ed),” deJonghe explained. “However, this design used two separate gold caps to secure the opal in place by lasering them together in the back. In order for the stone to be set, I was required to somehow weld or solder the two pieces together. Since I couldn't put a torch to the piece, soldering was out of the question. So, I used a laser to weld the two pieces. I also added that floating blue gem (paraiba tourmaline) at the end by lasering.” Before the laser, deJonghe explained, he would have to wrap a piece containing an opal in a wet cloth, or protect it some other way before making a repair. The safest process without a laser, deJonghe said, would be to remove the opal from its setting, repair the pendant, and reset the opal, but this would be incredibly time consuming and expensive, and it would probably be faster and cheaper to make a brand-new pendant. Using the laser, deJonghe does not need to protect the opal at all, other than ensuring he does not hit it with the light. He can save time and money for the customer, and repair more intricate pieces that would be susceptible to melting with a torch. Using the laser, heat can be precisely administered to fine jewelry without the risk of melting a precious gem. “This is not only good for repairs but also great for creating more intricate jewelry with lots of small parts,” deJonghe said. Final Thoughts Jewelers’ experiments with laser beam welding have revolutionized jewelry design, and it’s exciting to think what could be accomplished with future technological developments. de- Jonghe’s take on the laser welding machine: “It’s here to stay most definitely, but I wouldn’t say you need it to survive in today's marketplace. Just like a lot of other things in the trade, it’s a tool, not an end solution for creating jewelry. If you use it effectively, you can make some beautiful jewelry that could never have been done 20 years ago.” 52 WELDING JOURNAL / MARCH 2016 WJ ANNIK BABINSKI (ababinski@aws.org) is assistant editor of the Welding Journal. For info, go to www.aws.org/adindex For info, go to www.aws.org/adindex
Welding Journal | March 2016
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