and heating.
- The ring has a galvanic coating. Electroplating is used to increase the wear resistance and durability of jewelry. In this case, expansion work is possible, but after that the coating will need to be restored.
- The product is coated with ceramics or jewelry enamel. These materials are sensitive to heat and may react by darkening.
Simple and safe option with boring
It is quite possible to increase the size of a ring with a stone in the simplest and safest way - through boring the product. This procedure involves cutting out the inner layer of the tire. It allows you to enlarge your ring by about half a size. The method is ideal for products with decorative and precious stones that have a wide shank.
The process is usually performed using a special machine with a clamp. It is not suitable for rings that are too thin. Only for wide ones. Takes approximately 10-30 minutes. However, this method has its drawbacks. Due to the use of rolling or boring, the thickness of the tire will decrease. It will become thinner than its original thickness.
The worst thing that can happen to a ring from a master: the main risks
Interfering with the structure of a product is always associated with certain risks. If a specialist has an irresponsible approach to work, the following defects may be observed:
- Changing the shade of the alloy. Most often this happens with silver items that become lighter due to high temperatures. The situation can be corrected with special treatment.
- Loss of shine of the stone or appearance of cracks. It occurs due to intense heating, so qualified craftsmen always remove minerals from the frame before working.
- Changing the shape to oval.
- Seam visibility. This usually happens when the ring consists of two alloys, each of which has an individual melting point. Not every jeweler can carefully disguise the resulting seam.
- Deformation of the inscription. Occurs when attempting to resize engraved jewelry.
Such troubles can be easily avoided if you contact qualified specialists.
How much does it cost to stretch a ring?
Jewelers in any salon can stretch the ring. But you shouldn’t take your word for it, because in the worst case, you will lose your favorite ring forever. Be sure to inquire about the following things before entrusting your jewelry:
- way of doing the work;
- quality of the tools used;
- Is there a guarantee?
Important! Depending on the method chosen, part of the ring remains. In reliable shops, the jeweler should give you the part that was removed, and not keep it for himself.
The cost of ring enlargement starts from 600 rubles for a standard procedure (gold engagement ring without inserts). The more expensive the stone, the greater the risks. For a product with a diamond they will demand at least 2 thousand rubles. Specialists will not undertake work on a product that has cracks or chips.
Folk signs about rolling out a wedding ring
Rings have become part of everyday human life so long ago that they could not help but become part of various beliefs.
- Breakage or loss of wedding jewelry means discord in the family. The logic of the sign is very clear; after all, the ring is an attribute of love and devotion.
- Darkening of the ring means unpleasant news.
- If the wedding ring has become small and is replaced with a new one or rolled out to increase the diameter, then a prayer for family well-being should be read over it. It is especially important to do this for couples married in a church.
You should not attach great importance to superstitions, and contacting a jewelry workshop with a good reputation will help you avoid defects.
Enlargement of a wedding ring
In what cases should it be reduced?
Reducing the ring size may be necessary in several cases:
- if you have lost weight;
- if the ring was inherited;
- if it was given to you without first trying it on.
The size of cheap jewelry can be easily adjusted using home methods, even try cutting out a piece at the bottom of the product. However, for expensive rings it is better to use the services of professionals who will guarantee the safety of the appearance of the product.
If you are just about to purchase a ring, then try to try it on. However, remember that this should not be done if your fingers are very cold or swollen - in this case, there is a risk of choosing the wrong size of the product.
Source of the article: https://socketmira.ru/dragocennye-kamni/kak-umenshit-razmer-kolca.html
Jeweler's opinion
Molokanov N.M.
Jeweler, 26 years of experience in jewelry production.
Clients often wonder how to stretch a ring that has become out of size? Modern equipment allows you to both increase and decrease the diameter of the decoration. This is one of the most common services provided by jewelry workshops. It is not recommended to roll out the products yourself. Without proper skill, jewelry can be easily damaged. The procedure is very inexpensive, so you will save time and avoid possible defects.
What products can be rolled out?
Before you start rolling, keep in mind that not all products can be processed in this way. For example, you cannot use rolling for rings with rotating inserts. You should not try this method for bimetallic products. It is not recommended to roll out even if there are inscriptions, engravings and drawings.
If your rings contain stones, you must carefully remove them before performing the procedure. Otherwise, when the ring is stretched, they may leave their “nests” and jump out. At the end of the work, you can return the stones back and securely fix them using pliers, for example.
Will downsizing affect the appearance of the ring?
The appearance of the jewelry may change if the work was performed by a craftsman who does not have the appropriate qualifications. Another reason why deformation may occur is the compression of a ring whose width is more than 8 mm. In most other cases, the ring's appearance changes only when the client insists on the sizing method he has chosen, regardless of the jeweler's recommendations.
If it is necessary to reduce a silver ring that has a patina on its surface, you should expect that its appearance will change (due to the exposure of the item to high temperatures). This defect can be corrected. The master may offer to restore the original appearance by treating the jewelry with special means. In most cases, this service is paid separately.
Reasons for the decrease
The need to resize jewelry can arise in many situations. First of all, because it may be impossible to exchange an unsuitable ring for another or purchase a new one instead, both for financial and ethical reasons. Most often, jewelry needs to be reduced in the following cases:
- the gift turned out to be too big in size - for example, if a young man proposed and made a mistake with the parameters;
- the girl lost weight and the jewelry became too big for her;
- the lady could not refuse herself the purchase, even realizing that the ring would not suit her (for example, if the exclusive item was presented in only one size);
- an error was made when ordering jewelry in the online store;
- the family heirloom, passed down by inheritance, turned out to be too large for the miniature fingers of the wearer.
Is it possible to roll out the ring yourself?
Unfortunately, it is quite difficult to increase your ring size at home. Because for this, at a minimum, you will need experience and a special tool. Not every man has a special deadbolt, a gas burner and a hammer with a rubber surface in his garage or closet. In most cases, a special rolling device is used. But even if all this is present, lack of experience can lead to irreparable damage to the ring.
But the technology used by jewelers to increase sizes using a crossbar and a special device is quite clear.
· First, the ring is heated red-hot using a gas burner.
· Then they allow it to cool on its own, while preparing the tools.
· The slightly cooled decoration is inserted into the device and gradually rolled out. It is important not to press too hard on the shackle right away, otherwise there is a risk of damaging it.
True, you will have to do it a little differently, the metal is valuable and you cannot ruin the ring.
As an option I can suggest the following.
It is necessary to select (turn, find.) a metal cone of a suitable size (like a beard).
Clean it thoroughly and polish it.
To prevent scratches on the ring, you need to wrap the cone with foil (or something similar).
Select in advance a metal hole of a suitable size in some heavy metal blank (structure), and also put foil on top of it.
The ring should be warmed up well and placed on the cone.
We insert the cone (don't forget about the foil) into the hole.
The ring should rest against the metal.
And carefully, tapping the end of the cone with a hammer, we try to expand the ring.
There was no need to stand on ceremony with copper and aluminum washers and they increased their internal diameter well.
In any case, if possible, it is better to contact specialists.
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Good day, dear visitor to the “Your Jeweler” website. Today, meet a new video that will tell and show you how to make your ring size larger. Now the description: in order to enlarge the ring, you must first heat it and let it cool without using water, that is, leave it aside for a while. Do not forget that if there are stones in the ring, you cannot heat them, but only heat the scent of the ring, so the stones will not deteriorate.
Also, pay attention to the thickness of the ring, whether it allows you to make it a little thinner. In cases where the ring is too thin, it will not be possible to roll it out, but you will have to cut and solder an additional piece of metal. When the ring has cooled, measure its size and begin rolling. To do this, we use a special installation, which is shown in the video, this one is blue. You can buy it in jewelry tool stores; at the time of purchase (summer 2013) it cost 1,500 rubles.
With its help, we gradually roll out the ring and do not forget to measure the size so as not to miss, otherwise you will have to cut and make smaller ones. After the size is adjusted, we align the ring on the crossbar, polish it and wash it in an ultrasonic bath. After which we give it to the client and receive money. That's the whole process! Subscribe to my You Tube channel, as well as the newsletter on my website. Order the moments that interest you, and as far as possible I will record video clips and thereby help in some way.
When choosing a ring as a gift, it’s easy to miscalculate the size
.
In most cases, the jewelry can be reduced
or
increased
to the required diameter to ensure it fits perfectly. However, this will be much more difficult to do if a large stone or small placer is attached to the product. And exclusive designer rings with a circular pattern or engraving, enamel or blackening cannot be enlarged or reduced without losing their original appearance.
It is technologically easier to increase the size of a finished product than to reduce it. Gold is a very ductile metal - it easily stretches by 1-2 sizes under the influence of temperature.
As for wide rings that require significant diameter correction, this technique will no longer work. The jeweler will use an insert of the same grade of metal to increase the size of the piece.
Smooth rings without inserts, engravings or stones are usually reduced in size by compression
. This way the product will deform less, and the decoration will retain its original appearance and ideal shape.
However, this procedure is not suitable for wide rings (7-8 or more millimeters). In this case, the craftsman will cut out a piece of metal and bend the ring, soldering the resulting joint.
