If you want to take your jewelry-making practice to the next level, cultivate a welding hobby. While many people associate this type of fabrication with heavy-duty or industrial applications, it’s also useful for creating delicate, one-of-a-kind decorative pieces. If you can think of someone who might enjoy the finer fruits of micro-welding, consider the following jewelry applications.

How to Use Your Welding Hobby in the Jewelry World

1. Customized Fit

Pulse arc welding, which involves targeted pulses of electricity that fuse metal pieces together, can be used to create a piece of jewelry that fits comfortably and precisely. Instead of buying a generic bracelet that might slip off a wrist or a ring band that’s too loose, you can alter an existing piece to the exact known measurements. This type of welding also forms a stronger, more secure bond than soldering. 

2. Aesthetic Detailing

Welding isn’t only a practical skill – it’s also a decorative art. By learning about laser beam welding, you’ll broaden your horizons in the garage and at the jewelry bench. This unique method allows jewelers the utmost control when working with tiny metal objects, so they can cut out bezels — the holes that hold watch faces and gems — and fill in small holes on smooth segments. You can even add slim posts to the backs of earrings.

3. Repairing Broken Pieces

If any of your friends or family members wear jewelry, they’d be happy to know your welding hobby could save them a significant amount of money.  With the powerful combination of argon gas and a sharpened electrode tip, you can fix prong settings on rings and pendants and repair broken jump rings and chains.

If you’re interested in advanced techniques for making or repairing jewelry, Wayne Oxygen & Welding Supply Co is proud to support your welding hobby. Offering products from Lincoln Electric Company® and Miller Electric Manufacturing®, they have everything you need to complete your toolkit, from welding helmets to compressed gas. Visit one of their three locations in Waynesboro, Charlottesville and Harrisonburg, VA, or call them at (540) 942-4145 to inquire about a specific item. Learn more about the business online.