How To Fix a Bent Ring
There are many jewelry problems that need to be fixed right away in order to prevent further damage. One of the most common issues jewelers come across is a bent ring. A bent ring is an issue that can progress so gradually; you may not even realize it’s happening.
It’s best to keep your rings in their original shape to maintain both their value and stability. A ring that is bent might get stuck or break completely.
If your ring is no longer perfectly round, you may be able to fix it inexpensively.
Why Rings Bend
Rings can bend slightly when worn often. More dramatic misshaping is usually due to some type of force imposed on the ring. This can happen in numerous ways like lifting a heavy box or gripping tensely at a steering wheel.
Rings that are worn daily are more susceptible to this kind of damage. Antique jewelry is especially prone to bending due to the thin, fragile nature of the ring’s shank.
How to Fix a Bent Ring
Before a bent ring is fixed, the first thing to consider is how the ring is constructed. Bands and rings without stones are much easier to straighten and therefore less expensive. Fixing a ring with stones is risky because the stones could become loose in the setting. Extra care needs to be taken with pave set or channel set diamonds. These rings are hard to resize and reshank because any change in the shape will compromise the diamond’s setting.
Depending on the complexity of the setting and the strength of the ring, your jeweler may offer a couple of different options to fix your ring:
- Sometimes a ring can be unbent by placing the ring on a mandrel and gently tapping it with a jeweler’s hammer or by pushing it into place until it takes its original shape. Heat can be applied to soften the metal and make the ring easier to reshape. A ring mandrel is a graduated rod used for ring sizing and repairs.
- If your ring is badly misshapen and thin, your jeweler may suggest reshanking the ring. This process is expensive and involves cutting off the bottom of the ring and replacing it completely. The jeweler will match the metal color and thickness, then solder the newly formed shank to the ring. The overall cost will depend on labor and current precious metal prices.
Antique Jewelry Tip: Consult an antique jewelry professional before deciding whether or not to reshank an antique ring. Doing so could impact the value of the ring significantly.
Prevent Rings from Bending
Your best defense against a bent ring is preventing it from happening in the first place. First, you need to examine your jewelry wearing habits. Do you take the proper care when wearing your rings? If you are especially hard on your rings, choose stronger metals and thicker rings. Thin, delicate jewelry should also be worn delicately.
Try to avoid actions like pressing your hand down hard against other objects. Don’t wear your rings when involved with sports or other activities that could risk impact. Take off your rings before moving heavy boxes or furniture. Don’t wear your rings while working out, and so on.
It’s important to have realistic expectations with your rings. All rings are wear items similar to a car. With enough wear, they will eventually need to be repaired in some way. Precious metals will wear down, so it is likely you will eventually need to replace the shank or have it reshaped. The best you can do is slow this process down by caring for your rings.
Metals Most Prone to Bending
Soft metals are the most prone to bending. Higher karats of gold and silver are prone to bending. Platinum and white gold are less likely to bend than yellow gold due to the durability of the metals and alloys.
Even though it may seem wise to purchase hard metals to prevent bending, it is important to note that they are also more expensive and difficult to repair in the event they do get misshapen. It’s often said that platinum won’t bend, it will break. Instead of a bent shank, you might notice a split shank instead. This repair is going to be more costly than a simple reshaping of a gold ring.
We hope this guide helps you prevent bent rings in the future. Now you know what to expect when it comes to fixing your rings before you take a trip to the jewelers.