The Process of Resizing a Platinum Ring
There’s no quick and easy way to resize a platinum ring. It can be a tricky process that’s labor-intensive, time-consuming, and requires a particular heating treatment. It’s more challenging to resize a platinum ring than other precious metals since a higher heating point is needed to get it done. During the process, there’s a heightened risk of the heat affecting the stones. Want to resize your platinum ring? Let’s dig a little deeper into the process of resizing a platinum ring.
What Is Platinum?
The word platinum is derived from the Spanish word 'Platina', which means little silver. It’s a rare and valuable metal extensively used to make jewelry. Platinum is also resistant to corrosion and tough to damage.
Resizing a platinum ring requires a jeweler with the skills and know-how to do the job.
Stone Removal
When resizing platinum rings, the jeweler must remove the gemstone(s) to avoid damaging them. The reason for this is that the high heat can mess up the gemstones as they move quickly through platinum. The gem could be fragile, like an opal. Removal of the gems is the first step in the process.
Sizing
At this point in the process, the size of the ring goes up or down based on the individual’s need. The jeweler cuts the “shank”, the curved portion of the ring, removes it and then recloses it. This can be done in one of two ways using soldering:
- Closing it back up with a portion of what’s removed, making the ring smaller, OR
- Adding a bit of metal to the “shank”, making the ring bigger.
Heat is used to open and close the “shank” when sizing up or down. A torch can be used, but a laser machine best suits platinum ring resizing for precision and evenness when heating. A platinum wire is often used to fuse the ring, closing it up.
Setting the Stone
After sizing the ring up or down, the next step is putting the gemstone(s) back in place. Since platinum is pliable, there’s a bit of ease to setting the stone.
Cleaning and Polishing
No resizing job is complete without the jeweler cleaning and polishing the ring. The ring's polish will either be a high finish or a matte/brushed finish. A matte finish can help to hide scratches. Cleaning the ring can be done using steam or in an ultrasonic tank, which helps remove debris created during the resizing process.
Contact Bostonian Jewelers
Want to resize your platinum ring, so it fits just right? Let the master jewelers at Bostonian Jewelers get it done for you. Our skilled jewelers will not disappoint you. Visit us today.