Setting your own stones

[Wyntery]

Hi Everyone,

I recently bought a couple of cheap, nicely cut, calibrated stones on Ebay. They were only a few dollars each, but will make fun pendants. Because they were inexpensive I thought I might try setting them myself in silver findings from Rio Grande or somewhere similar. If I completely ruin them, I'm only down a few bucks.

Does anyone else set their own stones? Is it easy enough to do? Am I completely crazy?

 

[innerkitten]

I've been setting stones in a jewelry class for a while. I haven't really tried setting any into commercial settings yet ( well once but it turned out kind of funky ). Make sure you have the right tools and start with silver instead of gold.

 

[GliderPoss]

Ooooooooh I am interested in this too! I recently got something set and it looked so simple I though surely could do that myself?

 

[aprilzephyr]

This is a great idea - I would love to know how to set my own stones - at the very least learn how the process works. innerkitten, how many weeks/hrs is your course? I'll look into my area and see what's being offered.

 

[innerkitten]

One a week for three hours. It's a lot of fun, I recommend it.

 

[Wyntery]

innerkitten: Do you recommend I do a course first rather than just try my luck with web instructions and YouTube videos? I may have to research courses though, as most of the ones in my area are focussed on beading, which I'm not the least bit interested in! Who needs beads when there is precious to be had!

 

[davi_el_mejor]

nice cheap settings and tools

http://tripps.com/

 

[periwinklegirl]

I've done it. Some settings are definitely trickier than others. And the stones have to be evenly sized (well-calibrated) or they can come loose. Oddly enough I found the pears the hardest to do. After my stone came out twice I finally cracked and took it to my jeweler.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[chrono]

Tripps is the easiest method as doesn't require much skill or tools, and is only recommended for stones that you are willing to risk. Select shapes that are rounded rather than something with a pointy corner or edge, and also of calibrated size to reduce your risk of damaging the stone.

 

[innerkitten]

innerkitten: Do you recommend I do a course first rather than just try my luck with web instructions and YouTube videos? I may have to research courses though, as most of the ones in my area are focussed on beading, which I'm not the least bit interested in! Who needs beads when there is precious to be had!

Meant to say once a week. Anyway, I would say take a course first, but obviously it sounds like people have done some work with some sort of stock settings without any type of course. Yeah don't do a beading course that's not even close to the skills you'll need. Have you tried your local community college?

I agree that rounds and ovals are the easiest shapes to set.

 

[distracts]

If they are calibrated, I would start with pre-cut findings like those from Tripps or similar from Rio. http://www.tripps.com/ That way you don't have to cut a seat, which is annoying and the part most likely to go wrong, and can just plop them in and close the prongs with some pliers. I've done it several times before and it's super-easy.

Here are the ones I have pics of loaded:

 

[MustangGal]

I've set many stones in silver, not too difficult and only 1 casualty so far. I've monstly bought mountings from JammingGems, and some bezel-back settings from JTV which are even easier to do yourself than prongs. There's a few sellers on Ebay too.

 

[innerkitten]

If they are calibrated, I would start with pre-cut findings like those from Tripps or similar from Rio. http://www.tripps.com/ That way you don't have to cut a seat, which is annoying and the part most likely to go wrong, and can just plop them in and close the prongs with some pliers. I've done it several times before and it's super-easy.

Here are the ones I have pics of loaded:

I used that same ring setting for a lavender. The prongs didn't come out quite as perfect as I would have liked. But it's a nice solid setting.

I'm currently working on hand made prongs which is turning out to be more complicated than I thought. Got some ideas from the book Creative Stone setting by John Cogswell.

 

[innerkitten]

These are my first two attempts with prongs. With a cabochon and a basket it was fairly easy. But trying to build a traditional basket with wire has made me realize why people so many use cad, and machines that create wax molds for you. Obviously the prongs will be shorter eventually.

 

[chrono]

IN,
I have a request, if you don't mind. Would you please start a new thread on your setting making? I'd love to see your hand-made step by step process with pictures, if you have any. I find such things interesting and gives a better appreciation for bench work.

 

[innerkitten]

I'll try. I'm pretty shy and I would feel kind of funny in class/ studio taking photos. But I'll build the courage

 

[iLander]

Tripps has a video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxIZ0tprsL4

Actually, they have a couple of videos.

I've set several stones using their funky plier things, which I think makes a nicer finish than plain pliers (I've tried both). They come in a starter kit that includes a couple of sterling settings, a garnet and a CZ to practice with. It even came with the cool jeweler's magnifying head thingy (whatever that is called). All for $60!

http://www.tripps.com/kit.htm

It's the world's most ugly website, but what can you do?

 

[Wyntery]

iLander, I just tried to buy the kit and it's no longer available! Darn.
InnerKitten: I'd second the request for more photos of the jewellery making process. Your work so far is amazing!

 

[Euphony]

Those settings look great, innerkitten. Those are incredibly hard to make and take lots of patience. Congrats!

 

[minousbijoux]

Those settings look great, innerkitten. Those are incredibly hard to make and take lots of patience. Congrats!

Yay, IK!!!

 

[chrono]

That's high praise coming from a professional bench jeweller.

 

[innerkitten]

Thank you!