Size up a 14k cast ring on a mandrel?

Hi

I have seen the picture and it can be stretched without any gadgets.

spoken like a true precious metal smith. Read Leonid’s post very
carefully, this gentleman knows how to move metal.

I am often shown rings that are out of round, owner going to take it
to “jeweller” and have it fixed for $20 plus.

Note I don’t do repairs as I am too busy keeping up stock and making
custom jobs.

I just slide the ring up the mandrel and gently tap with a raw hide
mallet turn it round and repeat. Run it through my JCR cleaner and
within 5 mins a great looking ring. Happy customer who leaves with
lots of business cards to give to friends. Of course these are the
good ones it can get more involved.

I then explain why it went out of round and offer to re-shank with
15 year written guarantee, that what you get with 2 mil 18 kt or
sterling bands.

What needs to be repaired is usually crap if less than 50 years old,
accidents and re-shanking aside. Falls into the category of never
should have been made.

This is the category that cast ring comes into the shank is far too
thin, IMHO, and the ring is destined for a disaster in the future.
Showed the photo to my daughter, a brilliant designer, but still
apprentice level silversmith. What’s wrong with the ring? Not fully
polished and shank will snap or crack, yep honey spot on. Another 1
mm on the shank thickness and proper polishing could have made a good
ring.

Follow Leonid’s advice but then tell the lady to get quotes on re-
shanking the ring from the local jewellers.

You will be able to do the job for far less and make some profit.
Personally I would go for:

“That is a very nice stone this ring does not do it justice I could
make one for you for $X.” Of course if the customer/friend has no
money just size up polish and return, she or her friends will be
buying from you.

When asked why so much less than the “jewellers” tell them that you
make and the price is, now the magic word, WHOLESALE!

A customers favourite word.

Make profit or friends
Richard
Xtines Jewels