Gold Ring Melting: Understanding Gold Loss & Expectations

Question
I recently had my wedding ring melted down to make a more slender ring, the original ring was 3 bands fused together, and quite thick.  I was absolutely shocked to receive a ring that is about 1/3 of the original size, I had been warned that a little gold is lost in the process, but 2/3 seems to be an awful lot. What should a person expect to lose, is there a ratio formula. I appreciate your time, Thank You.
Sheila

Answer
HI SHEILA,

YES THERE IS GOLD LOST ON A REMELT. ALSO YOU HAVE TO DEDUCT THE ALLOYS USED TO CREATE THE CORRECT KARAT WEIGHT. IF IT WAS 14K THERE IS ONLY 58.5% GOLD CONTENT, 18K IS 75% GOLD AND SO ON. SO IF THE RING WAS MELTED DOWN AND NOT REALLOYED THE GOLD PERCENTAGE IS WHAT YOU WILL END UP WITH. IF YOU ONLY WANTED IT CUT DOWN YOU WOULD HAVE SAVED A LOT. SOMETIMES THE JEWELER WILL TAKE THE OVERAGE AS PAYMENT BUT THEY SHOULD TELL YOU. YOU MIGHT WANT TO ASK WHAT HAPPENED TO THE GOLD CONTENT AND WHAT IS THE KARAT WEIGHT OF THE NEW RING. GOODS LUCK.

PETER