Looking for a bench jeweler in NYC to set a sphene

[lioness]

I'd like to have a sphene set as a pendant. If you know of a reputable bench in NYC whom you would recommend, please let me know. Thank you!

 

[VapidLapid]

StuArt, 103 sullivan st, soho

 

[LD]

I don't have a recommendation but I do know that many jewellers won't touch setting a sphene. Check whether you're covered by insurance if something goes wrong in the setting process.

 

[lioness]

StuArt, 103 sullivan st, soho

Thank you! I'll send him an email.

 

[lioness]

I don't have a recommendation but I do know that many jewellers won't touch setting a sphene. Check whether you're covered by insurance if something goes wrong in the setting process.

Yes, that worries me. That's why I'd like to find someone whose insurance would cover sphene and who has prior experience setting it....

 

[chrono]

I doubt any shop will cover your stone during the setting process. This is standard in the jewellery trade. Customers either self insure or purchase their own insurance. Sometimes if you are lucky, a shop might cover it, but it is the exception, not the norm.

 

[lioness]

I doubt any shop will cover your stone during the setting process. This is standard in the jewellery trade. Customers either self insure or purchase their own insurance. Sometimes if you are lucky, a shop might cover it, but it is the exception, not the norm.

That's my rough rock status coming through! Thank you, Chrono.

 

[lioness]

Anyone else have a recommendation, please?

 

[iLander]

I had DanielM (on the CS vendors list, not in NYC) set a moldavite for me. That's a piece of glass, essentially. It was fine.

You might drop him an email.

 

[davi_el_mejor]

Anyone else have a recommendation, please?

I'm in Western New York (Buffalo area) and had my jeweler set my sphene earrings, in a semi-bezel. I would highly recommend her if you felt like shipping it up here.

 

[Lee Little]

Generally a setter will not cover your stone unless you buy it from him. Sphene is not that bad to work with and can be full bezel set but is easy to scratch so they cannot afford to self insure your stones. A protective mounting is important with soft stones for long term satisfaction. Best regards, Lee

 

[lioness]

Thank you so much, Lee. My apologies for the late reply. So, a sphene could be set in a simple four-prong basket with no problem? I'm not going for anything spectacular; I want the stone to be the center of attention. However, do you think I should bezel it in order to protect the stone?

 

[Lee Little]

Yes, prongs are fine as well, however, I would recommend a tall bezel, or tall half bezels to let some light inside, taller than the stone so the bezel will take the abuse rather than the stone. Best regards, Lee

 

[chrono]

It is easier (less risk of damage during the setting process) to prong set a sphene than bezel setting a sphene.

 

[Lee Little]

Normally that is true, Chrono, but if you roll or hammer the top of the bezel to be thinner than the basket then a bezel may actually be easier than prongs. A prong tends to aim rather strong pressure at a small area while a thin bezel puts mild pressure on a larger surface. The smith must be accustomed to working with soft stones or will not be a good candidate for the job. Many will not even entertain the idea of bezel setting soft stones and it is probably better not to try and talk them into it.
Here is a picture of a Sphene in half bezels. Best regards, Lee

 

[chrono]

The smith must be accustomed to working with soft stones or will not be a good candidate for the job. Many will not even entertain the idea of bezel setting soft stones and it is probably better not to try and talk them into it.

I am 100% in agreement with this and find this to be the most challenging part.

 

[minousbijoux]

Oh phooey! I thought I was going to log on and see pictures of a finished ring. I hope you find the setter.

 

[lioness]

Sorry to disappoint, I've been really busy and I haven't had a chance to work on this project. I'm thinking of having it set as a pendant because I can clumsy with RHRs and I don't want to take a chance with a soft stone. What do you think?

 

[chrono]

Personally, I feel safer with sphene pendants and earrings too.

 

[Lee Little]

Yes, pendants will take much less abuse than rings, very logical to make a pendant with softer stones. Best regards, Lee