Hi all - Looking for advice/help. I have a commission to do 2 sets of enameled earrings that are post-type. I've tried to solder, then enamel, but the sterling silver post can't take the heat and melts off. FYI-am using a torch to fire my enamel pieces as I do not have a kiln (yet).
Am in the market for a kiln and would like to know the preferences of the enamelists in the group, too!
Thanks so much for any/all advice, recommendations, comments. The earring question is rather time-sensitive due to the upcoming holiday. Now if it would just stop snowing I could get into my studio! ~Amy
Amy.... It is a continual headache, combining silver, solder and enamel, but this is what i do with earring posts - Either solder in advance of enamelling, with appropriate solder and then protect your posts by apply your tweezers to that area as you torch fire (I always fire 'up in the air') or coincide your soldering with your final firing, after stoning, etc. This latter method will usually mean firing from the 'back' of the piece and supporting your ear-post ( I either recess the post into a tight fitting hole or if possible construct a socket for the wire. If all goes well you solder the post and finally fire the enamel simultaneously. It does depend greatly on the kind of torch you are using - I favour a fluffy, large flame which I find can often directly heat the enamels without the advent of 'flame -tarnish'. Heating at a shallow angle, using the 'side' of the flame will help to stop the discolouration, also. Regards, JR.
In the saw and solder champleve technique there is no counter enamel applied because we are using 18g. back plate and 20 g. front plate - both pieces soldered together with Hard solder - then the fine silver is brought up before enameling - once enameled, the piece is flipped over and with a small piece of EASY solder the bale is attached with the torch. The solder melts at a lower temperature than the enamel.
I would think that if you are using a thin layer of enamel on your earrings, you would not have to apply counter enamel on the back - or if you are using counter enamel, you could leave a small circle where your post will be seated on the exposed metal - then come in with a quick flame and easy solder.
I have a small pair of enameled earrings from India which have earring posts - no counter enamel on the back.