A wedding ring is not just a piece of jewelry; it represents love, commitment, and fond memories. But what do you do if your ring is broken? While you might think there is no way to remedy when it comes to your wedding ring, a cracked band, loose stone or bent setting, in many cases wedding ring repair can be performed. But some injuries may not be able to be repaired. In this article, we’ll discuss the types of wedding ring damage, what jewelers are equipped to repair, and when a replacement may be your best option.
Most Common Damages of Wedding Rings and Their Causes
Before looking at repairs, it’s useful to know what can happen to a wedding ring. Here are some of the biggest problems:
1. Cracked or Broken Band
A ring’s band can break or snap with long-term use, improper resizing, or extreme pressure. Gold rings are more likely to break than rings made of more durable materials, such as platinum.
2. Loose or Missing Stones
Over time, the tiny prongs that hold diamonds or gemstones can weaken, raising the risk of losing a stone. This generally occurs as a result of impact, everyday wear, or poor setting methods.
3. Bent or Misshapen Rings
These pressures can also cause the ring itself to go out of shape, particularly with the best shared stacks. Thin bands are especially susceptible to bending.
4. Scratches and Surface Damage
Scratches, dents and tarnishing are typical with everyday wear, and especially with rings that are made of softer metals. While minor surface damage can be polished out, deeper scratches may involve more extensive restoration.
5. Soldered Rings Coming Apart
While some purchase soldered wedding sets for ease of putting the rings on and off, over time the soldering can make the rings separate.
What Jewelers Can Repair?
The good news is that many types of ring damage can be repaired by professional jewelers. Here’s what can often be repaired:
1. Cracks or Breakage in Band Repair
Jewelers can often repair a cracked or broken band by soldering the metal back together and reinforcing the weak spot. In extreme cases, they may even have to add additional metal to reinforce the ring.
2. Loose or Missing Stones
If a gemstone is loose, a jeweler can tighten the prongs or replace them if they’re too worn. For missing stones, a jeweler can find matching diamonds or gemstones to bring the ring back to its original look.
3. Reshaping a Bent Ring
A jeweler is equipped to use specialized tools to reshape a bent ring, restoring its round shape but preserving its ability to withstand wear.
4. Polishing and Refinishing
Scratches and surface damage are often buffed out through professional polishing and refinishing, bringing back the shine to the ring.
5. Re-Soldering Wedding Sets
For a welded wedding set that’s come apart, jewelers can re-solder the rings together to bring back their integrity and look.
What Jewelers Can’t Repair?
Most wedding ring problems can certainly be fixed by a jeweler, but some damage is unreparable:
1. Severely Thin or Worn Bands
And if the band of a ring has eroded over time to the point that it’s too thin, it might not be strong enough to repair. In these instances, jewelers often suggest replacing the entire band.
2. Extremely Damaged Settings
If the prongs or setting are damaged beyond repair, you may need to replace the entire setting.
3. Non-Resizing Materials
Some materials are so hard—like tungsten and titanium—that they cannot be resized. Rather, if a tungsten or titanium ring becomes ill fitting, you will need to entirely replace it.
How to Prevent Future Damage?
Here are a few tips to get the most life out of your wedding ring and prevent damage that requires repairs:
Conclusion
Don’t panic if your wedding ring is damaged — in many cases, wedding ring repair is an option. A cracked band, a loose stone, or surface scratches can be remedied by a skilled jeweler who can refresh a beloved ring to its original glory. In cases of severe damage, however, replacement may be a more appropriate solution. With the right amount of care and timely repairs, your sentimental piece can remain a beautiful representation of your story for many years.