What is a Ring Mandrel? Which One Should I Buy?

Mandrels are cylindrical tools used to round out wire and metal. Mandrels can be made of wood or aluminum and steel.

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HomeLearning CenterJewelry and LapidaryWhat is a Ring Mandrel? Which One Should I Buy?

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By Megan Coward, Graduate Jeweler Gemologist, GIA, Graduate Gemologist
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Marked Ring Mandrel

Mandrels are cylindrical tools used to round out wire and metal. Mandrels can be made of wood or aluminum and steel and come in a variety of lengths and widths.

  • A ring mandrel can have grooved ring sizes marked on it to assist with sizing rings. Gesswein has extremely well-made, marked mandrels.
  • An unmarked ring mandrel is a good choice if you want the mandrel to assist with shaping wires for earrings or bending metal for rings. Keep the marked mandrel simply for sizing rings. Amazon has a nice collection of marked and unmarked ring mandrels.
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Unmarked Ring Mandrel
  • A bracelet mandrel is shorter and usually oval-shaped to assist with the shaping of bracelets. Amazon and Gesswein have oval-shaped bracelet mandrels on their website.
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Oval Bracelet Mandrel

Ring Mandrel Recommendations

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Megan Coward, Graduate Jeweler Gemologist, GIA, Graduate Gemologist

Megan Coward is a graduate of the GIA with Graduate Jeweler Gemologist and Graduate Gemologist accreditations. She has 20+ years in the retail jewelry industry in various roles including as a diamond buyer and gemstone appraiser.

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