Frequently Asked Questions - Permanent Jewellery
What size and length chain do I need to start my Permanent Jewellery Business?
This all depends on the number of clients you attract. To enhance your venture's prospects, we highly recommend investing in our comprehensive starter pack, which equips you with all essential tools and materials needed to kickstart your business (excluding training and a welder/argon).
Considering the average wrist size to be 150mm, you can employ the following calculations to determine the potential utilization of a 1m chain. With these calculations, you can deduce that 1m of chain allows for fitting and welding of 6 brackets.
Do I need Argon?
Absolutely! The answer is YES, argon is indeed required for your welding process.
In the permanent jewellery world, there has been a lot of confusion surrounding whether argon is optional or not. However, let's clarify that the welding process used in your permanent jewellery machine is micro GTAW, also known as TIG welding.
The term "GTAW" stands for Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, and "TIG" stands for Tungsten Inert Gas, which clearly indicates the use of argon (an inert gas) in the process.
Argon serves a crucial purpose in the welding process – it acts as a shielding gas to protect the molten weld pool from contaminants. This shielding effect ensures that each weld is sound and free from defects. Without the protection of a shielding gas like arh, the weld would be contaminated and porous, resulting in defective welds.
In summary, for a successful and high-quality welding process in your permanent jewellery business, the use of argon as a shielding gas is essential.
What Welder do I need?
In today's market, you can find a variety of permanent jewellery welders, each with significantly different price ranges, influenced by several factors.
One of the primary reasons for price variations is the quality and reputation of the welder. Some established brands, such as Sunstone Orion and Lampert PUK, offer welders that have undergone thorough quality assurance and quality control processes before being dispatched for use.
Another factor affecting the price is the power requirement of the welder. For permanent jewellery applications, a lower power output is generally sufficient. However, if you are a jeweller involved in crafting custom jewellery that demands higher power levels, investing in a more powerful machine makes sense. Such a machine can also be utilized in your other jewellery manufacturing processes that require additional power.
If you're just starting out and seeking more affordable welders, you might come across the so-called "no brand amazon welder" on the internet. If you need advice or insights on these welders, feel free to reach out to our team via email. We have experience in trialing such welders and would be glad to offer our opinion to assist you in making an informed decision.
Gold Filled Vs Plated?
There is often considerable confusion surrounding the differences between gold filled and gold plated, as these are two distinct processes serving different purposes.
Gold filled involves a mechanical bonding process where a layer of gold, typically 14k in purity, the bonding occurs by subjecting the gold (outer layer) and brass layer (inner) to heat and pressure, resulting in a permanent bond. This results in the creation of 14k jewellery without the hefty price tag associated with solid 14k gold pieces.
Once the gold filling process is completed, the item is gold plated to achieve a uniform and consistent color throughout the piece.
Gold filled jewellery, when purchased from a reputable supplier, is designed to last a lifetime, provided it is well cared for and maintained.
By law, for an item to be classified as gold filled, the total weight of gold present must be at least 5% (or 1/20) of the item's overall weight. If the gold content is less than 5%, the item cannot legally be labeled as gold filled. In comparison, gold plated items usually contain gold that makes up less than 0.05% of the product's total weight. This significant difference in gold content distinguishes gold filled jewellery from gold plated items and contributes to its durability and longevity.
Types of Permanent Jewellery?
The possibilities are limitless when it comes to crafting a diverse collection of permanent jewellery pieces. From the timeless classics like bracelets, necklaces, and anklets to the more intricate options of rings, earrings, chokers, and stacked bracelets, we have a wide range of designs to offer.
Moreover, by incorporating charms into our creations, we can provide exquisite luxury with the sparkling brilliance of a diamond look or exude a soft and elegant charm with the allure of pearls. With such a versatile selection, our jewellery pieces can cater to a variety of styles and preferences, allowing our customers to find the perfect piece that resonates with their individual tastes.
Do I need to be trained?
We firmly believe that training is essential because of the potential risks associated with welding hazards and pressurised cylinders. Ensuring the safety of both yourself and your clients is of utmost importance, and without proper training, providing a secure and professional service becomes challenging.
When it comes to training, it is crucial to choose wisely. We have observed instances where some of the most prominent permanent jewellery training organizations lack comprehensive information during their training programs. This could be attributed to their lack of background in welding or jewellery, and the absence of regulation by any accredited authority.
To guarantee a high standard of training and competence in handling welding processes and jewelry techniques, it is vital to seek training from reputable sources that have the necessary expertise and recognition. Proper training not only mitigates risks but also equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the permanent jewellery business and provide your clients with a service they can trust.