Previously I posted a blog about mastering basic soldering, you can find that one here:

https://www.barlowsgems.net/cabochon-blog/mastering-the-basics-of-soldering-for-jewelers/

A few months ago, we talked about troubleshooting common problems in soldering, find that one here:

https://www.barlowsgems.net/stones-and-jewelry-blog/troubleshooting-soldering-problems-/

And recently I also wrote about Soldering to Sheet Metal and you can find that here:

https://www.barlowsgems.net/stones-and-jewelry-blog/soldering-to-sheet-metal/

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In my final soldering blog, we will explore some techniques and tips for various other types of common soldering when making jewelry:

As a reminder, in all soldering the most important thing to consider is fit. The two items should sit flush with little or no gaps. This is usually accomplished by filing the pieces. It is very important to make sure that your metal items and solder are clean, and that your flux is uncontaminated. See the troubleshooting blog on how to do this, as well as to see tips on heat and torch tips.

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When soldering ring bands, if the ring is made from lightweight material, place the solder between the two edges and use tweezers to keep pressure on the joint will soldering. With heavier rings, it is best to close the ring, then pry it open just enough to insert solder between the edges.

When soldering the ring band to the stone mount, first finish the band and the stone mount to the polishing stage. Place the stone mount in position on the ring band and secure in place with binding wire. Apply flux to the seams and using tweezers, place small bits of solder along the inside of the seam of the mounting and the ring band. Apply heat until the solder flows. You can remove excess metal under the stone mount with a grinding burr and a small drill.

It is best to do any soldering without the stone in place, especially if you aren’t sure what treatments or flaws the stone has. However, if you decide to solder a bezel or ring mount with the stone already inserted, it is very important to make sure the stone doesn’t get hot, as heat can cause cracking, color change, etc. You can wrap a wet tissue around the stone and secure with binding wire. Make sure you do not get flux on the stone. Flux the joint and apply solder, and heat the piece until the solder flows. Remove the wet tissue and always allow the piece to cool before putting into the acid. Keep in mind-some stones may not be able to be put into acid! There are also commercial materials that you can apply to the stone to protect it.

If you are soldering a tube to a tube, make sure the joint is flush, grind or file the ends to achieve this. Bind the 2 pieces together with binding wire. Flux and solder.

If you are soldering two pieces of wire, melt a small piece of solder to the end of one piece, reflux the piece and flux the spot on the other wire where you intend to join them. Hold steady and apply heat in the corner of the joint until the solder flows.

And finally, if you want to solder a metal disc to the end of a tube, flux the disc and end of the tube. With tweezers, carefully apply bits of solder to the edge of the tube and place the disc on top of the solder. If the tube and disc are a smaller diameter you can use a soldering pick to steady them. Larger pieces can be secured with binding wire. Or can place the metal disc on a charcoal block and place the tube end on it, flux the seam and apply bits of solder to the seam, then heat until the solder flows.

Thank you for reading!