Frequently Asked Questions
About Classes
What experience do I need?
No experience is necessary for our Beginning Silversmithing class. We teach you everything from scratch.
What will I make in class?
In the Beginning class, you will create a contemporary or southwestern styled pendant and possibly a pair of earrings if time permits.
What’s included in the class fee?
Your class includes all the supplies needed to complete your first jewelry project including: a cabochon stone, sterling silver wire, fine silver sheet, embellishment findings, and tools to use in class.
Is there an additional materials fee?
Yes, there will be a materials kit fee of $42.00 to $90.00 collected at class, depending on the Silver Spot price and the Pendant design selected.
How long are the classes?
The Beginning Silversmithing class is 12 hours over 2 consecutive days. Class size is limited to 5 students.
Where are classes held?
Classes are held at our studio on Saunders Lake in North Bend, Oregon, and occasionally in Henderson, Nevada (near Las Vegas).
About Retreats
What’s included in the retreat?
The retreat cost includes local transportation, food and housing. Local overnight accommodations will be at The Itty Bitty Inn in North Bend, Oregon or a local Air B&B. Continental Breakfast and soup or sandwich lunch and a catered dinner will be provided.
What airport should I fly into?
The Airport to fly into is the South Coast Regional Airport North Bend, Oregon. The code is OTH (NOT BEND OREGON). We will shuttle as necessary. If you would like to see more of Oregon while you are here, we suggest flying into Eugene, Oregon and rent a car. The airport code is EUG.
Terms and Conditions
For more information, please contact us.
General Questions about the Art Form
Making Silver Soldered Jewelry
What is silver soldering in jewelry making?
Silver soldering (also called hard soldering) is the technique used to permanently join pieces of silver using a lower-melting silver alloy (solder) and a torch. The solder flows into the joint by capillary action, creating a strong bond. It is the standard method for creating rings, pendants, earrings, and other sterling or fine silver jewelry.
What are the different types of silver solder?
Silver solder comes in grades based on melting temperature: Hard (highest temperature), Medium, and Easy (lowest temperature, used for final joins). Some suppliers also offer Extra Easy.
What basic tools do I need to get started?
Safety Equipment
- Safety glasses or goggles
- Well-ventilated workspace or fume extractor
- Fire extinguisher nearby
- Protective apron or old clothes
- Copper tongs (for pickle)
Torch & Heat Source
- Butane torch (for small pieces) or jeweler’s torch (propane/oxygen)
- Extra fuel canisters
- Soldering block or charcoal block
- Third hand or tweezers to hold pieces
Solder & Flux
- Hard, Medium, and Easy silver solder
- Flux (Prips Flux)
- Solder pick or fine tweezers
Pickling & Cleaning
- Pickle solution (citric acid or Sodium Bisulfate Dry Acid Pickle + small container
- Baking soda (to neutralize pickle)
- Soft brush or old toothbrush
- Water for rinsing
Hand Tools
- Needle files and half-round files
- Sandpaper (various grits) or emery sticks
- Flush cutters and chain nose pliers
- Steel wool or polishing cloths
Finishing (Optional but Recommended)
- Rotary tumbler with stainless steel shot (for shine)
- Buffing wheel and polishing compounds (optional)
- Ultrasonic cleaner (optional)
Things you probably have
- Needle-nose pliers and wire cutters
- Assorted sandpaper or emery cloth (various grits)
- Tweezers (cosmetic or precision type)
- Small glass jars or plastic containers
- Mason Jar for cols pickle
- Baking soda (for neutralizing pickle)
- Fire extinguisher
- Ventilation fan or well-ventilated workspace
- Old clothes, apron, or protective layer
- Soft brush or old toothbrush
- Steel wool or fine polishing pads
These common household items can help you get started right away. Dedicated jewelry tools make the process easier and safer as you advance.
Start with the basics (torch, flux, solder, pickle, files, and safety gear) and add tools as you progress.
How do I prepare silver pieces for soldering?
Cleanliness is critical. Remove all oils, fingerprints, and oxides by scrubbing with soap, degreasing with alcohol, and sanding or pickling to bright metal. Fit the joint as tightly as possible—solder will not fill large gaps. Flux the joint area generously right before heating.
What is flux and why is it necessary?
Flux prevents oxidation (firescale) while the metal is hot and helps the solder flow smoothly. Apply it to the joint and solder pieces.
How do I apply solder and heat the joint?
Cut solder into tiny pallions (chips) or use wire/paste. Place them on the fluxed joint. Heat the entire piece evenly with a soft, bushy flame until the metal glows dull red—the solder will suddenly flow into the seam. Heat the metal, not the solder directly. Quench or air-cool, then pickle.
What kind of torch should I use?
A small handheld butane torch works for tiny & small pieces and beginners. For larger or thicker silver, a propane/oxygen or acetylene torch gives better control and heat. A soldering iron is not hot enough for silver solder. (Not a culinary torch)
Why won’t my solder flow? Common troubleshooting tips
Top reasons: dirty metal, insufficient or expired flux, poor joint fit, not heating the whole piece evenly, or heating the solder instead of the metal. Clean thoroughly, use fresh flux, ensure tight contact, and keep the flame moving around the joint until the metal reaches the right temperature.
What is pickling and when do I use it?
Pickling is an acid bath (Dry Acid Pickle or citric acid) that removes firescale and flux residue after soldering. Place the piece in the pickle for a few minutes (use copper tongs), then rinse thoroughly and neutralize with baking soda water. It leaves the silver clean and bright.
How do I clean and finish soldered jewelry?
After pickling, rinse well, file or sand away excess solder, then progress through sandpaper grits. Tumble in a rotary tumbler with stainless shot for a professional finish, or hand-polish with compounds. For a high shine, use a buffing wheel.
What safety precautions should I take?
Work in a well-ventilated area (flux and pickle fumes are irritating). Wear safety glasses, tie back hair, avoid loose clothing or synthetics, keep a fire extinguisher nearby, and never leave the torch unattended. Use proper tongs for hot metal and pickle.
Can I solder sterling silver? What about firescale?
Yes—sterling silver (92.5% silver) is the most common metal for soldering. It develops firescale (dark oxidation) due to the copper content. Generous flux, prompt pickling, and sometimes a boric acid/alcohol coating help minimize it. Fine silver (99.9%) produces almost no firescale.
Is silver soldering suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! Start with simple projects like bezels, jump rings, or basic rings. Practice on scrap silver first. The key skills are cleanliness, tight fit, and learning to “read” the heat colors of the metal. With patience and practice, most people get reliable results quickly.
Any extra tips for successful silver soldering?
– Use the highest temperature solder possible for the first joins.
– For rings, place pallions on the inside or outside depending on access and finish needs.
– Anneal the metal before forming for easier shaping.
– Keep everything clean—fingerprints can stop solder flow.
– Practice, practice, practice!
Have more questions? Feel free to contact us—we’re happy to help you succeed with your silver jewelry projects.