Combining handmade lampwork beads and sterling silver

Hi all, hope you are all having a good weekend. I would like to make a 2mm round sterling silver bangle, with a gorgeous handmade lampwork bead threaded on it. The hole has been made big enough to take the bends of the bangle and move freely around it. My question is, what is the best heat resistant gel to use, to stop the bead from cracking (or worse!) when I solder the bangle?

I either bury the bead in wet sand, or soak cotton wool in cold water and wrap it round the bead. I also put a couple of clamps on the bangle to act as a heat sink nearer the joint.

I do lots of these, an haven't lost one yet!

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Originally Posted by mizgeorge

I also put a couple of clamps on the bangle to act as a heat sink nearer the joint.

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Thanks for the great tips George. Would a third hand be an ok heat sink to use?

works fine Jules - as does a pair of ordinary cross lock tweezers

Thanks for that G.