Setting Colored Stones

[Kristen]

I am looking to buy some inexpensive stones and settings to learn how to set my own stones. I was referred to Tripp''s Manufacturing for the inexpensive settings, but I was not sure if they have quality tools. Can anyone tell me some of the basic beginner’s tools I would need to buy to be able to start practicing? There are so many out there, I am not sure where to start. I would like to only have to buy them once, so I am looking for quality.

Thanks for the help.

 

[strmrdr]

Someone with more experence will have to comment further but from what I heard when I was looking into them is that while there tools are not top line they are good enough for someone who sets tens of stones a year.
Someone who uses them everyday will want to move up the quality/cost ladder.

 

[DavidEmslie]

I will tell you know a jeweler/smith is only as good as the tools, and the abilty to use them correctly.
If your seriouse about getting into it and want only profesional results it requires alot of practice, and of course all the correct tools.
Ie a good flex shaft hand piece that spins straight and true,
A steady hand and knowing how to proporly brace tools, settings ect while setting,
Good cutting burs, going second best with them will show,
I go with all german made and proporly heat treated tools, it blows the pakistani tools out of the water.
and of course, spending the right about of time setting, a fast and sloppy job will show. The extra few min doing it right will show off your ability, take pride in your works, your customers will see the difference and that will bring you lots of business and a good reputation for qualtiy.