r/goldsmiths • u/Nefertiti_Batkol • Aug 01 '26
Screws in gold and silver? How well do they actually hold up
Hello dear smiths 🔨
I've been thinking about making some jewelry that uses tiny screws - things like little locks/clasps, and piercing jewelry.
And I'm wondering how well screws hold up in precious metals.
Do they wear down over time with normal use? Do they loosen? Any other issues?
Would you trust screwed parts made from gold or silver, or would you make the element from something like titanium or stainless steel instead?
If you've actually made screwed jewelry elements from gold or silver, I'd love to hear your experience. What worked? What failed? Anything I should know before I go down this rabbit hole?
Thank youuu 🐰🐇
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u/matthewdesigns Aug 01 '26
I've made a bunch of threaded parts in gold and silver. Bolts, nuts, screws. Gold is generally better than silver for strength and manufacturing thanks to its relative hardness (at least in lower karats), though a harder alloy of silver like Continuum would be better than standard sterling. As long as the threaded items will be used for assembly and not receive active wear or manipulation as in a hinge pin or clasp, you'll be ok.
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u/Nefertiti_Batkol Aug 01 '26
Thank you!
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u/matthewdesigns Aug 01 '26
You bet! Good luck with the project!
I'll also add this: a high quality set of taps & dies goes a long way towards making this all work out as smoothly as possible.
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u/gaycountdooku Aug 04 '26
do you have any brand recommendations?
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u/matthewdesigns Aug 04 '26 edited Aug 04 '26
I don't know the brand, but the ones I have used for over 20yrs are from Reactive Metals. I have sets for sizes 1-72, 0-80, and 00-90. The dies are still in great shape, and every once in a while I replace a tap if I've pushed it too hard and break it (but they last basically forever if you are only cutting soft metals).
Edit: Be sure you are keeping the tools lubricated while in use. I typically use beeswax, but a thin oil of some sort would work, too.
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u/gaycountdooku Aug 04 '26
thanks so much! i’ve heard good things about reactive metals before
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u/matthewdesigns Aug 04 '26
You bet! I've been ordering from them for 25+ years. Same people still answer the phone! They are great to work with.
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u/Nefertiti_Batkol Aug 01 '26
What do you mean? The tools of making the screw and hole?
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u/B-SideToho Aug 01 '26
I have had vintage and antique 100-200 year old pieces come in for repairs that have cold connections done with silver, gold and once, platinum screws. And they all had been holding up just fine. That said, I've had to fabricate gold and platinum screws for watch links that have been worn out: but it's usually the slotted end, not the threads.
IMO and experience precious metal screw threads will hold up rather well under normal circumstances and treatment; it's the heavy hand of an ameteur watchmaker or jeweler that will cause damage.
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u/Nefertiti_Batkol Aug 01 '26
Interesting. So it's the action of screwing itself that should be handled with care.
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u/B-SideToho Aug 01 '26
Yes, Id agree with that assessment: slow and steady pressure. Also keep in mind which direction the load is kept: don't have anything pulling or keeping constant pressure on the threads. And for things like a hinge point: an 'axle' will eventually wear out and need replacement, as well as whatever is grinding up against it. I'm currently restoring an 18kt gold watch band and dealing with the repercussions of 40+ years of grandpa's watch wear, and these are issues what I'm coming across: repairing worn holes and screw axles.
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u/Nefertiti_Batkol Aug 01 '26
Honestly I'm not entirely sure what you're refrencing, maybe because of language differences. But I will look it up! Thank you!
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u/PsychologicalNews573 Aug 03 '26
I am a goldsmith. We do screw on/off posts for diamond jewelry, and when people don't try to pull, and actually unscrew, they seem to hold up very well
I also play flute, and the intermediate to professional flutes also use silver/gold screws.
I think you will find they will work.