Just put a wire around the inside edge. It does not have to be soldered . Dennis.
Thanks Dennis - I assume silver wire would be okay?
That's an ethical question, really, because no one will know unless the stone is taken out or falls out in the future. But as it will increase the apparent weight of gold used, it is also between you and your conscience. Gold wire for this would be quite inexpensive.
I have to say, that I was surprised many years ago, when I took a large stone out of a silver ring made by a famous international jeweller, that the padding used to raise the stone was newsprint.
As for your question to Lydia, use the highest melting solder you are comfortable with, for both soldering operations to the bezel, to give you freedom to use an easier solder later. Dennis.
Last edited by Dennis; 09-04-2016 at 02:57 PM.
Hi Dennis,
Well this is a commission for a friend so I shall ask her whether she has a preference on wire - or indeed for newsprint
The ring shank is going to be open so I was planning to solder the gold bezel with 18ct easy gold solder and then use easy silver solder to solder the bezel to the ring - does that sound reasonable?
Birgitte
Well, Birgitte, I always think, Friend or not, that it's a a shame to do less than your best. Using silver solder will detract from the value and its hall marking potential.
If you want to save money, buy 10 or 15mm of hard, or medium 18ct solder wire for the bezel. it will hardly break the bank.
I expect you know that buying gold solder as wire is the least painful way. Dennis.
Sorry Birgitte, I lost track of the story there.
If the shank and base are silver, yes connect the ends of the bezel strip with gold solder and then solder it onto the base with silver solder, placed on the inside so that it cannot spoil the gold that shows.
Also, Obviously silver wire to support the stone will be OK.
I apologise for mixing you up . Dennis.
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