Resizing question

[echelon6]

Hi

A question re platinum rings: after increasing the ring size, is it possible at all to achieve this through welding and not through solder? Can the jeweler simply cast the missing section in platinum and weld it into the gap?

I''m asking because I may need my jeweler to increase my ring''s size, but I don''t want solder to be used (since it leaves a slight discoloration mark and I will notice it).

Also as a side question, what is plat solder made of exactly? I really don''t want one section of my ring to be made of a different alloy than the rest of the ring... it will bug me to no end.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

It is highly unlikely you will ever see the join, solder or fused.

Dont make a craftsperson fuse if they are not comfortable doing it.

Many platinum solders have a small amount of lower melting point similar colored metals.

 

[echelon6]

Date: 8/30/2007 2:34:59 AM
Author: Garry H (Cut Nut)
It is highly unlikely you will ever see the join, solder or fused.


Dont make a craftsperson fuse if they are not comfortable doing it.


Many platinum solders have a small amount of lower melting point similar colored metals.

But is it possible to fuse/weld when increasing ring size?

 

[Love in Bloom]

I completely understand your hesitations echelon6. My old platinum ering setting was sized up (from a 6.75 to a 7.5) by an inexperienced and/or careless jeweler who used the wrong solder for platinum, resulting in black bands at the joints. The joints began to crack too, I think because the jeweler didn''t heat the joints to the right temperature to completely fuse the metal.

My suggestion to you is to find a jeweler who has a laser welder on site. I had my ring fixed at a jewelry store that has a laser welder and I cannot even see where the ring was fixed. Looks completely smooth to me and I cannot see any variation in color even under a microscope (I work in a biology lab and I love to look at everything under the scope

! ) I think if you can find a laser, you will save yourself a lot of heartache and trouble!

 

[denverappraiser]

Yes. The inserted piece usually is made out of bar stock instead of being cast but the effect is the same. The jeweler can cut it open, insert a piece and then weld the two joints. I agree that a laser is the best way to do this particular job but it is possible to weld platinum using a torch although it can''t be done with every piece. Garry’s right though, this takes a bit of practice and you don’t want to be the first one they’ve done. Simply ask them your question and any jeweler who has practiced the techniques will both fully understand the question and be thrilled to answer because it gives them the opportunity to show off their stuff.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver

 

[echelon6]

Date: 8/30/2007 9:29:07 AM
Author: denverappraiser
Yes. The inserted piece usually is made out of bar stock instead of being cast but the effect is the same. The jeweler can cut it open, insert a piece and then weld the two joints. I agree that a laser is the best way to do this particular job but it is possible to weld platinum using a torch although it can''t be done with every piece. Garry’s right though, this takes a bit of practice and you don’t want to be the first one they’ve done. Simply ask them your question and any jeweler who has practiced the techniques will both fully understand the question and be thrilled to answer because it gives them the opportunity to show off their stuff.


Neil Beaty

GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA

Professional Appraisals in Denver

Thanks Neil thats a relief

One more question: would laser welding only result in welding the surfaces together? (i.e. underneath the top layer of the welded section, its not actually welded?) Because just thinking logically, a laser would apply highly localised heat only to the surface, correct? Might this lead to structural problems?

 

[denverappraiser]

To weld a seem like this with a laser you start with a slightly wedge shaped gap in the metal so that the laser can shine all the way to the far side of the weld. You then use platinum wire of the right alloy to progressively fill the space until it’s flush to the surface.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ICGA(AGS) NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver