How to Braze Stone Jewelry

• 1
  Magnify your stone to look for elements which might result in a crack if heated.diamond image by sumos from Fotolia.com
  
  Examine your stone using some form of magnification. Look for cracks or inclusions. Be aware that any anomalies create an increased chance that the stone will be damaged by exposure to heat. Identify the stone and its hardness rating using Mohs' Scale of Mineral Hardness. Note that the harder the stone, the less it will be affected by the heat of your torch. Determine if you would rather remove the stone from its setting instead of taking the risk of heating it. (See reference 3)
  
  
• 2
  Holding a ring in your fingers while soldering is not for the beginner.ring image by Dron from Fotolia.com
  
  Decide which method of protecting your stone is right for your piece. Hold the piece with the stone in your fingers, if you are very experienced. Stop if your fingers are getting too hot, because your stone will be getting overheated too. Be aware that most commercial heat shielding gels are difficult to work with and don’t always work. Consider using the most successful technique of keeping your stone wet while soldering. (See reference 1)
  
  
• 3
  Water is the best shield against over-heating your stone.Water Flower image by S?¡®rgie from Fotolia.com
  
  Follow the method of Robert and Barbara Kaylor in Boise, Idaho who fill a crucible with shot, bury the stone part of the work in the shot, then fill the crucible with water, leaving the area to be soldered exposed. Consider the less successful method of placing your work on a soldering block and covering your stone tightly with a soaking wet paper towel. Be sure there are no air pockets within the towel. (See reference 1)
  
  
• 4
  Use the hottest torch possible.torchwork image by Jeffrey Sinnock from Fotolia.com
  
  Set up your soldering station as usual to braze the area in question. Use the hottest torch you can and be as fast as you can. Your goal is to melt the solder before the heat has time to get to your stone. Stop heating your work if you have not been successful within a few seconds. Re-hydrate your crucible or towel and start again. Remove your flame as soon as the solder melts.
  
  
• 5
  Clean your work with sandpaper and polishing compound, instead of chemicals.Diamond ring image by nata_rass from Fotolia.com
  
  Clean up your soldering station as usual, but do not quench the work with the stone in it or it may crack. Let your work come to room temperature on your soldering block. Do not clean your work with any chemical substance which might damage your stone. Clean your soldered join with fine grit sandpaper and finish the entire piece with rubbing compound on a soft cloth.