Laser welding lets jewelers join precious metals with pinpoint heat, protecting stones and finishes. This guide covers the technology, typical jobs and how to size a welder.
Why laser welding for jewelry
The highly localized heat input allows repairs near heat-sensitive stones, reduces firescale, and produces strong, clean joints that need little finishing.
Common applications
Typical jobs include prong re-tipping, sizing rings, attaching findings and clasps, repairing chains, and tacking components before final assembly.
Benchtop vs production welders
Compact 60–100 W benchtop YAG welders suit repair benches, while 150–200 W systems with water cooling handle higher-volume production welding.
Microscope and camera options
A stereo microscope or integrated camera is essential for accurate aiming on small pieces; programmable memory speeds up repeated jobs.