Question
Mom's Ring
My mother recently passed on her wedding band to me. However, when she still wore it she began having swelling in her hands and ended up having to remove it by cutting it herself. I'm not sure what sort of tool she used to do so, but it's slightly bent out of shape, crushed, and sharp at the break. She cut it on the underside, and to my knowledge it's made of gold. The only settings and details are on the top- the bottom is plain. It was originally size 6.5, but I would also like to have it resized to 7 when I get it repaired. How much would it cost to have it resized and repaired? I'm not expecting it to look perfect, just wearable. I understand that it was never very valuable, but it has great sentimental value.
Thanks for your help!
Answer
Plier Cut Illustration
Hi, Lena.
If is is gold this ring can most likely be repaired and sized to your finger with little difficulty.
Do you see the little illustration I uploaded? I did this before opening your question on the net and did not know you had so kindly attached the photos. This is the typical cut we see when a ring is removed using the most available tool most people have: Wire cutters pliers. These pliers are not made to cut a straight edge but always leave a wedge shaped end to the cut.
In the sketch I included, the blue lines show about where the cut ends must be removed prior to sizing the ring. The ring is going up and a piece of metal of the same color and karat as the ring will be cut to fit between the squared off ends of the ring. Since the tapered wedge ends must be removed first, the metal added will have to be enough to make up for the sharp ends and to enlarge the ring to a 7. It looks like about 1 1/2 to perhaps 2 sizes of metal are needed to fill in for the sharp ends and about 1/2 size more to make it a 7.
All in all you are looking at 2 to 2 1/2 sizes of gold added. I am guessing from the photo and this amount may be off a little.
The ring is of a normal narrow width and that affects the price of the work, starting on the low end of the scale compared to a wide ring band. We charge about $28 for the first size and about $19 for each added size(or part there of). So, that figures about $47 to $66.
Lena, please keep in mind that your local jewelers may charge on a different scale than we do. Also, I have not seen the ring close enough to know if any spots need repair of cracks, etc.
Believe me, I understand sentiment. That means understanding love and is what makes a simple gift priceless in our hearts. I will go now.
God Bless and Peace. Thomas.
