Q: How do I size a platinum ring one size smaller?

A: The essential features of a quality sizing are: a proper fit, invisible seam, and an even shank thickness. The following procedure will leave no seam and is totally invisible.
1. Cut the ring and remove 2.54 mm of shank. Bend the ring together until the ends meet.
2. Using a three square file, file a chamfer (v-groove) along the seam. This ensures a complete fill of the seam during welding.
3. Roll the piece just cut out from the ring through the rolling mill making it approximately .5 mm thick. Cut a small piece from this and wedge it into the gap with
the chamfer groove. It should stick out approximately 1 mm, evenly around the cross section of the shank.
4. Wearing #5 welding goggles, use an oxidizing flame of a propane/oxygen, hydrogen/oxygen or natural gas/oxygen mix and melt the over hanging metal all around the seam, filling the gap as it melts.
5. Quench or let cool, gently file away excess metal, and round the ring.
6. Clean and polish. Be sure there are no scratches, pits, or marks. Check size and make adjustments if necessary. Because the metal used to fill the gap was from the host ring, there will be no seam, therefore sizing is invisible.
Tips on what not to do:
Don't use Acetylene Gas. Only Natural Gas, Hydrogen or Propane will work for Platinum
Don't weld without eye protection. UV radiation WILL damage your eyes
Don't weld when stones are nearby. The welding process will damage most stones
Don't use your soldering pick or steel tweezers near the flame, as they may contaminate the platinum
Don't weld on a charcoal block. Platinum and Carbon do not get along

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