Solder for jewellery making is a small piece of alloyed metal that melts and fuses jewellery. It is generally made of silver (or gold), copper and zinc. This technique uses heat and is preferred by metalsmiths because it does not break the flow of the piece and forms clean lines when cooled. Jewellery articles made of sterling silver, brass and bronze generally use this method of joining.

If you are wondering, ‘how to solder jewellery?’, we’ve good news! In this article, we’ll walk you through the principles behind soldering, its types and the forms available. Learn how to solder jewellery for beginners and the tools used for this process.

Let’s get soldering!

The Science Behind Soldering

We know that solder is a metal alloy that liquifies at moderate temperatures, creating a permanent bond between pieces. An important factor to note is that the alloy used must melt and flow at a temperature lower than the melting point of the jewellery components. Only then will the metal pieces hold their form when the joints are being soldered.

A deep dive into the science behind- when the solder melts, the atoms start to flow, much like in water. It flows through the cracks present in the jewel and, as it cools, solidifies and fuses with the metal.

Types of Jewellery Solder

Most jewellery pieces are intricate with multiple joints. This poses a problem because an already set solder might melt if another joint is being soldered. Using solders with different melting points solves this issue.

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The different types of silver solder are listed below. Please note that the higher the percentage of silver in the solder, the higher its melting point.

Easy Solder

This solder has the lowest melting point at 618℃. For reference, pure silver melts at 961℃, and pure gold melts at 1064℃. Not many jewellers use this solder as it is extremely difficult to handle.

It is perfect for repairs and ideal for joining thin, delicate pieces of jewellery.

Soft Solder

Soft solder melts at a temperature of 671℃ and goes last in multi-joined jewellery pieces. It is utilised in rectifying mistakes as it flows easily. Rings are generally made with soft solder as they may be resized frequently.

Creating decorative soldering like raised droplets is easy with soft solder. It is also used in making ear wires, hooks, clasps and so on.

Medium Solder

With a melting and flowing temperature of 691℃, medium solder is used after the hard solder in articles with two joints. This way, the hard solder does not melt when another joint is being soldered.

Sometimes, medium solders may be mixed with cadmium, which may give off poisonous fumes when melted. Avoid such alloys and use only those with silver, copper and zinc.

Hard Solder

Many consider this the best solder for jewellery making. It melts at a temperature of 741℃ and is closest to silver in terms of colour. It is the first choice of most silversmiths and is used when crafting a piece from scratch.

Another advantage is that you can solder multiple times without melting the joints.

All you need is a really good clean-up after the soldering process, and you are good to go!

Forms of Solder

Commercially available solder comes in multiple forms. You can choose the best one according to your needs, the jewellery piece and the soldering gear you have.

Sheet Solder

Ideal for big necklaces and waist belts, sheet solder is used to fuse large areas easily. It works best on flat surfaces.

Sheets melt and flow quickly; thus, one needs to have experience before using this type of solder.

Wire Solder

If you ask a metalsmith ‘What is the best solder to use for jewellery?’, his answer is bound to be wire solder. They are extremely versatile and can be clipped, flattened, melted and even used as is!

They also melt uniformly, making them perfect for beginners.

Chip Solder

These are pre-cut or chipped pieces of solder alloys that are easy to handle. They are great on chain links, jump links and other small joints.

The best part is that you can always add more chips when you need extra solder.

Paste Solder

Available in a syringe, a paste solder is a mixture of flux, binder and powdered solder. On the one hand, it has a limited shelf life, but on the other, it is extremely convenient as you don’t need to apply flux separately.

It is used in filigree art in hand jewellery making.

Can You Solder Jewellery At Home? Tips and Tricks

Soldering jewellery at home is possible if you follow these steps carefully:

• The first step in any ‘how to solder jewellery at home’ blog is to clean the metal.
• Flush the ends and make them smooth.
• Work in a well-ventilated area and wear fire-retardant clothes.
• Place the components on a soldering block and begin heating the joint gently.
• Add the solder and watch it melt.
• Use insulated tweezers to move it around. Apply heat evenly till the solder starts flowing. Once it’s done, dip it in cold water to stop the process!

Tools Used For Soldering Jewellery

Now that you know how to make soldered jewellery, let’s look at some tools required for this process.

• Soldering machine for jewellery
• A butane torch for melting the solder.
• Solder picks. Jewellery tweezers.
• Flux to keep the metal clean while soldering.
• Soldering board.

Final Words

We hope that this guide helped you understand the basics of solder for jewellery making.

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