Resizing a Shank with Wire
Question:
I just got married 1 month ago, and I'm so frustrated. My ring had to be big enough to go over my knuckle, and now once it's on, it's too big, so it spins constantly.
I'd like to try and wrap some thin wire around the bottom to prevent any more spinning. What gauge wire should I use? Please help! Thanks!
-Sue in Cloquet, Minnesota
I just got married 1 month ago, and I'm so frustrated. My ring had to be big enough to go over my knuckle, and now once it's on, it's too big, so it spins constantly.
I'd like to try and wrap some thin wire around the bottom to prevent any more spinning. What gauge wire should I use? Please help! Thanks!
-Sue in Cloquet, Minnesota
Instructions
Answer:
Congratulations, Sue!!
I have a lovely ring that my jeweler said is not a good candidate for resizing, so I used a piece of 18-gauge half round dead soft wire to fix it.
Depending on how much size correction you need and since you'll probably do this on your finger I recommend using 20-gauge half-round, half-hard wire.
For a symmetrical wrap, cut a piece about 6½ inches long and fold it in half on an angle with the domed side out.
Place the fold over the center of the shank and wrap toward each side.
When it fits comfortably, trim the ends, smooth them with a file, and press them inside.
Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong
Congratulations, Sue!!
I have a lovely ring that my jeweler said is not a good candidate for resizing, so I used a piece of 18-gauge half round dead soft wire to fix it.
Depending on how much size correction you need and since you'll probably do this on your finger I recommend using 20-gauge half-round, half-hard wire.
For a symmetrical wrap, cut a piece about 6½ inches long and fold it in half on an angle with the domed side out.
Place the fold over the center of the shank and wrap toward each side.
When it fits comfortably, trim the ends, smooth them with a file, and press them inside.
Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong
Materials
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Tools
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- Category: Classic
- Technique(s): Wrapping, General Education
Dale Armstrong
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