How to solder gold filled (rolled gold)?

Gold Filled is ideal for jewelry making, thanks to its attractive findings and components. But for designers who want to take it a step further, it offers even more creative possibilities, as it can also be cut with a wire cutter, engraved with stamping tools or a Dremel engraver, and soldered.
However, it’s important to know the correct method for soldering Gold Filled without damaging it. Soldering Gold Filled is a fairly complex technique. But don’t panic! Here are a few tips to follow to successfully complete this delicate step.

How do you solder Gold Filled without damaging it?

• Keep the number of solder joints to a minimum. Ideally, try to make just one solder joint—or at most two, provided they’re far enough apart.
• Work quickly and efficiently when soldering. Move the flame around and remove it quickly once the solder joint is made.
• Heat with a relatively soft flame(also called a reducing flame), meaning a flame with little oxygen.
• Do not anneal your Gold Filled piece.

To solder Gold Filled, you’ll need 9-karat gold solder. It also works with low-karat 12K or 14K gold solder.

MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN SOLDERING

• Be careful not to use too much solder when brazing. If you use too much solder, it may overflow. You’ll then have to remove this excess by filing it down, which is not recommended for Gold Filled. For example, make the solder beads as small as possible to prevent drips.
• Gold Filled is sensitive to heat. When exposed to heat, it may warp. In the worst-case scenario, the different layers of metal that make up the material could melt and mix together.
  Keep in mind that excessive heat will change the color of the metal. It’s best to always keep an eye on the color of the Gold Filled material while soldering.

If you’d like to work with 14K Gold Filled (585 parts per thousand) to create Gold Filled jewelry, check out Lucie’s advice in our technical guide. She shares her tips and highlights common mistakes to avoid so you can work with Gold Filled effectively.
Bring your creative ideas to life and make Gold Filled jewelry. If you need inspiration, check out our tutorials!

As with all the jewelry-making techniques we present, we remind you that it’s important to work in a well-ventilated room and, above all, to protect yourself by tying back your hair and wearing gloves, a cotton smock, and a mask.