Let me set the stage.... I had just finished my pendant. Final sanding, polishing and patina. As I sat there contemplating the next step, which originally had been a wire wrapped beaded link chain. And I realized that I did NOT want to do that. It was not the right way to finish this necklace. I wanted to make a handmade paper clip chain for it instead.
Instructions
What was I going to do? I've already added patina to the pendant!!!! I tried several different bail options, but the soldering was still going to be the issue. I couldn't change the bail I already had, a jump ring, with a bail and solder it, so close to the pendant
I then remembered that I had soldering grain and a casting bowl.
So, I buried the chain and pendant in the bottom of the bowl upside down, under the soldering grain, with the new jump ring sticking up out of the grain.
I used a small, hot flame (Smith Acetylene/Air torch with 0 tip), easy solder and lots of flux. I kept the flame on top of the ring, moving down to "kiss" the jump ring to heat it enough to flow the solder. IT WORKED!!!! I was so happy. I was imagining all of the things that could go wrong.
As you can see from Photo 5, it did not even affect the patina I had on the pendant. Please be careful in attempting this technique. Especially if you have the pendant set like I did. I believe it worked out for me because the stone was elevated, it was facing down in the soldering grain and I did not attempt to heat the whole bowl, just the jump ring. This is a very risky operation and should be thought about twice before proceeding and accepting the consequences if something goes wrong but also... nothing ventured, nothing gained. We learn from trying and failing.
Materials
19 Gauge Round Half Hard 14/20 Gold Filled Wire
H4-19H
Lesson Quantity: 3.00 feet
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 5FT
Price: $41.73
Gold Club Price: $31.29
Add to Bag
Add All Items to Cart
Tools
Silver Solder Paste Medium SS70 - 1/4 T.O.
SOL-822.15
SOL-822.15
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $18.95
Gold Club Price: $14.21
Add to Bag
Single 3rd Hand with Tweezer and Base
HOL-165.00
HOL-165.00
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $18.97
Gold Club Price: $14.23
Add to Bag
Add All Items to Cart
Supply Detail
loading...
Change Metal:
This Tip requires:
Purchase quantity:
Price: $
Gold Club Price: $
I am a self-taught jewelry designer, having started making jewelry almost 15 years ago. I love exploring new techniques, to incorporate them into my designs. I live in Vancouver, Washington. You can find me on Facebook at Queene Bead Design. My is email: queenebead@q.com. My Etsy shop is: QueeneBead.