What are Gold-Filled Ring Size Adjusters?
Gold-filled ring size adjusters are composed of a solid layer of gold that has been bonded with heat and pressure to a flexible base metal, such as mild steel or brass. High quality gold-filled ring size adjusters have the look, luster, and beauty of 14-karat gold jewelry. Gold filled is also known as gold overlay.
Gold-filled ring size adjusters are 14 karat gold-filled. The minimum layer of karat gold in an item stamped GF must be at least 1/20th the weight of the total item. 1/20th 12kt GF is the most common stamp you will find on gold-filled jewelry. 10kt and 14kt are also very common karat counts. The larger the karat number, the more gold and the less alloy you get. 24 karat is as close to pure gold as you can get.
The gold layer on gold-plated jewelry varies greatly and depends on the manufacturer. There is no single, simple comparison. Price is usually your only clue, but a clue is only a clue. The cheaper the item, the thinner the gold plating will be.
The gold-filled coatings on Ring Size Adjusters are 50 to 100,000 times thicker than regular gold plating, and 17 to 25,000 times thicker than heavy gold electroplate (sometimes stamped HGE or HGP -- usually found on flashy cubic zirconia "cocktail rings"). Gold-filled items like the ring size adjusters can last 5 to 30 years, even with daily wear.
14k gold-filled ring size adjusters are available in 14k yellow gold and 14k white gold filled. Ring size adjusters are easy to attach and they won't slip off. Simply use smooth jaw pliers to bend the little "arms" of the ring size adjuster around the band, then bend to adjust for size.
Ring Size Adjusters keep rings in proper place. There are no sharp edges to tear clothing or scratch skin, and the creative design won't pinch sensitive fingers like the cheap plastic ones do. Ring size adjusters are a good alternative to wrapping an oversized class ring with angora yarn to make his ring fit her smaller finger. (And don't you dare suggest that "she'll grow into it" unless you want to get hit!)
Ring Size Adjusters come in 3 Sizes: Small, Medium & Large
SMALL ring size adjusters usually fit children's rings & thin-banded women's rings.
MEDIUM ring size adjusters are best for thick-banded women's rings and regular men's rings.
LARGE ring size adjusters are for thick-banded men's rings, or to join a wedding band with an engagement ring.
Installing a Ring Size Adjuster is easy:
1) Place the ring size adjuster next to your ring. The ring size adjuster is shaped so that the outer edges turn upward to match the existing contour of the ring.
2) Put the ring size adjuster inside the ring, setting the little arms over the bottom of the ring band. Gently push down on the ring size adjuster so that it curves slightly and takes the same shape as the ring.
3) Tighten the ring size adjuster to the ring. You can do this with a regular pair of smooth jaw chain nose pliers or needle nose pliers. Smooth jaws are best as they won't leave nicks in the ring or the size adjuster as you install it. Pliers with serrated jaws are not recommended.
4) Use the pliers to clamp down on one of the arms of the ring size adjuster once it's wrapped around the ring. This will tighten the ring size adjuster so that it won't slip.
5) Repeat the process for the other side of the ring size adjuster.
6) Adjust the size of the ring by pushing up or down in the middle of the ring size adjuster to find the fit that is most comfortable for you.
Ring size adjusters can be purchased online from specialty retailers, or at your local jewelry store.
(c) 2010 QTE North America, Inc.
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