This blog covers 4 different ways to finish gold-filled chains. From basic to more complex, we’ll cover the tools you need, considerations, and offer how-tos.
In this blog we’ll cover four different ways to finish off gold-filled chain. We’ll cover the important things to keep in mind while working with gold-filled. We’ll also show you exactly how to do each method, from simple to more complex!
Gold-filled chain is manufactured in spools. Jewelry artists often prefer to custom make their own finished neck chains from these continuous lengths of chain. Custom finishing allows you to select the length you prefer and make chains as needed. Here we will cover how to finish chains securely with the most appropriate jewelry findings.
How to Use Crimp Ends to Make Gold-Filled Chain Jewelry
No Solder Method
Using crimp ends to finish gold-filled chains off is one of the easiest, and safest, ways to finish your chain! All you need are a pair of flat pliers and your crimp end findings. Just squeeze your crimp end around the chain and – voila! Make sure you check the inner diameter of your crimp end to ensure the chain will fit inside. Crimp ends are great for dainty chains when a jump ring won’t fit through the links.
Check out the video below to see exactly how to finish your chains with a crimp end!
Soldering Crimp Ends to Gold-filled Chain
You can also solder your crimp ends to your chain if you have a torch. Soldering with gold-filled is a more advanced technique, so be sure to read our blog all about soldering gold-filled if you’re new to soldering with this material. Soldering your crimp ends is a different look than crimping them, but no less secure! Consider plating the end of your chain after soldering. This will make sure that you have a layer of gold on the outside if you accidentally alloyed the layers together. Remember to use gold solder when soldering gold-filled. Match the karat of solder to your material. For example, 14k gold solder to 14k gold-filled chain and crimps.
For tips and tricks on soldering your crimp ends to chain, watch the video below! SHOP CRIMP ENDS >>>
How to Use Jump Rings to Make Gold-Filled Chain Jewelry
No Solder Method
If your chain links are large enough, a jump ring is a great way to finish your jewelry. Chains that are 1.2mm or wider usually have enough room to accommodate jump rings threaded through the end links. Look closely at chain measurements to be sure. Halstead provides full details on all the chains in inventory so you can see the outer width as well as link inner diameter measurements. Simply slide your jump ring through the last link of your chain and close securely. Hard tempered jump rings will stay firmly shut without bending or stretching during wear. From there – attach whatever clasp you prefer!
When selecting jump rings consider the visual balance of your design as well as utility. The jump ring loop on the opposite end of your finished chain from the clasp should be large enough to easily grab and connect for the user. However, you want it to be within a couple millimeters of the chain width for aesthetics.
Soldering Jump Rings to Gold-filled Chain
You can either solder or weld your jump ring shut for extra security. Or, some chains are too small to fit a jump ring through the end link so you must solder a jump ring onto the end of the last link instead. Just like soldering a crimp end, you want to be mindful of too much heat when soldering your jump ring closed. If you get it too hot you risk alloying, or melting, the layer of gold into the brass core. This area will tarnish faster and differently from the rest of your piece. You can always gold-plate the area after for color consistency and protection.
Watch the video below to learn how to solder a jump ring with gold-filled chain!
Welding Jump Rings to Gold-filled Chain
If you’re using a pulse-arc welder to close your jump ring, keep in mind that the weld will alloy the layers together. However, a welder can be a great choice, if you have one, because it will only alloy that tiny spot where the weld is. Any finishing technique with a torch risks melting a larger area.
Check out the video below to see the welder in action! SHOP GOLD-FILLED JUMP RINGS >>>
Although gold-filled is a trickier material to work with sometimes, there are a few ways we can finish off our chains that are beautiful and functional! From simpler methods like crimping a crimp end over your chain to more involved ways that include soldering, there’s a method that matches your skill and desired look. Head over to Halstead to shop gold-filled chain, clasps, and more!
