What are pallions in jewellery making?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
Pallions are the tiny pre-cut pieces of solder used in jewellery making, snipped from sheet or wire solder into small squares or chips that can be placed precisely next to a joint before heating. Working with pallions rather than feeding solder wire freehand gives better control over how much solder is used and where it flows. The related word paillons refers to something slightly different: small pieces of metallic foil placed under enamel work to create a reflective glow beneath the transparent enamel.
Frequently asked questions
- How are pallions used in soldering?
- A jeweller cuts tiny chips from solder sheet, applies flux to the joint, positions the pallion right next to the seam, and then applies heat. Solder flows toward the heat, so directing the torch draws the pallion into the joint cleanly and precisely.
- What are paillons used for in jewellery?
- Paillons, in the enamel context, are small pieces of gold or silver foil placed beneath transparent or translucent enamel to make it glow from within. They were particularly popular with Arts and Crafts movement jewellers and in cloisonné and plique-à-jour work.
- What types of solder are pallions cut from?
- Gold solder comes in different grades matched to the karat being joined, such as 9ct or 18ct solder, and in easy, medium and hard grades that melt at different temperatures. Silver pallions are cut from silver solder in similar grades.
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