Resizing A Silver Ring Containing Gemstones - Using Thermo Gel - Jewelry Repairs

[@Dani-bk2on]

Excellent video. I'm new to the trade and look forward to learning more as a subscriber.

[@Michael28407]

Absolutely amazing tutorial. I worked as a master glass blower in Waterford Crystal for 25 years. I am currently working towards a new career in Jewellery making. I have ordered all the professional tools for my set up, €5000 to be precise; so thanks for the heads up on what to buy. I've just turned 60 and am currently working as a Shepard. I also teach photography in the local adult education centre. My motto is it's never too late to begin again. AND I have a masters in photography and journalism. Roll on the next 20 years. Thanks for the very informative tutorials. Michael Joseph Anthony Gift-ware :-0 :-)

[@thestudio7394]

Finally. Someone on youtube that can actually make jewellery properly, thank you.

[@SakuraPomeranian]

I'm not a jeweler and never will be, but this was very captivating and informative and I really appreciate you putting this out there!

[@Iknowonlywhatimtaught]

I live in 🇺🇸. I use metric. We as a nation have been real lazy fully transitioning to metric. We were supposed to have transitioned 50 yrs ago but we are lazy as I said. Sad to.

[@rickrick9914]

How would you approach fixing a 10k gold diamond cluster tennis chain with a broken link small stones

[@fee220]

Thanks so much for sharing Andrew. It's something I've always been afraid to do, just in case i ruin the stones, but you've given me the confidence to go in the workshop and give it a go!

[@vaughnmillner9696]

Where can Thermo Gel be purchased?

[@edinsonariasquintero6130]

Muchas gracias por compartir la bendición del Padre del Hijo y del Espíritu Santo estén en tu vida y todos los tuyos gracias buen día bendiciones 😅😅😅😊😊😊Colombia

[@Chardonbois]

Always a pleasure to see a true pro in action. Well done Andrew You're a natural tutor!

[@enisdesevic8277]

I have oooooold mans ring.It was in mine family for 500+ years ,but I have a problem.I have no finger that will fit on ,its small or a bit bir.It has huge ruby on it ,I would say over 30 ct (I am jewlary trader but I am guessing here) And fun fact is that my grand ,grand ,grand ,grand ,grand dead that had this made for him had same name as I do ,so its engraved with mine name.No jewler around where I live is willing to touch it.Is it posiblle to make it smaller for 1mm or bigger or do anyone has any solution for me.Ohh yeah its a silver ring.It fits on mine pinky of right hand but there is a posibility I could loose it. And its not about money its about family.(honestly its a bit about money two ,I mean 30ct ruby....) tank you in advance..

[@Sekhmet1Songstress]

Well explained. Alas, it didn't work for me. The joint matched perfectly, but the solder would not melt, only ball up eventually. Could it be too much thermogel? The stone is large. Or is my flame too broad? It's not very clear to direct with any level of precision? I tried medium solder, then extra easy, but I couldn't make it work.

[@zahariromanov6727]

Let's not forget Tanzanite my friend. When I was learning benchwork, I learned very painfully why we must protect the "crown" so to speak as a very costly learning experience. Cheers! Love the channel!

[@JOBAfunky]

Thanks! I learned something new and useful with this. I've had to turn down work because of not knowing about thermo gel.

[@msstarlight4770]

Absolutely fascinating to watch, thank you 👍👍

[@AndulairahOfEarth]

This didn't work for me. Totally destroyed a good black opal!

[@bb8218]

Nice technique sir. Sir can it be done on 9.25 starling silver with solitaire AD stones or any other imitation ring? Or this flame process will ruin the total ring if it's not pure silver?

[@ninibits]

thank you again! you are a marvelous teacher!! ❤

[@kimmi7304]

I am trying to find this thermal gel and I am not able to find it. I would like to buy some but I do not know where to go to buy it. I am in the USA do you have an idea where I can order it online?

[@stephencoster9532]

Hiya, from this we can see why you have lasted 30 years, wonderful work dear sir... Take care...

[@philstevens566]

I notice you have a knew concept saw - how do you get on with it and does it cut straight? I have one and I can't get it to cut properly.

[@JulianoB]

I thought that was Tony Hawk for at first glance! No one else???

[@siegfried-karlheinzvonsilb2840]

Video helps a lott. Without these tipps i couldn't have it done

[@aribella6913]

Thanks. I have a turquoise ring that I want to size up.

[@mellio9077]

excellent! 👍 thank you for sharing!!! nice work! i haven’t used thermoplast before can’t wait to try it.

[@allenbrandon4954]

another awsome video...thank you andrew... ;)

[@olegpetelevitch4443]

Diamond's can go milky if not good quality !

[@icatz]

Thank you for so quickly answering my question, Andrew! I didn't use enough Thermo Gel on the turquoise ring I was working. You can imagine what happened.

[@alexsar54]

No amount of Thermo Gel would be enough for turquoise. Its so heat sensitive that the only option is removing turquoise before soldering,

[@Vammmpeeer]

I'm kinda confused 🤔🤔🤔. If you're trying to make the ring larger than why cut out some then squeeze it back together??? Wouldn't that make it smaller?

[@Atthebench]

I’m not making the ring larger. I’m resizing it smaller

[@missMagbeth]

Wow, thermo gel is a miracle!

[@mary-annkieckhaben5026]

Thank you for shering.

[@Ranashakeelahmad]

Iam jeweller gold and silver

[@ctgardener6026]

Should one solder the bezel for s gemstone atop the solder join on a ring or in the opposite direction? Thanks, Mary

[@Atthebench]

wiresandbeads.com Brilliant question. I would always put the joint to the ring at the botttom opposite the setting at the top. Because that joint is not likely to come apart or melt when you solder on the bezel. Plus, if the ring needs to be resized, it can be adjusted by cutting through the original ring solder joint rather than cutting the ring and having the ring weaker because of the extra solder joints. I will certainly do a film on this because a lot of people are taught to solder on top of the joint. I think that is wrong.

[@prettyblendsilver]

Hi Andrew, I followed your exact process using Thermo Gel but the solder doesn't flow. It melts into a ball - what am I doing wrong? I'm rezising a silver gemstone ring.

[@Atthebench]

Elsa Godinho the actual metal is not getting hot enough to melt the solder

[@Atthebench]

Elsa Godinho the actual metal is not getting hot enough to melt the solder

[@e.s.2526]

Andrew, thank you for sharing. It is more than appreciated.

[@produceman13]

Will this work for larger cabochons like agate and jasper? Perhaps 18x25mm sized?

[@charnovdesign1333]

Thank you so much Andrew for your informative brilliant tutorials But I have a question I was taught to always cover the whole piece in flux to prevent firescale but you seem to only use flux at the joint what are your thoughts about that? and dont you get firescale? I really hope that you will take the time to answer and again thank you so much for sharing your knowledge so generously

[@diannagendron]

I also have this question!

[@Atthebench]

The idea is to heat the piece nice a quick. If you leave the flame on the piece for a long time then the surface absorbs the oxygen from the flame and causes fire scale. Nice hot flame. Quickly heat up the piece no longer than necessary

[@chuckalbright5348]

I'm trying to re-purpose some tibetan silver pendants rings with abalone shell, pearl and various stones in them. The jewels are glued in and attached to a ring with hard solder. Can you tell me the best way to remove the pendant from the ring without causing damage (silver burn or ruining the jewels).

[@christinemcdaniel9299]

Thanks for this! Took a minute to find a US version but finally did.

[@allanthompson9695]

I have no idea how long it will take me to have the confidence to repair or alter someone else's ring. But I can sense I'm moving in the right direction. Great film Andrew. Cheers.

[@daintyanns41]

Love the way you explained even the smallest but most important details! The small details make the biggest difference.

[@sherrys.2259]

Hi Mr. Berry, Where does one procure Thermo Gel, and do you think that it could be used to protect a stone pendant while soldering a ring through it. In other words, covering the entire stone, which is jade. Sherry

[@2degucitas]

As always ver thorough and with class.

[@salnellen1381]

Will this product work on rings like labradorite, moonstone, jasper, quartz or agate? When I make a unique ring it would be nice to be able to resize smaller if necessary as many of my rings are in bezel settings which are difficult to remove the stones. Thanks! Great video!

[@engrmateeawan55]

Hi I love your videos on jewellery fixing I work from home and started fixing the jewellery and my work is mainly with gold From 9ct upto 22ct gold My problem is sometime when I solder something it changes the colour to rose gold or gets a bit darker colour and it’s a chalange for me to bring it back to the original shining colour Can u plz teach me how to bring the gold back to its shining colour Thanks

[@ononmonko4835]

Very informative. Can this procedure be used to resize a silver ring containing a red corral gemstone and a gold ring containing a yellow sapphire gemstone? Thanks in advance for your response.

[@janetharriman8917]

Thank you I will give it a whirl. I need to size a wider pressed ring. Great info thank you.

[@Thepeopleschoices]

I’m so excited that this is coming in the post!!!!! Thank you for always making your content ready and available to us all ❤️

[@GobboBex]

does this work with ANY stones? Stones like welo opal are very sensitive to heat ....so would this still work with them?

[@LozanosJewelryWestlakeVillage]

video very well done

[@elagood2801]

Can you pickle after soldering with stones?

[@trinitymarine3204]

Excellent contents Andrew. Surprising how many videos on resizing rings don't mention lightly heating the shank first to see if it has been resized before. Avoids a possible setback that is always on the cards.

[@sherrys.2259]

Would this work with larger, lapped stones like Agate?

[@SN-tw7wl]

Hi sir. I have just started to learn jewelry repairing watching your videos Thank you so much for such detail Jewelrs repairing videos I have a question we’re can I find this thermo gel it’s not available anywhere can you send me any online link we’re I can find this thank you ...

[@annwaters9484]

Thank you! This is the only video instructions I have seen on this topic! Love it.

[@misslynneable]

What a fantastic video Andrew. Thank you so much. I discovered the product Thermo Gel but wasn’t sure how to use it. Now hoping it will work the same way with sea glass 👍

[@katebenson1508]

Andrew, thanks so much. I always review your videos before attempting something new! I have my first request to resize a ring I made with large labradorite and a fairly thick shank. If I use enough thermo gel, will it protect the labradorite long enough to solder the heavy shank? Labradorite is approx 20 X 10 mm and shank is approx mm wide and 4 mm thick.

[@tammygurl64]

Thanks for this demo which confirmed what I thought to be true! 👍 I recently purchased a Tsavorite Garnet ring (in sterling with rhodium plating) to add to my birthstone collection. The center stone is an oval 6.5mm x 4.5mm and it has 10 accent stones (5 on each side) that are 2.5mm round Tsavorite Garnet. When it arrived in the mail, I discovered it is uncomfortable on my ring finger due to the accent stones (almost half the ring has stones which hurt my other fingers. I went to my jeweler and was told they couldn't size it up because the stones can't take the heat (I knew that). Of course, I thought they'd do what you did but the person who does their bench work wasn't there. I think I'm going back to speak directly to their bench jeweler and ask if he'll do it your way because I really want to keep the ring but can't if I'm unable to get it sized up 1 size for my pointer finger. I really hope they'll reconsider doing it your way. Thanks again for another awesome video! Cheers! 🙂

[@badartist4life]

As always great information presented so clearly. I broke a silver earring with several stones that l made and l love. While travelling with it, l packed it possibly not carefully enough in a stuffed suitcase. I was quite upset. I am self taught and didn't know what to do.l will try thermogel to repair it. Thanks for your generosity. It is an education for those of us who are struggling to learn.

[@williamsmith-cy6ig]

Andrew that was a fab demo can you send links for to buy materials for soldering and polishing cheers

[@Stephanie-iu7dx]

I haven't been able to find thermo-gel in the U.S. is there anything comprable to it here?

[@maryamraf858]

Perfect training video, really appreciate.

[@lawhispersasmr6124]

Can you down size a ring that is rose gold plated? Is there any way!

[@justinaoyaluna6116]

Pls, how can I enlarge my ring. Its right and difficult to pull off when I want to. Pls reply, Thanks

[@melissahampson-smith3850]

Nice job Andrew thanks!!

[@amarreta]

Nice!!

[@lisamckeanjewellery]

Hi Andrew, where can you buy Thermo Gel from in the Uk please?

[@wendyannh]

This is very helpful, Andrew; thank you! How would I go about soldering jump rings onto a gemstone bracelet or necklace without damaging the stones, so the clasps don't pull loose? Some are entirely beaded (except for crimps and wire guardians or cups), others are wire-wrapped loops/rosary chain with stations. Would I just bury the whole piece in a cool gel, or submerge it in water? Just the first few inches on either side of the clasp? Or something else altogether?

[@istvanfrank9201]

Hasznos infó

[@thelizabeth909]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and skill. I dunk in water if it's AU and if it is a substantial sterling shank will laser solder. No worries. Digging your fancy saw. I'll look for previous videos on sawing to find out more about it. Let's all get together for a jewelers manicure party-haha

[@jessicaannarevill7958]

So helpful! I’m a self taught silver smith and have been so nervous to resize gemstone rings and you’ve given me such confidence to do this now. Thank you!x

[@joannamcdee9061]

You Sir are a wonderful teacher...

[@macadrauyawa3644]

Thank you. Really enjoyed your video😊

[@aaron6841]

Thanks for teaching and not just selling stuff really helpful videos

[@ZodiakAsHell]

Excellent craftsmanship

[@mariadelmararango3202]

👌🏻

[@jeanberry9529]

@

[@barbaracovey]

👍

[@Ranashakeelahmad]

So much helpful thanks

[@SN-tw7wl]

sir im your big fan i love your videos .sir were to find these thermo gel i got one but it dosent work the rings takes very very long time but still sodder dosent flow. can you please give me a link for thise thermo gel thank you so much ....

[@Atthebench]

Hearing does take longer due to the gel so you will have to use a stronger hotter flame. Try here www.amazon.co.uk/Jewellers-Thermo-barrier-soldering-TC351/dp/B0799JVS6X/ref=asc_df_B0799JVS6X/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=344066719117&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3815265857092494935&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007465&hvtargid=pla-698188331985&psc=1

[@s13rr4buf3]

If the ring didn't have a joint, does that imply it was either made from tubing or from a cast? Is that correct?

[@jrs4516]

i would guess the original joint would be under the setting

[@badartist4life]

It could also have been raised from a washer.

[@theskysthelimit9609]

Hi there' Is that just normal solder from your general hardware store containing 4% silver or something like that? or is it a special jewlery silver solder with a higher percentage of silver, if so can you just inform me what percentage it is and where to look for it to buy. Im just learning.

[@PatronofDeath]

normal solder is for low temperatures (=200°C) and copper or brass joints. i guess the solder used here is probably 670 silver (=67,0%) and flowing at about 730°C. you would want to have a high percentage of silver, because if it is not, you will clearly see the joint. it is just not 925 silver to make sure the solder flows way before your piece does.

[@prinzsingson]

I thought thus guy was tony hawk...

[@ma1900bi1900]

Wie immer super Tutorial danke

[@lindagillies2561]

I've noticed that your steel tweezers go in the safety pickle. Does this not contaminate your pickle? how often do you change your safety pickle?

[@Atthebench]

Linda Gillies The tweezers are stainless steel do they don’t contaminate the safety pickle. We change the pickle about 4 to 6 times a year

[@primalamusica3]

@@Atthebench Thanks for your tutorials! They are excellent and I have learned quite a few things (I am a very experienced jeweller). I buy tweezers online at Fischer (germany) for the pickle , they are black plastic, cheap (I buy the big ones ) they can be all day long in water or pickle, and last for many years.

[@dagmarahrabal6825]

Andy thank you!! You rock!

[@AhmedKhan-cp4ko]

thank you thank you thank you!!

[@mary-annkieckhaben5026]

Thank you so much

[@monochromatichobo1020]

Just curious, what size saw blade do you use for resizing?

[@Atthebench]

monochromatic hobo 3/0

[@carlottabrunetti8117]

thanks for sharing, but please where do I get Thermo Gel in Germany or Europe?

[@sylvia-h]

Fischer in Germany: www.goldschmiedebedarf.de/search.php?query=THERMO-GEL+L%C3%96TSCHUTZPASTE&channel=goldschmiedebedarf_de&sourceRefKey=qwCod7ia9

[@Choronzon666]

Any idea why a rings plating would bubble while trying to resize it

[@Atthebench]

Air under the plating and also the plating lifting when heats

[@MrRohanstar]

What's the cost of the resize ?

[@randymurray934]

fantastic

[@sebbypebby462]

Gracias amigo Andrew

[@PatrickPoet]

Do you ever resize larger by adding a section?

[@Atthebench]

Patrick Horgan Yes. Often. When the shank is thin or if the ring has to go up more than 2 sizes usually.

[@reneesmith7921]

Where can I buy thermo gel

[@badartist4life]

In the US Rio Grande Jewelry

[@warbear55122]

Wow!

[@marknarouz4337]

God bless you

[@ctgardener6026]

Thanks

[@flyingcheff]

It's not available in the US, do you know of a comparable US product that is AS GOOD as Thermo-gel? Thanks.

[@Dharlanna]

Hi Gabby, I like Vigor Heat Shield. However I wouldn't use it on some stones. Read the comments below, I agree with Alex S.

[@flyingcheff]

thank you, i thought that might be the case.

[@anag5197]

Hi, would it work on turquoise?