How do segment rings work?
Segment rings can be tricky to open, especially large gauge segment rings. The segment portion of the ring has little “nubs” that fit into corresponding holes in the ring ends. Segment = male, ring ends = female. Segment rings are actually more difficult to open than captive bead rings because the ring must be opened a bit wider to allow the nubs to come out of the ring ends. You can see a photo of the segment ring parts here. To open a segment ring, use your fingers or ring opening pliers to gently open the ring just enough for the segment to come free. For larger gauge rings, you probably will not be able to do it without ring opening pliers. We recommend you go to your piercer because they have the tools (so you will not have to purchase them) and they are more experienced at doing it. They may even need to use ring closing pliers to tighten the ring back up a bit. But… the MOST IMPORTANT thing, whether you buy your own tools or have the piercer do it, is to NOT SCRATCH THE RING!
