Learn tips and tricks on how to confidently operate this essential tool for added efficiency to any permanent jewelry business.
With a steadily rising interest in personalized jewelry and no signs of stopping in sight, it’s likely no surprise that permanent jewelry has taken the industry by storm. In short, global popularity has shown that permanent jewelry is a trend that is here to stay!
For businesses that offer permanent jewelry services, there is an opportunity to not only close a sale but to build connections with customers that nurture trust and loyalty — for jewelers, this confidence starts at the bench.
In today’s article, we'll cover the basics of assembly for permanent jewelry, including tips and tricks on how to properly and efficiently utilize the tools required to assist customers. For easy viewing, we'll also provide you with our step-by-step video for practical advice on utilizing the equipment to guarantee flawless application every time.
How To Operate Your mPulse Arc Welder
Whether it's a dainty chain around your neck or ankle or the perfect friendship bracelet, permanent jewelry is the perfect way to make sure you're ready for every occasion and to express yourself.
First, we will be looking at the tools you will be using in the permanent jewelry process. When putting permanent jewelry on a client in a store, you're going to be using a Sunstone™ Orion™ mPulse Arc Welder. Read on as we take operation instructions step by step.
Step 1: Understanding Your mPulse Arc Welder
This unit has two pieces: a large base unit that has a screen on the front where you will be able to control the strength of the electrical pulse used by the second part of this unit, which is a probe that can be removed.
The mPulse probe includes a tip, which will be used to weld the chain. Attached to the base unit are pliers with a grounding wire.
Safety Tips
Remember: You should always wear a face shield to protect your eyes and the eyes of your customers during the application process.
During this process, you will also use a leather skin protection pad, cutters to trim the chain to length, a cleaning brush to clean the jump ring after welding (an additional set of pliers can be used to hold the chain), and finally, stainless steel practice chain to perfect your technique.
In addition to the grounded pliers, several other attachments are also available to hold onto the chain during the permanent jewelry process. All units plug into the base unit using the same plug.
Check out Sunstone’s permanent jewelry kit complete with everything you need to stay protected during permanent jewelry services.
Step 2: Getting Started
To begin, plug the power cable into your base unit, and then plug in the welding probe. Next, you'll plug in your grounded pliers — once you’ve followed these steps, your unit is ready to turn on.
Simply flip the switch to the “ON” position and listen for your base unit to confirm it has successfully been powered before confirming on your screen. To start welding, press the power button.
The touchscreen can also be used to change the power of the welding strength, and different metals will require different welding power.
Step 3: Tips for Assembling Jewelry
To measure your chain to the client’s comfortability, take a length of chain and put it around your client's wrist. Make sure you have substantial space between the wrist and the length of the chain to prevent the finished piece from being too tight.
Next, have your client move their wrist, and using the included cutters, cut the chain to length. Larger chains may use the link that has been cut to attach the permanent bracelet or necklace. Be sure not to lose track of where your link is located so that the welding process runs smoothly.
Step 4: Welding With Efficiency
To begin welding, adjust the probe so that your eyes are protected by a safety shield and able to see the client and components clearly. Refer to the following steps for best practices when welding bracelets and necklaces.
Permanent Jewelry Bracelet
Have your client place their wrist underneath the probe and place the leather protection pad for their safety. If they choose to watch the welding process, have them wear the included safety glasses.
Using the grounded pliers, pinch the chain near the desired welding point. You may need to use pliers, or your fingers, to get a better grip. Using either a jump ring or a cut link of chain to connect the ends of the bracelet, close the link so that the ends touch. It is important to have both ends of the chain link or jump ring as close together as possible to ensure a clean weld point. Bring the open link close to the probe, and then to the weld point so that it touches the tip of the probe. You will hear a click and your safety shield will darken to protect your eyes.
Pull the weld point away from the tip of the probe and ensure that the jump ring or link of the chain has been soldered shut. Use a cleaning brush to remove any soot or debris that may have formed during the welding process, and you’ve successfully finished your permanent jewelry piece!
Be sure to communicate with your customers that their new piece is fit to their liking and repeat the steps needed to give them a piece they will cherish for as long as they intend to wear it.
Permanent Jewelry Necklace
The process of attaching a necklace is as easy as attaching a bracelet. Once your client's chain has been measured and cut, remove the probe from the holder.
From the back, using one of the grounded clips of your welding equipment, secure the chain around your client's neck. Use the pliers to close the necklace, and then close the jump ring or the cut link to create a weld point. This time, you'll bring the probe to the welding point. Once again, use a cleaning brush to clean off any soot or debris.
Your Trusted Resource
As you can see, permanent jewelry really is fast, easy, and the perfect way for your customers to express themselves. Rely on Stuller for all of your permanent jewelry business needs from innovative equipment to fresh styles and an unmatched assortment in chain, findings, components, and more.