# Jewelry solders: hard, medium and easy

> Jewelry solders are classed by melting point (extra hard, hard, medium, easy); the hardest is used first so you can solder again without melting earlier joints.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelry-solders-hard-medium-and-easy/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-07-26
- Updated: 2026-07-26
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/soldaduras-de-joyeria-dura-media-y-blanda/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

---

Jewelry solder is an alloy of the same metal with a somewhat lower melting point. It is sold in strips, wire, sheet and paste, in hard, medium and easy varieties. Choosing the right one lets you solder several joints on the same piece.

## Properties

- **Hard solder:** the highest melting point; for the first joint.
- **Medium solder:** for later joints.
- **Easy solder:** for final joints and repairs; melts at a lower temperature.
- **Forms:** sheet, wire, powder and paste.
- **Composition:** silver with copper and zinc, or gold with silver and copper; gold solders match the karat.

## Uses in jewelry

- Joining bands, chains and settings.
- Soldering multi-joint pieces in order.
- Repairing jewelry without undoing what is done.

## Pros and cons

### Advantages

- Lets you solder in steps without the piece coming apart.
- Same-color solders hide the joint.
- Easy to cut into small pallions.

### Limitations

- Mixing one color with another makes the joint show.
- Easy solder does not survive later heat treatments.
- Cadmium solders are toxic: do not use them.

## Care and cleaning

- Keep each type labeled.
- Cut small pallions with jeweler's snips.
- Apply with a brush or tweezers on the joint with flux.

## See also

- [Flux for soldering](https://www.711grados.com/en/flux-for-soldering/)
- [Soldering for jewelry](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelry-soldering/)
- [What is 925 silver (sterling silver)](https://www.711grados.com/en/what-is-925-silver/)