What is the purpose of a mandrel?

The purpose of a mandrel is to size a ring. A mandrel is a solid tool or form, typically made of metal, around which materials such as metal can be shaped or formed. In the context of jewelry making, when working with rings, a mandrel of a specific diameter is used to create rings of consistent size. Jewelers place the metal onto the mandrel and shape it to ensure that the finished ring fits the desired finger size accurately.

Using a mandrel is essential for achieving precision in ring sizes, which is crucial for comfort and wearability. It allows for a uniform shaping process that ensures all rings produced are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functionally effective. The other options, while related to metalworking, do not specifically describe the role of a mandrel in this context.