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Step 1
Check to be sure the piece is clean. Solder will not flow if the metal is oxidized.
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Step 2
Flux the seam.
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Step 3
Make sure the seam is completely flush. Solder will not fill a gap at the seam.
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Step 4
Heat the whole piece until it comes up to temperature, not just the area you want soldered. Move your torch over the entire piece of art jewelry so that the piece heats up evenly. Once the piece has begun to glow, you can then concentrate your heat on the seam you want to solder. Remember that solder will follow heat, so use your torch to draw the solder into the spots you want it to flow.
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Step 5
Are you using a third hand? If you position the jewelry so you can use gravity to hold the seam in place you will not have to use a third hand or other tool that might cause a heat sink problem. In the alternative, consider using binding wire, rather than a large tool to hold the seam in place until it is soldered.
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Step 6
Do not get frustrated. If the solder is not flowing, take a deep breath. Evaluate each of these steps and try again.
