Question
broken ring
Hi Thomas,
I recently received a 4-band sterling Turkish Puzzle Ring. Unfortunately, a couple days ago, the ring was broken apart. I don't mean broken apart like how puzzle rings are meant to do so, but broken as in the four bands came apart due to two of the bands snapping in half. Out of the four bands, one is completely fine and holds its original shape; one is just bent at two points; two have a part of it snapped off. However all the pieces of the ring was found and kept together. I'm just wondering is it possible to mend this ring back together again? This ring holds sentimental value and although I understand it'll be cheaper to replace the ring, I would much rather spend 10 times more on repairing it.
This is the site which the ring was purchased from, and a picture of the finished product. http://www.puzzlemaster.ca/zoom.php?id=861&type=puzzlering
And see attached for a picture of the broken pieces of the ring.
Thank you so much for your time.
Linda
AnswerLinda, I am back. First tell yourself, before the ring was broken were you able to open and reassemble the ring? That will be necessary to do the repair properly. Some jewelers will know how and some (like me) get confused and have to be lucky to get the rings back together.
First suggestion: The ring is relatively new? Can you contact the seller and ask for a replacement? I don't believe the ring should have broken as it did and so quickly with little wear. Of course, that has to do with the seller and the events of how you received the ring and you might rather have it repaired.
The good photo helps tremendously! My suggestion is to take the ring to a jeweler and discuss the ring first since some will not work on silver. The jeweler may have a preferred method to repair but this is how I would approach it: Have one end of each broken section silver soldered to its other half. Now, with one end soldered there is some stability and with the other end open the four rings can be put back together temporarily. Now the assembly process can be tried very gently only to see how distorted the broken rings may be. Since one end of each is still not soldered, the jeweler may find it easier to shape the rings properly at this point then solder the other ends.
Much of the final shape of a puzzle ring comes from apparent forging or hammering of the rings together to achieve the final form. A little distortion in the broken rings(now soldered) can likely be gently formed as the ring is reassembled, with some hammering if need be.
If you do not plan to open and close the ring, you may consider having the bottoms of the four rings soldered together. This is a permanent job, so think about it fully beforehand!
From what I see the rings broke a what is likely a thin section. Is this correct? If the breaks are at thick sections the breaks should not have happened and might happen somewhere else, indications of damaged or over hardened metal.
Linda, I can certainly tell the ring is important to you. Find the jeweler first who will work on silver. Bring assembly instructions if need be. I'd bring those instructions regardless. (One supplier some jewelers use is Stuller Findings. An older version of their mountings book had assembly for a 4 ring puzzle ring near the back pages. I did not see this in the newer catalog. The jeweler may have the older version around, just like we do.)
Linda, please give me another day on this question answer. I have definite thoughts on how to do the repair but want to ask my coworker for his opinion. We together should be able to provide the best approach to restoration of your puzzle ring. See you tomorrow.
God Bless and Peace. Thomas.
