DIY Gold Melting
Many jewelers and crafters obtain scrap gold from customers and dealers who no longer wear the jewelry. This gold is often melted by the jeweler and used to create beautiful jewelry pieces or other golden creations such as coins. You can melt small gold items such as rings or bracelets and jewelry you no longer find yourself wearing or has gone out of style. The process is relatively simple and requires a few common household tools. Once melted, the gold can be poured into a mold, where it will harden to form new jewelry.
Things You'll Need
- Clay crucible
- Goggles
- Heat-resistant gloves
- Gold
- Boric acid
- Acetylene torch
Instructions
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1
Place the gold in a clay crucible container. Put on protective goggles and heat-resistant gloves for protection.
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2
Apply a small pinch of boric acid on the gold in the crucible. Turn on the torch.
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3
Bring the torch over the gold slowly by passing the flame back and forth. This will prevent the container and gold from heating up too quickly. Repeat the procedure while getting closer to the gold slowly. The surface will begin to become shiny.
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4
Apply another pinch of boric acid on the gold and keep passing the flame over the gold until it is completely melted.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Once the gold has been melted, you will have to work quickly to pour the gold in a mold, if you are molding the gold. If not, simply remove the gold from the heat and allow it to cool.
Ensure to wear the goggles and heat resistant gloves when working to avoid potential hazards.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
