[Jewelry making - Article 00051] - Re: [Orchid] Hard solder to a diamond

[David L. Huffman]

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Hello Ian;

    I don't know your skill level with repairs of this sort, so I'll err
    on the safe side . . . forgive me if it seems patronizing in tone. You
    shouldn't have any problems with the diamonds as long as you abide
    by four conditions. 

    1. make sure the diamonds a clean and covered with a boric
    acid/alcohol mixture. 

    2. never heat them to a visible red color.  It won't hurt them to
    momentarily get red hot, but if they do, the longer they stay that
    way, the greater the risk of burning the surface of the diamond. 

    3. allow them to come up to temperature somewhat gradually, and let
    them air cool, never quench them. 

    4. if the diamonds are heavily included or fractured, the risk is
    considerably greater that they'll be damaged by heating.  This,
    unfortunately, is a judgement call.  Let's just say, if it's easy to
    see inclusions with the naked eye, it's risky. A few small black
    flecks shouldn't be a problem, a white feather might be cause for
    concern. 

    Now, your greater problem is previous solder seams.  It might be
    advisable to use a relatively low temperature hard solder, such as
    easy or extra easy. And while you're at it, just to prevent problems
    of old solder flowing into areas that you'd rather it didn't, you
    might use yellow orchre or water based white out (typewriter
    correction fluid), or even rouge dissolved in water, to paint the old
    solder seams before you do any work.  Take care, if you are applying
    liquid flux while the article is warmed, not to splash it on the
    diamonds and thereby shock them.  Best of luck. 

David L. Huffman

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