[Jewelry making - Article 00013] - Re: [Orchid] How did you break into gold?

[Noel Yovovich]

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>     You just have to take the plunge, buy small amounts to start with,
>     use it judiciously, and see what happens. 

    I will jump in here and add three bits of advice: 

    Starting with 14k seems natural, but the low melting point makes it
    much more difficult to use (for me, anyway) than higher carat. Plus,
    it does not contrast very well with silver-- too pale. So I would
    say you'll actually spend less (less waste) if you start with 18k. 

    Second, it is vital to be aware that gold does not transmit heat
    like silver. The heat stays where you put it, and can build up and
    cause melting (see point number 1). It takes getting used to. Solder
    won't just flow all over the way it does on silver. 

    A good way to start getting a nice gold-silver contrast with maximum
    ease is to applique (solder) 22k/silver bimetal onto silver pieces.
    Great gold color, relatively little gold (cost), and the soldering
    is silver to silver. Reactive Metals sells it, plus I think some
    others. Downside is it wears off relatively quickly in high-abrasion
    areas like a ring. 

Noel
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