Pitted gold

[song]

I had a ring resized and the mark where they added gold is a pitted line. I didn't worry about it at the time, but my son looked at it the other day and felt that it could split in two because it was so badly done. I seem to recall something I read about pitting and that it occurs because the gold is not melted at a high enough heat. Is this true? Is my ring at risk? ~song

 

[Colored Gemstone Nut]

Hi Song:

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It sounds as if there might be a problem with the workmanship in your ring. A couple common problems in workmanship can include an incomplete solder seam, cold solder joint,a visible solder seam, or pits in the solder seam.

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Incomplete solder Seam

This partially visible line results from uneven heating. It did not get hot enough for the solder to flow uniformly across the solder joint, which, besides being aesthetically unpleasant, will be weak and may break open over time which may be the case in your ring.

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Cold Solder Joint

A cold solder joint results from an error in workmanship. It occurs when the ring is not heated enough to "accept" the solder properly; instead, the solder flows only around the outside of the shank. A cold solder joint appears to be complete when worn but, as shown in the picture I attached, will break open through normal wear.

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Visible Solder Seams
After the ring has been soldered together and finished, a visible solder seam results from errors in workmanship because of poor alignment, ineffective soldering or other factors. Visible solder seams may signify the shank has the potential to break.

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Pits in Solder Seams
Visible pits in the seam result from an error in workmanship occurring when the solder joint area is overheated; the result may be a seam that breaks open.

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When workmanship is done a jeweler should have some concrete rules which outline quality control with the medium he/she is working with. Experience or lack thereof is usually defined by the quality of the job being done..Ultimately in your case customer satisfaction. I would take the ring back and get the problem repaired. The improper workmanship could lead to further damage and splitting….

Hope this Helps..

 

[song]

Thanks so much for the information! This is the answer I suspected I would receive. Great advice. ~song

 

[Colored Gemstone Nut]

Hey Song,




Glad to help!




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