jewelry soldering

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

April 23, 2019

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.

March 26, 2019

Soldering Gold-Filled Jewelry

by Erica Stice

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. Soldering gold-filled is tricky and requires knowledge about the material before you attempt it.

Read how you can elevate your hand stamped jewelry with these five helpful tips. From settings, to pattern wire or 14kt charms, they are simple changes.

March 19, 2019

5 Ways to Elevate your Stamped Jewelry with New Techniques

by Erica Stice

Hand stamping jewelry is a great way to create a personalized collection. If you add soldering, or any of these techniques, to the mix you'll be able to elevate your collection easily!

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

March 12, 2019

Soldering Copper & Brass Metals in the Jewelry Studio

by Erica Stice

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.

February 19, 2019

How to Pick Solder in the Jewelry Studio

by Erica Stice

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.

February 19, 2019

Soldering Wire Embellishments to the Surface of your Jewelry Designs

by Erica Stice

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.

February 05, 2019

How to Sweat Solder 14kt Gold to Sterling Silver

by Erica Stice

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!

January 08, 2019

Types of Silver Solder Used in Jewelry

by Erica Stice

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?

Setting geodes and slabs can be challenging and fun. We've created a few pieces to show you how much fun these can be to set. Embrace the challenges they can bring.

August 28, 2018

How to Set Geodes & Slabs

by Erica Stice

Setting geodes and slabs can be challenging at times but this blog will cover the two basic settings to get you started. Both require basic soldering skills.

Want to learn how to set raw crystals into sterling silver findings? We take you through three separate settings, ranked simple to hardest, in this blog.

August 14, 2018

3 Ways to Set Raw Crystal Points using Sterling Silver Findings

by Erica Stice

Use gallery end caps and bead cones to create simple, striking drop earrings or challenge yourself with a center banded technique. The star of each piece is the raw crystal adorning each one.