How to Enlarge Rings

Finding or receiving a ring that you love only to discover that it's too small is frustrating. Sometimes you can return the ring for one in a larger size, but this is not always possible. For example, the ring in question might be a family heirloom or a one-of-a-kind item from an antique shop. Luckily, you can make your ring slightly larger by using the professional tools of those in the jewelry trade.

Instructions

1

Slide the ring as far as it will go onto a metal mandrel. A mandrel is a steel rod with marked graduations on it and jewelers use it to shape, straighten or enlarge rings. The ring will stop at the mark on the mandrel that notes its size. For example, if the ring is a size five, it will stop beside the five mark on the mandrel.

2

Place the right and left ends of the mandrel onto the roller holders of your ring stretcher. Position the mandrel on these roller holders so that the middle roller lines up with the band of your ring.

3

Raise and lower the upper handle of your ring stretcher slowly. This will causes the middle roller to pass over the band of your ring, stretching it. Repeat this a couple of times and then check your ring size by trying it on. If it's still too small, continue stretching the ring in this manner by moving the upper handle up and down in increments of two, then taking the ring off and checking the size on your finger.