can expert tell whether rings are resized?

[naomi]

(1) I am curious to know if experts can tell whether rings are resized. By reading past posts, I learned that good metalsimth can resize rings without trace.

(2) Is it worthwhile to resize ring from 6 3/4 to 6 1/2 for a perfect fit?

 

[joe keller]

well from past experience I can usually tell, the solder that is used is usually slightly different color. If you look at it in a non reflective environment you can see a line under magnification, if the smith was good, could be difficust to see. You could heat the ring up and the seam will show because the gold solder and the ring will oxidize diferently. Now with a laser you might have a problem as it fuses or welds the metal if done well its
indestinguishable sp

 

[joe keller]

Oh yeah , fit, if the size difference makes it feel better go ahead and size it. sometimes you gatta tweek em.

 

[valeria101]

Most of times I can tell - this assuming the band had to be cut and rejoined. But "can tell" is in the range of detective work - usually there si nothing to see without very, very carefull examination and the ring off the hand (traces appear usually inside the shank for some reason).

Would I size a ring a quarter size? Well, I 'd have to do it twice a year - there is definitely at last half a size difference between my ring size in cold weather and warm

If this is not your case, than adjusting so little should leave no trace on the ring anyway

Hope this helps.

 

[cflutist]

----------------
On 9/18/2004 7:12:08 PM naomi wrote:

((2) Is it worthwhile to resize ring from 6 3/4 to 6 1/2 for a perfect fit?----------------

In my opinion yes ... Wink is currently resizing a sapphire ring for me from 3.75 to 4.00 (I have gained weight since it was orginally made in 1987

)

 

[denverappraiser]

1/4 size is important for how the ring feels on your finger. Sizing is easy and inexpensive. With most designs you shouldn't worry about it but your jeweler will tell you if yours is one of the ones that is difficult to size.

It's a good habit on the bench to check every ring that comes through for sizing to see if it's been previously sized. This can be done with a small drop of iodine or by just heating up the shank a little bit and then letting it cool. The solder line will tarnish differently. It's important to know because you should cut it on the same spot for the next sizing. This way, the customer doesn't end up with a shank that has multiple sizing seams in it.

Neil Beaty, GG ISA
Independent Appraisals in Denver

 

[naomi]

thank you everyone.

"Now with a laser you might have a problem as it fuses or welds the metal if done well its indestinguishable sp"

How laser welding/fusing works? Laser cut and bond metal at a same time without soldering? (a little like doctor operating body without bleeding much by laser???)

 

[valeria101]

----------------
On 9/19/2004 1:05:33 AM naomi wrote:



Laser cut and bond metal at a same time without soldering?

----------------

That's it

 

[naomi]

Can I ask another way?
So laser cut metal, and metal melt and bond at a same time...?
How metalsmith can control 1/4 size smaller or larger resizing while metal is melting/bonding????

 

[naomi]

(1) If laser is used to resize gold ring, there will be no trace becuase of no soldering?

(2) What is a ring guard (rubber, metal, plastic?)? Where I can buy it if I do not resize a ring.

 

[naomi]

Thank you for increasing the depth of my jewelry knowledge!
You all are terrific teacher.
Naomi