What Are Soldering Jewels?
Soldering is basically fixing big pieces of metal together with a lower-melting-point metal alloy called solder. Unlike welding in general use, the pieces are fused without melting the base material, so it has to be done at lower heat. This type of solder involves a meticulous degree of precision where the repairs stay strong and do not spoil the daintiness of the piece, ensuring your jewelry is in safe hands.
In addition to those, the soldering of gold, silver, or platinum requires skilled experience with specialized tools such that it:
- Maintains the integrity of precious metals
- Ensures seamless repairs, virtually undetectable
- Saves gemstones and delicate settings from damage.
Common jewelry repairs requiring soldering:
- Ring resizing and repair:
Gold wedding bands resizing or broken rings need a little soldering for fixing. Sizing should take place using matched solder to maintain the colour and purity of the metal, as stated by the GIA.
- Repairing broken chains and bracelets
Broken chains and bracelet links typically involve solder to join those fractured parts. It is a task performed by professional jewellers, who add matching solder to ensure a consistent appearance.
- Reinforcing stone settings
Prongs holding diamonds or other gemstones can weaken over time. Soldering reinforces these prongs, securing the stones. Improper techniques can damage heat-sensitive stones, such as emeralds and opals.
Why Choose Professional Soldering for Jewelry Repairs
Soldering is not a do-it-yourself job. If one makes a mistake in any of the ways, it might lead to:
Irrecoverable damage: Excessive heat can melt fine gold or weaken structural integrity.
Damage in some stones: Some gemstones cannot withstand very high heat. Diamonds can take the heat of soldering, but others, such as pearls and turquoise, need more special care or removal.
Professional techniques for soldering
As stated by Jewelers of America, soldering excellence will involve:
Temperature Control: Fine control by using heat keeps things from warping or melting.
Matching solder allays: There are several purities of gold solders (e.g. 10k, 14k, and 18k). Using solder selected against the original gold will reduce the visibility of seams or discoloured areas.
Heat protection for gemstones: Heat shields and several other thermal barriers involve either insulating materials or removing stones entirely.
