Can Wedding Rings Be Stretched?
Can Wedding Rings Be Stretched?
If you have a wedding ring that is too tight or too loose, you might be wondering if it is possible to resize it. Resizing a ring means adjusting its circumference to make it fit better on your finger. There are different methods of resizing a ring, depending on the type of metal, the design, and the amount of change needed. One of the most common methods of resizing a ring is stretching.
Stretching a ring means expanding its diameter by applying pressure or heat to the metal. This can make the ring larger by up to half a size, depending on the material and the thickness of the band. Stretching a ring can be done by a professional jeweler or by yourself at home, using some simple tools and techniques.
However, before you decide to stretch your wedding ring, there are some things you need to consider. Stretching a ring can have some advantages and disadvantages, depending on your situation. In this article, we will explain what stretching a ring involves, how to do it, and when to do it. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about stretching wedding rings
How to Stretch a Wedding Ring
There are two main ways to stretch a wedding ring: using a mandrel or using heat.
Using a Mandrel
A mandrel is a tapered metal rod that is used to shape or resize rings. It has markings that indicate different ring sizes, from smallest to largest. To stretch a ring using a mandrel, you will need the following tools and materials:
- A mandrel
- A rawhide or rubber mallet
- A polishing cloth
- A lubricant (such as soap or oil)
The steps to stretch a ring using a mandrel are as follows:
- Clean your ring with a polishing cloth and apply some lubricant to the inside of the band.
- Slide your ring onto the mandrel until it reaches the size that matches your current ring size.
- Hold the mandrel firmly with one hand and use the mallet to gently tap the ring from all sides, moving it slightly up the mandrel with each tap.
- Check the fit of your ring on your finger after every few taps and stop when you reach the desired size.
- Remove your ring from the mandrel and wipe off any excess lubricant with a polishing cloth.
Using Heat
- A candle or a lighter
- A pair of pliers
- A bowl of cold water
- A polishing cloth
The steps to stretch a ring using heat are as follows:
- Clean your ring with a polishing cloth and hold it with the pliers.
- Hold the ring over the flame of the candle or lighter for a few seconds, until it becomes slightly warm.
- Dip the ring into the bowl of cold water to cool it down and make it contract.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you notice that your ring has expanded slightly.
- Check the fit of your ring on your finger after every few cycles and stop when you reach the desired size.
- Dry your ring with a polishing cloth and polish it if needed.
When to Stretch a Wedding Ring
- The type of metal: Some metals are more elastic than others, meaning that they can stretch more easily without breaking or cracking. Gold and silver are relatively elastic metals, while platinum, palladium, and tungsten are very rigid metals that are difficult or impossible to stretch.
- The amount of change: Stretching a ring can only increase its size by up to half a size, depending on the material and the thickness of the band. If you need more than that, you might have to use another method of resizing, such as adding metal or cutting out metal.
- The design and details: Stretching a ring can affect its shape and appearance, especially if it has intricate details, such as stones, patterns, or engravings. Stretching can cause these details to distort or loosen, which can ruin the look and value of your ring. If your ring has any of these features, you might want to avoid stretching it or consult a professional jeweler first.
