When your jewellery is well-loved, it becomes well-worn. It is normal for a ring to require several repairs over its lifespan, as even precious metals suffer under the stresses of everyday wear.
At The Bench Jewellery, a common repair we might do for a ring that has been loved for decades is a re-shanking. Let’s break down what this repair is, when it needs to happen, and how it works:
What is a shank?
The shank is the bottom or back half of the ring’s band. It’s the part that wraps around your finger at the back, more or less unseen.
Your ring’s shank has a very important job. This is the part of your ring that supports the rest: making sure the ring sits right on your finger, doesn’t slide off, and holds the correct shape for every stone to sit in its place.
The shank is also where changes happen. When your ring is resized, gold, silver, or platinum is added or removed from the back of the ring, where a small solder seam will go unnoticed, and the design of your ring will be uninterrupted.
What happens when a ring’s shank wears out?
The shank of your ring, especially an engagement or wedding ring that is worn daily, receives a lot of wear and tear. With the weight of the top of your ring, the friction from your fingers, and the occasional bump while you go about your day, the shank will thin over time. A thinning shank is more or less inevitable, varying mostly in how long it takes to happen.
Your ring’s shank could snap
If your ring’s shank gets too thin and brittle, it could snap. A broken shank will then easily bend out of shape, damaging your ring further. The broken edges are often sharp enough to hurt your finger, may catch on clothing and tear it, and can be very uncomfortable to wear. If your ring’s shank snaps, stop wearing it immediately until you can get it replaced.
Stones fall out
Whether the shank is fully broken, or just significantly thinned, a shank that is worn down will warp and deform much more easily than a strong, new one. When your ring loses its shape, stone settings can become loose, and stones may fall out. If you notice loose stones or your ring seems warped, take it in for repair right away.
How does re-shanking work?
Re-shanking a ring is the process of removing the shank entirely, and replacing it with new, stronger metal to match your ring. The amount of the band that is replaced depends on the extent of the wear on the ring.
If there has been significant warping of the ring, it will be adjusted back into shape, and any loosened stone settings tightened securely.
When you get your ring back, the shank should be as thick and strong as it was many years ago, and last a long time once again.
Ring repairs in Kamloops, Chilliwack, and Kelowna
The Bench Jewellery team is committed to helping you with all your jewellery needs, from custom designs to repairing your favourites.
If your ring’s shank is starting to thin, don’t wait until it causes problems — come see us or get in touch to discuss re-shanking.