This step-by-step guide details how to create a two-tone fine Y-necklace using a micro welder, based on the provided video blog.
Step 1: Material Selection and Preparation
- Choose your chain: The tutorial uses a two-tone mixed metal chain (gold-filled chain with sterling silver beads). But you can also use a satellite, rolo, bar or any chain.
- Identify the center: If using a bar or paperclip chain, ensure the “draping” point is at a chain link. Not in the middle of a bar.
- Prepare the links (Reaming): If your chain links are too narrow for your jump rings, use a pointy tool (like a dental tool or nail art tool) to ream the link. Press the tool through the link against a pad of paper or post-it notes to stretch the oval link into a round shape. In that way, you can accommodate a thicker jump ring
Step 2: Measuring the Top Necklace
- Determine length: A standard length for the top portion of the necklace is 16 inches. This usually sits at the collarbone.
- Account for hardware: When measuring against a ruler, include the jump ring and clasp in your total length. Make sure before cutting the chain to ensure accuracy.
- Mock-up: Always mock up the entire top assembly and check the length one last time before performing any welds
Step 3: Welding the Main Necklace
- Set the wattage: For 10-karat solid gold, a higher wattage is required than for sterling silver. The guide suggests starting around 4 to 6 watts for 24-gauge gold.
- Perform the weld: Hold the link at the 12:00 or 3:00 position for the best visibility.
- Fix “Flat-Topping”: If the weld creates a flat spot (flat-topping), use the tips of chain nose or round nose pliers. You can gently tap the metal back into a rounded shape.
- Conceal weld marks: If using gold-filled jump rings, rotate the ring so the weld mark (where brass may be exposed) is on the side, allowing it to be hidden under other links.
Step 4: Preparing the “Y” Drop
- Cut the drop chain: For a dramatic effect, a 10-inch drop is recommended, though you can adjust this based on your style.
- Resize jump rings (Optional): If your jump ring is too large and slips through the chain beads, you can make it smaller. Roll the jump ring to overlap the ends, then use flush cutters to trim it so the ends meet perfectly, with maximum surface area for welding
Step 5: Final Assembly
- Find the exact center: To ensure the “Y” hangs perfectly, hold the necklace by the clasp ends. Let it drape; this identifies the true center link.
- Connect and weld: Attach the drop chain to the center link using your jump ring. Close the ring securely with two pairs of pliers so the ends are touching.
- Final Weld: Perform the final weld on the “Y” connection. In the tutorial, 5 watts provided a solid weld without flat-topping the small gold jump ring.
- Test the connection: Always use pliers to gently tug and test the strength of the weld before finishing
💡Pro Tips!
- Enlarge Small Links: Use a pointy tool to ream narrow oval links against a pad of paper, stretching them into a rounder shape to easily fit thicker jump rings,.
- Find the Exact Center: Hold the necklace by both clasp ends and let it drape naturally; this ensures the “Y” drop is attached to the true center link.
- Fix Flat Welds: If a weld creates a flat spot (“flat-topping”), use the tips of chain nose pliers to gently tap the metal back into a rounded shape.
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