How do you resize a ring that has design work all the way
around it such as a celtic knot weave, etc? Also, how do you resize
a ring that has stones set around it's complete circumfrence without
messing up the space distribution
Hello Craig;
It's simply not always possible in these situations. Here are some
possibilities. In the case of the Celtic design, if there is a border
on the edges of the ring, you might be able to shrink it down a half
size, maximum, in the compression part of one of those lever operated
ring stretchers. If there's no border, you risk damaging the design.
If you need to make it larger, sometimes you can stretch it in said
ring stretcher, but take it easy and watch what is happening, since
stretching seems to occur mostly in the thinnest areas. I wouldn't
think you'd get much more than a quarter, possibly a half size. You
can also sometimes make an inner sleeve than can be soldered inside
to reduce the diameter. Sometimes there's enough thickness to grind
out a bit and get maybe an eighth of a size increase.
Now, the stone set ring is another matter. I've sized up eternity
bands (set completely around with diamonds or other) in cases where
the stones can withstand torch heat by cutting between two stones
with a very fine sawblade, fitting in a piece and setting another
stone or two. Obviously, this only works where the increase in size
is commensurate with the width of the additional stone(s). Sizing
down, the options are more or less limited to the aforementioned
addition of an inner sleeve. Don't try stretching these kinds of
rings, as the stretching will all take place in the areas beneath
the stones. If the stones can't take heat and can't be unset, you'll
need a laser to weld in the piece. And as for sizing down such a
ring, it would be a case of cutting out a stone or stones, depending
on how much you needed to reduce it, and again, the logic changes
when the stones don't take heat.
These are obviously situations calling for advanced technical
knowledge and skill. Perhaps you can post a URL to a jpg image or
give us more and one of us might be able to further
advise you.
David L. Huffman
