QuestionDear Mr. Cajamarca, I have an old rhinestone chain (4mm settings) belt that has some darkened and ruined stones that I plan to replace, though that's not the core of my query. The metal is silver in color, perhaps rhodium plated. I highly doubt it's silver plated because the metal hasn't tarnished the way I know silver does.
The belt has been soldered together and none too expertly in places (i.e. 'dried' looking solder, a few cracks between the solder and the metal, excessive solder application in other locations, etc.) and I would like some guidance as to how I go about desoldering the wonky sections and then resoldering them. I'm planning to replace the pointed back chatons only after the resoldering is done to avoid ruining stones all over again. What tools, materials, and equipment will I need for the tasks of desoldering and resoldering? (Specific recommendations and manufacturers would be just great.) I'm guessing I might need desoldering wick and a soldering iron with a desoldering tip for starters, but I'm not sure what I use to keep the components in place for desoldering and soldering, what wick width to use, which flux to apply, what type of solder to pick for resoldering, etc. I have a pair of tools for lifting and setting prongs.
I have also considered playing with soldering raw brass rhinestone chain that I have. Do I have the chain rhodium plated before or after soldering? Are there some plating companies you can recommend as well? Thank you in advance for your help and for answering my plethora of questions.
AnswerHello Wendy,
The first step should be to test the kind of metal you are going to work with.
To remove the solder you need DESOLDERING BRAID, YELLOW ACRE (Rio Grande)and the tools you already have.
Cover the area around the solder with YELLOW OCRE, carefully heat the area to be desolder and apply some desoldring braid. it will soak up the solder.
Rhodium Plating is the last step but I have the feeling that it might be NICKEL PLATED.
There is plenty of Plating Companies out there and most of them will do the work properly.
I would like to get a picture of the item to have a better idea about it and try to guide you in a better way, if you could, please send it to me at masterjeweleroc@aol.com
Hope it helps,
Orlando
