[JackMorgan]

Fascinating. Now I wonder why jewelers don't always just work in sealed containers with vacuums like what is used for sand blasting.

I wonder now how much gold dust gets accumulated in the lungs of goldsmiths. I wonder if they take organs to check for sweeps.

[utensil4778]

Because the work is remarkably intricate. It requires you to get real close and personal with the work, usually with magnification. It requires complete and unimpeded dexterity of your fingers, so bulky gloves are absolutely not an option.

Depending on the work, it may also require frequent trips to the hearth for torch work. You really don't want to use an oxy/propane torch in a sealed glovebox.

In short, it's too much hassle and makes the work more difficult and much slower.

[nanomonkey]

More modern jewelry manufacturers are moving towards this. There are laser welders with glove boxes and microscopes that are auto shielding, also cnc milling machines in completely enclosed environments where the lubricants that are sprayed on the milling ends are filtered for metal.

I was a jeweler for a couple years and the common practice was to have carpet and a sticky trap at the door. The carpet was torn up every few years and used to throw a company vacation.

[pjd7]

They work with sulphuric acid, oxy/acetylene/propane torches. Some processes give off cyanide fumes. Ultrasonic baths with ammonia based solutions to clean polishing compounds off etc.

You need outside air ventilation.

There is lots of mechanical suction for things like polishing to capture the waste material for post processing.

Most will wear a leather apron for heat / burn protection and capturing fine dust/dirt from polishing compounds. I suppose you could destroy that eventually in a giant smelter.

[nelsondev]

Sounds like you are ready to open a crematorium that specializes in former jewelers.

[foxylad]

Or anyone with gold teeth.