Gold rings are resized by a jeweler who typically cuts the band, removes or adds a piece of metal, and then solders the band back together to create the desired size.
Here's a more detailed look at the process:
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Initial Assessment: The jeweler first assesses the ring to determine the best approach. Factors like the ring's style, metal type, and whether it has stones influence the resizing method.
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Cutting the Band: To make a ring smaller, the jeweler will carefully cut the band with a saw. A small section of the band is removed to achieve the necessary reduction in size.
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Removing or Adding Material:
- Making the ring smaller: A small section of gold is removed.
- Making the ring larger: A piece of matching gold is added to the band.
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Reshaping and Soldering: The jeweler then brings the two ends of the cut band together (or inserts the new piece). Heat is applied using a torch and solder (a metal alloy) is used to fuse the two ends together seamlessly.
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Finishing: After soldering, the ring is filed, polished, and cleaned to remove any imperfections and restore its original luster. If there are any stones, their settings are checked and tightened.
Important Considerations:
- Complexity: Rings with intricate designs, engravings, or stones can be more challenging and expensive to resize.
- Metal Type: Different types of gold (e.g., yellow gold, white gold, rose gold) may require specific soldering techniques and solder materials.
- Sizing Beads: For rings that are only slightly too large, a jeweler may add small metal "sizing beads" to the inside of the band instead of cutting it. These beads reduce the interior circumference of the ring.
