Re-sizing of rings

[pyramid]

Following this post:

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/different-ring-sizes-made-by-manufacturer.18936/


today which crankydave gave me answers to, I have been thinking.

I think when the rings I have had in the past have been re-sized it is not that the ring is out of round but that the shoulders have been left wavy or not with a flat surface when looking at the ring from a side view - lying down on a table.

I think from looking at a very old not expensive ring I have that this is because the area where the stones are is taking up part of the circle in a rigid way meaning the rest of the shank is not flat at either side of the head after re-sizing and this just does not happen with a new ring which is sized before stones are set.

Does this bother anyone else or am I just being picky as it is only seen when the ring is not being worn?

Does anyone know if diamonds are removed can the ring be straightened up again or is that a no no?

 

[denverappraiser]

pyramid,

In most cases, the process of sizing involves cutting open the ring at the bottom center, removing or inserting a piece, and soldering it back together at the seems. It normally doesn't involve removing or resetting the stones. The only real reason to remove the stone for sizing is if there are specific issues relating design of the ring itself. Eternity bands, for example, are obviously a special case. There are also cases where the change in curvature of the ring can make a difference in the way stones are held in, especially with channels.

The finish on the outside is done after the sizing anyway. Wavy surfaces, flat spots, bad polish, etc. are signs of a poor or incomplete finishing job but this isn't usually any better if they remove and reset the stones. The jeweler that did the sizing should be able to repair this (and they should have already done so before returning the ring to you).

Neil Beaty, GG ISA
Independent Appraisals in Denver

 

[pyramid]

Thank you denverappraiser. These rings are old now anyway but I wondered if it was just that it has not been finished.

What would a bench jeweller do to remove the wavyness from the shoulders seen from a side view?

 

[pyramid]

Thanks Feydakin. It is interesting to know there is another way to do it.

My rings however were not expensive so I will just leave them as is unless they can be finished to eliminate the waveyness at the shoulder. I don't know how they would finish this - would it be by polishing or burnishing or something else?

 

[denverappraiser]

Pyramid,

It depends on where the problem is and what the design elements surrounding it are like. It might be as simple as a few strokes with a sanding stick and a few minutes on a buffing machine or, as Feydakin points out, it might be a massive undertaking involving a highly skilled jeweler.

Neil Beaty, GG ISA
Independent Appraisals in Denver

 

[pyramid]

Thank you denverappraiser.

I take it a sanding stick is the same as a file?

 

[denverappraiser]

Yeah, pretty much. Files usually have a pretty rough cut to them. A sanding stick is a hardwood stick that has been wrapped in sandpaper. The result is a somewhat lighter touch than you would normally get from a file.

Neil Beaty, GG ISA
Independent Appraisals in Denver

 

[pyramid]

Oh, I never thought about it being sandpaper. Thanks

 

[pyramid]

Thanks crankydave. I do not have facilities to post a pic. The shoulder is fairly thick about 2 mm wide tapering up towards the solitaire and 1mm depth and is not hollowed underneath. I know the ring would have been bent considerably and think it has not been finished off. The ring was sized from a size 6 to a size 4 3/4. the front view of the shoulders looks fine it is just from the side view I can see it especially under artificial light when the ring is lying on my dresser.

If it is stress can the jeweller sand it down or is it a more expensive job?

 

[pyramid]

bump

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Try a normal flat bed scanner Pyramid.
No image = no way we can help you

 

[pyramid]

Was just going to put ring on the scanner and the scanner is gone - someone in the house had lent it to someone else.

In general if there is stress as cranky dave said can this be polished down with a sanding stick?

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

No Pyramid, if there is stress we must quarantine your ring to protect all other rings on earth from this contagious and deadly disease.

But we will only ever know how bad it is for sure if you send it to RockDoc. He is the only fully competent stress tester.

 

[pyramid]

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Seriously Pyramid, if there is stress it is usually not a problem - heat the ring and then emery (not sand) and ploish

 

[pyramid]

Thanks Garry. I may take it down the road to the jeweller one of these fine days then.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

You had better hurry - Pommie winter is on its way