need tips on soldering bezel cups

[George]

My fear when soldering bezel cups to a silver piece is that the bezel cup will melt before the solder does.   Any tips or sites that can explain how its done?

[Polly]

Yes, that is a problem.   '>

Some Tips:  
- Use fine silver bezel (which has a higher melting temperature)
- Heat the piece from the bottom and sides, not directly on the bezel cup.

Also, give the http://www.ganoksin.com forums a try for more info.  Tons of knowledgable, vocal jewelers there.

[Metalman]

You asked about bezel cups and Polly discussed bezel wire. So, I will address both.  It is good to know what your bezel cup is made of - is it sterling silver, argentium sterling or fine silver? All 3 have slightly different melting temperatures.

I assume that you have one of the commercially available bezel cups - most of these are solid on the bottom and made of sterling. This type of soldering is called 'sweat soldering'. The basic form being the soldering together of 2 flat sheets of material. To ensure a good join - make sure the metal is good and clear [no tarnish, no oils] I frequently presolder, meaning that I target the placement and I melt several small pieces of solder just slightly under the place that the bezel cup will be located. Then I can come back and place the bezel cup and reheat and solder it done.  This helps control the amount of solder around and gives a good visual so that you know when the solder has flowed. [you see it come out just abit around the edge of the cup.]  Using soldering picks helps as well. If you make sure you are using medium temp or easy temp solder - things should go fine.

As to making a bezel cup or using bezel wire. The fine silver bezel wire does have a higher melting point so that helps but as with all soldering operations, it is a delicate balance of heating.
Getting better with soldering is all in the practice.