How to Make a Cabochon Into a Bead

Make a cabochon into a bead using a bezel or a wire-wrapping technique.

A simple way to make a cabochon into a bead is by using prefitted bezels with loops. A bezel is a jewelry finding with a hollow center. The cabochon, which is flat on one side and domed-shaped on the other, rests within the rimmed walls for the center of the bezel. You can also turn a cabochon into a bead by wire-wrapping. Use 18 to 22 gauge jewelry wire to wrap the cabochon. Make a loop in the wire for stringing the stone on wire or on a bail as a pendant.

Things You'll Need

• Cabochon
• Bezel with loops
• Bezel rocker
• Burnisher
• Jewelry wire
• Wire cutters
• Tape
• Needle-nose pliers

Instructions

Bezel

1. Insert the cabochon into the bezel.

2. Hold the bezel rocker against the rim of the bezel so that the blade is perpendicular to your work surface.

3. Bend the rim of the bezel against the stone on four sides. To do this, hold your thumb against the cabochon to hold it in place. Use the bezel rocker to press the rim of the bezel firmly against the cabochon.

4. Repeat Step 3 to bend down the bezel rim on the opposite side of the cabochon.

5. Turn the cabochon and repeat Step 3 to bend the bezel rim onto the the cabochon on the two remaining sides using the bezel rocker.

6. Turn the bezel rocker sideways so that the blade is parallel to your work surface.

7. Finish pressing the remainder of the bezel rim against the cabochon. To do this, press the bezel rocker against the straight rim of the bezel using a back-and-forth rocking motion to smooth the rim against the cabochon. Turn the stone and repeat this process until the all of the rim is bent.

8. Hold the burnisher firmly in your hand and press your thumb against the cabochon.

9. Rub the burnisher down on and around the rim of the bezel until it is completely smooth.

Wire-Wrapping

1. Place the end of the wire against the back of the cabochon. Apply a piece of tape to secure it.

2. Bend the wire around the cabochon in the pattern that you desire using the needle-nose pliers.

3. Finish the wire-wrapping by bending the wire to the side of the cabochon where you want to make the loop for stringing.

4. Extend the wire 4 inches from the edge of the cabochon.

5. Loop the end of the wire around the needle-nose pliers several times until the loop is against the cabochon.

6. Tuck the tip of the wire inside the loop. Remove the tape.

References

• Fire Mountain Gems and Beads: Setting a Cabochon with a Bezel Roller and Burnisher
• Beadaholique: Using Wire for Wire Wrapping, Looping, and Wire Jewelry
• Wrapping Stones and Beads with Half-Round Wire