When fusing high karat gold to Argentium, the secret is for the metals to be the same temperature. If the gold glows brighter, it means that it is hotter and can exceed the melting temperature of the Argentium. Either 18k or 22k are best to use. The 22k is best. The 18k can sometimes “bleed out” and cause a gold halo around it.
Ronda Coryell, Jewelers of America Certified Master Bench Jeweler & one of the world’s most well regarded expert on the use of Argentium
Ronda teaches and lectures both nationally and internationally and has taught in such places as Bali, Switzerland, Italy, Germany and England. Visit Ronda's website for more information.
Start by coating the surface of the Argentium with a thin layer of flux before adding the gold. I suggest diluting the flux up to 50% with water.
The gold wires are fused down along with the Argentium 0.5mm thick bezel at the same time. Pickle and wire brush with a soft brass brush to clean. Coat with thin layer of flux before adding the gold granules. The granules should have the tiniest amount of flux on them to get them to stick. All granules are fused at the same time. Pickle and wire brush to finish. Trim. Everything is fused and then the bail is soldered to the pendant before setting the Diamonds and Tourmalines.
Ronda Coryell is a Jewelers of America Certified Master Bench Jeweler and ... Read more.
Ronda Coryell has a variety of instructional videos on her YouTube channel.
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