Making a silver ring fit usually involves resizing, which can be done to either increase or decrease the ring's size. The best approach depends on whether you need the ring smaller or larger and often requires a jeweler's expertise.
Decreasing the Size of a Silver Ring
To make a silver ring smaller, a jeweler typically performs the following steps:
- Cutting the Band: The jeweler will carefully cut the ring band.
- Removing Material: A small section of silver is removed to reduce the ring's circumference.
- Re-brazing: The band is then rejoined using silver solder, a metal alloy designed to melt and fuse at a lower temperature than the ring itself, ensuring a strong and seamless connection.
- Cleaning and Polishing: The area where the cut was made is then cleaned, buffed, and polished to restore the ring's original appearance.
Increasing the Size of a Silver Ring
To make a silver ring larger, a jeweler typically performs the following steps:
- Cutting the Band: Similar to decreasing the size, the jeweler will begin by cutting the ring band.
- Adding Material: A small piece of sterling silver is then brazed into the gap created by the cut.
- Soldering: Silver solder is used to securely join the added piece to the existing ring band.
- Cleaning and Polishing: Finally, the jeweler will clean, buff, and polish the ring to remove any visible signs of the resizing process.
Important Considerations:
- Ring Style: Certain ring styles, such as those with intricate designs or embedded stones around the entire band, are more difficult and costly to resize.
- Metal Type: Silver is generally easier to resize than some other metals, but the specific alloy can still affect the process.
- Professional Expertise: Due to the use of heat and soldering, resizing a silver ring is best left to a professional jeweler to avoid damage. Attempting to resize a ring yourself can result in irreversible damage.
- Alternatives: Ring adjusters (small plastic or metal pieces that slide onto the inside of the ring) can be a temporary solution for rings that are only slightly too large. These are less permanent and less visually appealing than professional resizing.
In summary, resizing a silver ring involves cutting and either removing or adding silver to the band, then rejoining it with silver solder, followed by cleaning and polishing. It's a process best handled by a professional jeweler to ensure the ring is resized correctly and without damage.
