live benchtips - working with gold: your questions answered
We regularly run a a free Live Benchtips Session, a Q&A for you to ask an expert jewellery your questions. This month I was joined by goldsmith Barbara Yarde to answer your questions on working with gold.
Watch the whole session or skip to the question you want answered!
02 Introduction to Barbara
04 Can I ask when using mixed metals what solder should you use?
06 When I've tried to solder silver and gold together (using silver solder) the gold has melted into the silver :-( Any ideas how to avoid the gold sinking into the silver?
09 What’s the best way to approach starting to work with gold?
11 What is fusing?
13 What are the main difference3s between making with silver and gold?
15 Can you use the same tools with silver and gold?
17 What about pickling a mixed metal ring?
18 What would you use to solder rolled gold/gold fill?
20 Can I fuse 9ct gold to sterling or must it be fine silver?
21 I'm doing the silver diploma now, and was wondering if the techniques we're learning for the silver can be implemented on gold
23 Have you made any mistakes in gold?
26 What solder would be best to begin with when making simple 9ct yellow and 9 ct white gold rings?
30 I have worked a bit with yellow gold but would like to try white gold. Are there any important differences? also,can you rhodium plate white gold yourself at home?
31 can you rhodium plate white gold yourself at home?
34 How different is etching gold to etching silver?
35 I was given some gold and some gold solder. How can I work out what carot they are? There are no markings on them!
28 Do you need to pickle straight away?
40 Is there a heat shield product you can use if you need to either resolder a piece or want to protect other parts of the wire?
49 Do you need separate shot in your barrel polisher?
50 When you are going hammer/texture a 9ct yellow gold ring, how much smaller should you initially make the ring?
56 Is there a market for fine silver metal clay pieces with gold added or do people mostly want to purchase sterling?
57 Tip: Make hinges in 9ct gold
diploma courses
If you dream of making jewellery from gold then do take a look at our Diploma program. At each level, from beginner to advanced jeweller, you will learn how to work with gold to make your own beautiful designs.