How to Make a Silver Ring Bigger

According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, silver decorative artifacts have been found in the tombs of royals dating back as far as 4,000 B.C.E. Aside from its beautiful lustre, it is likely that silver was used for such items due to its inherent flexibility, which makes it easy to work with. It is this same malleability that makes it very simple to make your own silver rings bigger at home.

Instructions

1

Select a ring mandrel. A ring mandrel is a metal rod that has a small diameter at one end that increases in size toward the other end--like a very elongated cone. Some ring mandrels have steps or edges that jut out at each increase in size, creating the image of an extending telescope. Be sure that your ring mandrel is smooth from one end to the other and is not stepped. Ring mandrels can typically be found in jewelry supply stores or online.

2

Place the ring onto the small end of the mandrel, then hold the mandrel vertically with the small end up. Allow the ring to fall as far down the shaft as it can, then adjust the ring to make sure that it is level. It should sit parallel to the ground when the mandrel is held vertically.

3

Place the large end of the mandrel on a flat work surface that is either not easily damageable, or one which would not be problematic if it became slightly damaged. A wooden workbench or a concrete sidewalk would work fine.

4

Holding the small end of the mandrel firmly, use the wood or rawhide mallet to gently strike the silver silver ring from above at about a 45-degree angle. Turn the mandrel slightly and gently strike again in the same way. Repeat this motion until you have gone once around the ring. The ring should now be sitting lower on the mandrel and will have expanded slightly in diameter.

5

Take the ring off the mandrel and try it on for size. If it needs to be still larger, repeat the process until it is the desired size.