Re-Engraving a Boring Old Tiny Band Ring, Or How Re-Engraving Saved This Ring
Sometimes rings fall through the cracks in life. My client Carol inherited a tired looking tiny band ring. It had wonderful memories because it was from her Grandmother. It had never really seen the light of day since she’d received it years ago.
She wondered if there was a way to make it look more interesting so it could become a 16th birthday gift to her daughter Faye.
Really Looking at an Older Ring
It did look a bit underwhelming at first. But upon closer inspection it showed that it started its life as a pretty and detailed engraved ring.
I suggested re-engraving it to the time period it was made in.
Picking the Right Hand Engraver
Before you have this work done on an older ring, know that it will probably need to be hand engraved as that was the method used fifty years ago and earlier. Here is a cool engraving glossary.
Work with a jeweler who has a good hand engraver they work with, who has experience working on older rings. Ask to see pictures of work they have done so you’ll know they have the quality you wish for.
I recommend reading my blog on the different methods of engraving, so you’ll know the difference between them and see why hand engraving is my recommendation.
What a Difference Re-Engraving can Make
Sometimes a ring looks boring and your eyes glaze over and move on to something more interesting. But look again, you might be able to see potential in that boring ring. Look twice.
When her re-engraving was all done Carol said, “Good thing you’ve already sized it for Faye. I’d so wear that now!”
That totally made my day!
Other Before and Afters of Re-Engraving
Re-engraving and restoring a ruby and diamond ring
Re-engraving and restoring a grandma’s diamond wedding ring
Re-engraving an inherited ring with a big change in design
Re-Engraving Jeweler,
Calla Gold
This is so pretty, Calla! I like what it represents for them, and also really like the hand-engraving. Have you rescued many little bands in your day?
Linda
Linda,
A funny thing happened after I rescued my first band from jewelry box oblivion, I started asking people if they had little inherited pieces they didn’t wear. The bands bubbled up and I fixed them and people started wearing them. I got busy and quit asking. Interestingly enough I’ve been getting referrals to fix up little bands.
Those little cuties keep turning up and I love each one’s transformation.
Loving those little bands back to life,
Calla Gold
On an antique, platinum engagment ring, that is likely non resizable, due to it’s design and engraving, could a jeweler cut out the upper bridge section of the ring and it’s engraving that runs right up to the ends of the bridge? The bridge is a half eternity band with an old mine cut diamond solitaire held by 4 prongs. The ring’s prongs also need to be repaired as their half clover like shape has worn down to a dangerous degree. I would like to have the new rings, look as much like their original predecessors. They were my mothers,… Read more »
Dear Ani, I like your question. It is possible to cut the top portion of an older ring and make a new thicker and stronger bottom section. That new section can have diamonds set into it and have hand engraving done in the style of your original ring. Your prongs could be re-tipped to make them strong again. Do know that if you have a fifty year old ring, don’t expect your re-tipped prongs to last the same amount of years as original cast in prongs. I blog about that here: https://www.callagold.com/repairs/ring-disasters-part-5-when-re-tipping-is-your-only-option/ We do work in platinum regularly and would… Read more »