How to Solder Jewelry Jump Rings

Soldering is an important skill to learn if you make jewelery or would like to. One of the first things to learn to solder is jewelry jump rings. Jump rings are used for many purposes, such as making clasps, attaching charms and pendants, or making earrings. When you solder them closed, you make the piece of jewelry stronger and less likely to break apart. Once you learn to solder jump rings you will be ready to move on to larger soldering projects.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Jump rings
• Soldering block
• Solder paste
• Soldering torch
• Pickle solution
• Water and baking soda

1. Twist the jump ring closed, making sure the edges sit flush against each other. Solder cannot bridge gaps in the ring, only flow between them, so close the ring as tightly as possible.

2. Place enough solder paste on the jump ring to cover both sides of the joint. Keep the paste the same thickness as the wire. Place the jump ring on the soldering block.

3. Light your torch and apply the flame so that the area to be soldered is heated evenly. Continue applying the flame until the solder flows into the joint. Continue applying heat until the solder flows through to the other side of the jump ring. Allow the jump ring to cool.

4. Place the jump ring into the pickle solution to remove any oxidation and soldering residue. Remove from the pickle solution and place in water with 2 tbsp. of baking soda mixed in. This will neutralize the pickle solution. Dry the jump ring completely.

Tips & Warnings

• Use an old crock pot to hold your pickle solution. If you are soldering several jump rings, slide them on a wire before dipping them into the pickle solution so they will be easy to retrieve.
• Wear safety glasses when soldering. Do not touch the jump rings until they have cooled.

Resources

• Soldering Guide has advice to help you futher develop your soldering skill.