Advanced Earring Post Soldering Techniques

Studio Coordinator Sylvie Alusitz gives you strategies for advanced earring post soldering. Whether your designs are irregularly shaped or you’re in production mode, follow along to make more involved post soldering a breeze.

by Erica Stice

5 Unisex Designs to Expand Your Jewelry Collection

Trying to find a way to bring in new clientele? Incorporate these 5 unisex designs into your existing jewelry line to expand your collection.

Have you ever had your solder just ball up and refuse to flow or not even ball up at all? Possibly your metal turned bright red, but that li

by Erica Stice

Top 5 Reasons Silver Solder Doesn't Flow

Solder not flowing? Find out the reasons why. Jewelry soldering can be frustrating at times, but with the right knowledge, you can quickly troubleshoot the problems.

Soldering gold-filled can be problematic. It requires knowledge and training. Read this article for how to solder gold-filled jewelry.

by Erica Stice

Working with Gold-Filled: Tips for Success & Troubleshooting -

We receive more questions about gold-filled items than any other products here at Halstead. We have addressed many material issues in past articles. But, this piece will focus on how to solder gold-filled jewelry items and the issues that may arise. We will also discuss other hot topics dealing with gold-filled items such as sanding, filing, and cleaning.

Learn the tips and tricks to soldering copper and brass! Understand the material, soldering challenges and a few technical problems that may occur.

by Erica Stice

Soldering Copper & Brass Metals in the Jewelry Studio

Copper and brass are fun materials to work with in the jewelry studio. They are beautiful in their own right and they are perfect for learning new techniques. But, soldering these metals raises unique issues in design and technical execution. Learn more from our studio coordinator, Erica Stice.

Learn to pick solder! This is one of the 3 standard techniques that every jeweler should know. This method protects fragile pieces when soldering.

by Erica Stice

How to Pick Solder in the Jewelry Studio

If you have a small piece or want a precise join without a lot of solder flowing, learn to pick solder. Pick soldering minimizes solder messes and heat on your jewelry piece to prevent melting disasters. Add this skill to your bench resume today.

Have fun adding wire embellishment to your jewelry making designs! By simply adding a swirl or organic shape, you've added a new element to your design.

by Erica Stice

Soldering Wire Embellishments to the Surface of your Jewelry Designs

Soldered wire accents allow you to create geometric designs with a line drawing feel. But, soldering thin wires onto sheet metal is a challenge. Our very own Studio Coordinator, Erica Stice, has some tips and a video.

Learn how to sweat solder! Raise the value of your sterling silver pieces by soldering on 14kt gold to really make your jewelry designs stand out.

by Erica Stice

How to Sweat Solder 14kt Gold to Sterling Silver

Use 14kt gold solder ornaments on sterling silver jewelry blanks to create unique mixed metal jewelry pieces. Erica Stice is breaking down the sweat soldering process so you can add this great technique to your jewelry making skills.

Learn about solder here. We cover the types of solder, soldering techniques, metal alloys in silver solder and more. This is a great reference guide!

by Erica Stice

Types of Silver Solder Used in Jewelry

Many jewelers remember falling in love with metalsmithing at their first torch soldering experience. That mercurial silver flash when solder starts to flow is magical. But, what is actually happening at that moment? What is the science behind soldering?

Learn about alternative stone setting methods for irregular shaped stones. We cover crystals, geodes, slabs, and more.

by Erica Stice

Alternative Stone Setting Techniques

Not all stones are perfectly calibrated. This blog covers alternative stone setting methods for crystals, geodes, and slabs. Use these techniques to create unique, one-of-a-kind jewelry.

Erica walks you through a variety of techniques to learn how to size a ring up or down, a great skill to have in your jewelry studio business.

by Erica Stice

How to Size a Ring in the Jewelry Studio

Having the skills to size rings can be very handy for your jewelry studio business, especially if you don't have the right size for a customer in stock. Learn sizing to capture more sales and offer superior service to your clients.

Learn how to solder pattern wire rings or stacking rings made from half round wire stock. Use basic soldering & forming techniques for rings you will love.

by Erica Stice

Soldering Half Round Wire & Pattern Wire for Rings

We love to make silver rings in the Halstead Studio. These simple stackers are a low price-point crowd pleaser. If you're preparing for a show, a holiday is around the corner or you just want to bulk up inventory, ring bands can be a great addition to your collection.

Learn how to make a hinge in your jewelry designs. This essential mechanism will allow you to tackle lockets, boxes, poison rings and more!

by Erica Stice

How To Make A Hinge For Jewelry

Inspired by the 2018 Halstead Design Challenge, learn how to make a basic knuckle hinge in your jewelry designs using tubing, sheet and wire.

Learn tips for chain finishing to make necklaces or other jewelry from bulk footage chain lengths. See how to solder chains for secure clasp connections.

by Erica Stice

Tips for Chain End Finishing

Find instructions and tips on finishing footage chain! Large and small chain links are covered including different chain styles and finishing techniques.

Erica Stice explores ways to embellish finger ring bands in this inspirational article that explores techniques for ring making.

by Erica Stice

4 Ideas for Embellishing Ring Bands

Get creative in your jewelry studio! These four rings were made in a day using silver bands and stacking rings combined with pattern sheet, links, rivets and other fun findings!

Need a new jewelry soldering station? Read Erica's article to learn how to choose the right soldering fuel and torch tips for your home studio.

by Erica Stice

Solders, Torches & Fuels Used in a Jewelry Studio

Picking a fuel type for your jewelry studio can be an arduous research session. We've narrowed it down with the pros and cons for each type, with additional information on torch tips included - updated February 2019.

Halstead Jewelry Studio Coordinator Erica Stice lists her recommendations for the most essential tools to get for your new jewelry studio space.

by Erica Stice

Essential Tools for Your New Jewelry Studio

Build your studio bench with Erica's top picks of essential tools for metalsmiths.

Firescale naturally occurs while soldering silver. Learn about the pickling process to remove firescale from your silver jewelry pieces.

by Erica Stice

Jewelry Soldering 101: Firescale & Pickling

Firescale naturally occurs during the soldering process. Read on to learn what firescale is and how to pickle it off your jewelry.

Halstead Jewelry Articles tagged with jewelry soldering