A Guide to Using Argon When Welding Permanent Jewelry

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As a brand-new permanent jewelry artist, argon seemed like an extra hassle—another piece of equipment to buy and an additional step to figure out. But once I gave it a try, the difference was obvious. My welds were stronger, less brittle, and had a cleaner finish with minimal discoloration.

The hardest part about adding argon to my business was tracking down a tank. After some googling and a few calls to local suppliers, I finally found one at my propane delivery company’s location just a short drive from home—and at a reasonable price.

If you’re welding permanent jewelry, argon is one of those things people either swear by or skip entirely. Some say it dramatically improves weld quality, while others claim to get by just fine without it. I personally believe that if you want stronger, cleaner welds that hold up better over time, argon is definitely required in the permanent jewelry industry.

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What Is Argon and Why Is It Used When Welding Permanent Jewelry?

Argon is an inert gas, meaning it doesn’t react with other elements. In permanent jewelry welding, it acts as a shielding gas, protecting the molten metal from exposure to oxygen, moisture, and airborne contaminants. Without this protection, welds can become brittle, prone to cracking, and may develop oxidation marks that require extra polishing.

Since pulse-arc welding is used to fuse delicate jump rings with short, controlled energy bursts, maintaining a clean and stable environment is essential for strong, seamless welds. Permanent jewelry artists use argon because it helps reduce oxidation, minimizes heat distortion, and creates a smoother, more durable weld—especially on fine metals like gold and sterling silver.

Do You Need Argon for Permanent Jewelry?

Permanent jewelry welding machines are designed to fuse delicate metals, whether argon is used or not. They use a micro-pulse arc welding process that can create a bond without a shielding gas. However, welds made without argon are often more brittle, especially on delicate chains. If you want the best possible results, argon is a good upgrade.

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Pros and Cons of Using Argon in Permanent Jewelry Welding

Pros: Welds with argon are stronger, less prone to breaking, and have a smoother, cleaner finish. Because argon prevents oxidation, you’ll also see fewer dark marks around the welds, which means less time spent cleaning up and polishing.

Cons: The biggest drawback is the cost. You’ll need to invest in a regulator, a gas tank, and refills. Argon also requires a bit more setup, including connecting the tubing and adjusting the gas flow. If you’re just getting started, this extra step may feel overwhelming and expensive.

How to Set Up Argon for Your Permanent Jewelry Welder

If you decide to use argon, you’ll need a few things: an argon gas tank, a regulator with flow control, and the proper tubing to connect it to your welder. You can buy an argon regulator from Pepetools or Sunstone, both of which make quality equipment designed for permanent jewelry welding.

To set it up, start by securing the regulator onto the argon tank. Then, attach the tubing from the regulator to your welder’s argon input. Adjust the flow rate to around 3–5 LPM, which is ideal for jewelry welding.

To buy an argon tank and refills, check with local natural gas or propane companies. Many of them sell small tanks of argon, and they often provide refill services as well.

Welding With and Without Argon

If you weld without argon, you may notice small oxidation marks around the bond. The weld might also feel brittle, which means it could break more easily if the jewelry is pulled or tugged.

When welding with argon, the welds are noticeably cleaner and stronger. You’ll see fewer discoloration marks, and the metal will flow better, creating a smoother, more secure bond. If you’re doing a lot of high-end jewelry, this difference matters.

A great way to test this is to weld two identical pieces of chain—one with argon and one without. Then, gently pull on them or flex the links to see which holds up better. Most jewelers find that the argon-welded piece is more durable.

Cost Breakdown of Argon

The upfront cost of adding argon to your setup is around $150–$300, including the regulator, tubing, and a tank. Refills cost between $20 and $50, depending on the supplier and tank size.

In the long run, argon can actually save money by reducing the number of broken welds and customer repairs. Fewer weak joins mean fewer people coming back for fixes, which helps protect your reputation and keeps customers happy. If you’re positioning yourself as a high-end permanent jewelry artist, offering stronger, longer-lasting welds is a good selling point.

Should You Use Argon for Permanent Jewelry?

If you’re welding just for practice, you can get by without argon. But as soon as you start charging for your services, investing in argon is a smart move. It significantly improves the strength, durability, and overall appearance of your welds, ensuring your jewelry holds up over time. Customers expect high-quality, long-lasting pieces, and using argon helps deliver that standard.

For high-end jewelry, sterling silver, or delicate chains, argon is even more essential. It prevents oxidation, reduces discoloration, and makes the joins stronger and less brittle. If you want to minimize breakages and customer returns, adding argon to your setup from the start is well worth it.

FAQs About Using Argon in Permanent Jewelry Welding

How long does an argon tank last?

It depends on how often you weld, but a regular tank can last several months for most permanent jewelry artists.

Can I use a different type of gas?

No. Argon is inert, which means it won’t react with your metal. Other gases, like CO₂ or oxygen, can cause oxidation and weaken the weld.

Where can I buy an argon tank?

Check with local natural gas or propane companies. Welding supply stores may also carry them.

Do all welding machines support argon?

Most high-quality permanent jewelry welders do, but always check your machine’s specifications before purchasing a tank and regulator.

Next Steps

If you’re interested in learning more about welding permanent jewelry, LINKED Permanent Jewelry Training walks you through argon setup in detail. You can also check out Pepetools or Sunstone for regulators and check with local suppliers for tanks and refills.

I’ll admit, I was a little nervous about working with a pressurized tank at first. The thought of handling gas felt intimidating. But once I figured out how to turn the knobs and adjust the pressure, it was almost as simple as using a propane grill. Now, it’s just part of my routine, and I wouldn’t go without it.

Whether you start with argon or add it later, the key is to practice your welds and see what works best for you. If you’re getting brittle joins or inconsistent results, switching to argon could be the easiest fix—and one that makes a big difference in the quality of your jewelry.

A Guide to Using Argon When Welding Permanent Jewelry