🔍 Brazing or soldering: which technique to choose for creating precious metal jewelry?

✨ The art of assembling precious metals

When working with noble materials like gold, silver, or platinum, assembling the pieces is a key step. Whether you are a professional jeweler, artisan jeweler, or creation enthusiast, one question often arises: what is the difference between brazing and soldering, and above all, which one to use to create quality jewelry?

In this article, we explain everything, focusing on gold alloys, to help you make the right choice and successfully assemble your pieces safely.

🔧 Brazing vs soldering: understanding the difference

🔸 Brazing: controlled fusion

Brazing is the most commonly used method in jewelry making. It consists of joining two metal pieces using a filler metal, called brazing alloy, which melts at a temperature lower than that of the main metal.

📌 Example: for an 18K gold piece, a medium-fusion 18K gold brazing alloy is used that melts around 750–800°C, while 18K gold melts above 900°C.

✅ Advantages of brazing:

• Preserves the shape of the pieces (they do not melt)

• Strong and durable joints

• Perfect for delicate assemblies (chains, settings, rings)

🔸 Soldering, in the strict sense

In jewelry, the term "soldering" is often misused to refer to brazing. However, proper soldering involves the direct fusion of the pieces to be joined, without filler metal. This technique is poorly suited for precious metals because it:

• Requires very high temperatures

• Can alter the metal’s structure

• Risks damaging the finishes

💡 Which technique to use for gold?

Without hesitation: brazing is the ideal solution for gold, whether yellow, white, rose, 14K or 18K. There are different types of brazing alloys depending on color and melting temperature.

🔥 Examples of brazing alloys for gold:

• 18K yellow gold brazing – High fusion (840°C): perfect for final assemblies

• 14K white gold brazing without nickel: ideal for hypoallergenic jewelry

• Ready-to-use gold brazing paste: recommended for details or repairs

🧰 What you need to braze effectively:

• Brazing alloy adapted to the alloy used

• Brazing flux (cleaner) to prevent oxidation

• Blowtorch or microflame torch with regulator

• Refractory support to secure your workspace

• (Optional) Pliers, bricks, heat shield, etc.

🔗 Discover our selection of gold brazing alloys, tested and approved by artisan jewelers.

📦 In summary

✅ Ready to equip yourself to braze gold like a pro?

🔸 Order your 18K yellow gold brazing alloy now
🔸 Order your 9K yellow gold brazing alloy now