To Solder or Not to Solder…
Soldering Your Rings: A Practical Consideration
At Croft & Stern Jewelry Designs, the question of whether to solder wedding rings together is a common inquiry among our guests. But what does it entail, and is it the right choice for you? Let's explore this decision together.
Understanding Soldering
Soldering is the process of fusing two metal items into one cohesive unit by introducing a filler metal, typically gold or platinum, with a lower melting point. This technique ensures a strong bond without compromising the integrity of the original rings. Alternatively, a laser welder may also be utilized in the process, based on the metal type, and ring design. Laser beam welding (LBW) is a welding technique used to join pieces of metal or thermoplastics through the use of a laser. The beam provides a concentrated heat source, allowing for narrow, deep welds and high welding rates. Regardless of the method of joining the rings, the following criteria remain the same. The choice of solder vs welding is selected by our dedicated, on-site bench jeweler.
Advantages of Soldering
At Croft & Stern, we often recommend soldering wedding rings together for two primary reasons: longevity and alignment.
Preservation and Protection: By joining your engagement and wedding rings, you minimize the wear and tear caused by friction when worn separately. This helps maintain the integrity and beauty of your rings over time.
Alignment: Soldering ensures that your rings remain perfectly aligned on your finger, eliminating the need for constant adjustment and ensuring a comfortable fit. Two rings worn together NEVER seem to move in the same direction. If this bothers you as much as it bothers us, it’s time to join those rings. You may find that the joined set will even fit your finger better!
Considerations Against Soldering
While soldering offers practical benefits, some brides opt against it for the flexibility it affords. The ability to wear wedding bands separately provides versatility for different occasions or preferences.
Flexibility and Options
At Croft & Stern, we understand the importance of choice. For those who prefer versatility, we offer a range of stackable or stand-alone rings that complement any lifestyle or occasion.
The Reversible Nature of Soldering
It's important to note that soldering is not a permanent decision. Should your preferences change, the solder can be removed, and your rings can be separated with ease. Our on-site studio in Maple Grove ensures efficient service, typically completing soldering within 24 hours.
Do I Solder or Weld the Wedding Set Before or After the Ceremony?
Don’t let this one fly under the radar during your wedding plans. It’s important to understand what role your engagement ring and wedding band will have during your ceremony.
Option 1: Joining Before:
Some brides-to-be elect for this choice to ensure that ONE ring is exchanged during the ceremony. This allows the ring swap to be much more streamlined, as it is tradition to wear the wedding band first, closest to your heart. Additionally, your rings are always in the proper alignment for photos. The downside being, this is done in the few days leading up to the wedding, with many people not wanting to wear the set until the big day.
Option 2: Joining After
It’s about 50/50 on the selection to join the rings before a ceremony or after, with no correct answer. The thought with joining the rings after may be because the bride wishes to wear the engagement ring up to the big day, or perhaps you want photos with every ring individually.
Option 3: Waiting to See
Not sure? No rush. An average wedding set will not incur significant erosion from the two rings rubbing against each other for at least several years. Do you find that you often take your wedding set on and off? This helps keep erosion at bay as well. If you keep the set on continuously and never wear the rings apart, we strongly encourage you join them. Why not? It ultimately aids in the longevity of your jewelry.
Option 4: Travel Ring
The retort we often hear is “I want a travel ring or a ring for work”. Totally! Many of our brides elect to do this. A common alternative is to solder the set then have a separate “travel” ring - even something simple like a fashion ring or silicon band is a popular placeholder.
Get in Touch
We appreciate your interest in our soldering services and are here to address any further questions or concerns you may have. Whether you choose to solder your rings together or keep them separate, we're dedicated to ensuring your satisfaction and providing the perfect jewelry solution for your needs. Reach out to us today, and let's embark on this journey together!
