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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2017
    Posts
    9

    Default Thermal Expansion

    Hi there,

    A couple of years back I made some wedding rings in 18ct gold. At the time I didn't realise that the the guy worked a lot with his hands - mechanics etc... (in hindsight would have recommended different metal - sigh - silly me)
    So just a few backs the guys ring split. My thoughts were that I could repair, cut out split area and then solder onto thicker silver to strengthen and solder and resize. No problems soldering the gold onto the silver (so now completely sealed) but when trying to solder the seams together they move away from one another every time. After a bit of research I think this is probably due to the different rates of thermal expansion in the metal? I have tried binding with wire but not tight enough - but don't want to damage ring. I have read that I could have made two rings and fitted one inside the other but of course now I have soldered top to bottom that it seems a bit past that. Has anyone got any tips that might help with solving this? I am at a bit of a loss... Or is it a lost cause? (oh dear).

    Any thoughts would be appreciated.
    Thank you.
    Laurarara

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Central London
    Posts
    8,846

    Default

    Hi, Laura. this is a time when I can't really visualise where you have put the silver (or why silver?). It is unlikely that you will be able to undo it, so without a photograph to contradict me, I would say scrap the ring and make a new one.

    18 ct gold is much stronger and harder wearing than silver, but if he is a manual worker, a titanium or stainless steel ring might solve your problem. Dennis.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2017
    Posts
    9

    Default

    Hi Dennis,
    Thanks for the reply. The couple wanted the original ring repaired. It is 18ct white gold. I have put 0.9mm silver what would be the inside of the ring when soldered to strengthen, also thought the contrast would work well.. I've done the same with silver and copper but of course didn't have this issue. I'm afraid I don't work or have the capacity to work with steel or titanium so that's out for me I am afraid (plus the type of texturing on the ring which I don't think would be possible with titanium but that's kinda a side issue.)
    Any other thoughts?
    thanks again

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Central London
    Posts
    8,846

    Default

    Well then I suggest that you have one more go, using stronger binding wire as follows:

    Get some 0.45mm stainless steel binding wire such as Cookson 998 019B. Double a piece up and twist lightly so that it is two ply.

    Anneal by heating to dull red and air cool. Tie it across the ring, with two adjustment loops, one on each side. You will find that this can be tightened without breaking so easily.

    Also, heat the ring at some point remote from the join, which will tend to keep it together more. Hope this works for you. Dennis.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2017
    Posts
    9

    Default

    Thanks so much Dennis. Really appreciated. Will give it a try and let you know! x

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Posts
    2,067

    Default

    I still don't understand how silver will be a good idea when its softer than the gold?
    Titanium does work great as a wedding ring for men who work hard with their hands, my husbands is barely marked or worn after him wearing it for 11 years now.

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