A method for joining high temperature superconducting components while minimizing critical current degradation is provided. The articles formed have critical currents that are at least 80 % of the critical current of the high temperature superconducting components. Components (12, 14) in the form of wires or tapes are soldered along and are of overlap by using a solder mateial (16) and covered with a protective material (20). The invention further provides splicing geometries that facilitate wrapping joined components around a mandrel, tube or the like with minimal critical current degradation and without kinking or flexion of the joined components.