Silversmithing

	The first question the amateur silversmith must ask is "is my article hallmarked or is it to be?"
	"Yes" to either means you must use a hallmarking grade of silver solder if you are not to devalue your articles

Not Hallmarking?
In this case, any silver solder can be used to produce silver jewellery. The normal requirements of the solder for the beginner or amateur are ease of use and colour match.
The two simplest alloys to use are 842 and 456. They have low melting points and will produce joints with a small neat fillet. 842 contains 42% silver and has a reasonable colour match but 456 with 56% silver is better.
842 is available as wire at 0.5 and 0.7mm dia in 1 metre lengths
456 is available as wire 0.8mm dia in 1 metre lengths

Mounting glass or gem stones?
We have seen considerable interest from new customers wishing to mount glass or gem stones into silver. This involves creating a copper frame around the glass which is then soldered into the silver. The main problem is one of aesthetics - i.e. using a solder that matches the colour of the silver. Such jewellery is not usually required to be hallmarked so it matters not which solder is used.

Use our 2207.
It is a white silver tin alloy. It looks like silver.
It melts at 205 deg C easily achieved with a soldering iron
There is no risk of damaging the glass or stone.
For convenience, it has a flux core.
It is also lead free - so no harmful effects
It is available as wire 1.5 and 1.0mm dia in 1 metre lengths

The amateur silversmith can find further information on silver soldering and how to make good strong joints by looking at the Silver Soldering Tips on the home page.

Hallmarking?
If the manufactured item is to be subsequently hallmarked then the solder used must contain a minimum of 67% silver. CuP Alloys (Modelling) introduce the 467 range of silver solder in small quantity packs and flux for silversmithing.

467 is available in four grades, Extra Easy, Easy, Medium and Hard. They are all supplied in wire form and in any size from 2.0 down to 0.3mm dia. The use of wire is far easier than snipping off small pieces of foil/strip.

Control how much you apply by holding it in a pin vice.
The pin vice also stops the wire blowing about in the draught from your torch = greater precision.
It makes it easier to handle and keeps your fingers away from the heat!

These alloys contain a minimum of 67% silver and are suitable for work that is to be subsequently hall marked. They offer excellent colour match on sterling or standard silver.

467 Extra Easy - 68% silver Melting Range 670 - 710° C

467 Easy - 67% silver Melting Range 700 - 720° C

467 Medium - 74% silver Melting Range 725 - 765° C

467 Hard - 67% silver Melting Range 750 - 780° C

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