Things You'll Need:
- fusible glass
- a cubic zirconia (CZ)
- kiln
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Step 1
Select the cubic zirconium to use in your fused glass project. Note that most natural stones will not fair well at the prolonged high temperature required for most glass fusing. Crystals, including Swarovski crystals, can not be used as substitutes for CZs. They are not a compatible COE with most fusible glass.
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Step 2
Fuse a cabochon, bead or other jewelry component using glass with a compatible coefficient of expansion (COE).
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Step 3
Choose a diamond burr that is shaped closest to the shape of the faceted cubic zirconium you plan to use in your design. Although you can use a variety of shaped burrs or drill bits, we find that a bullet, flame or point shaped burr will work the best when fusing a round faceted gemstone.
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Step 4
Submerge the fused glass in just enough water to create a lubricant and drill a divot on top of the fused glass using a diamond encrusted burr. The divot should be about the size and shape of the stone you plan to fuse. Do not drill a hole all the way through the glass. If you do not know how to drill glass, be sure to see our eHow tutorial on How to Drill Glass.
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Step 5
Clean the drilled hole and area around it with a fiber glass brush and ammonia to prevent devitrification when firing the zircon.
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Step 6
To fuse a CZ on the surface of fused glass, drop the CZ into the drilled hole. Be sure the hole is just drilled just large enough to allow the stone to fit snugly into the divot. The hole does not need to be a perfect fit. The glass will melt when fusing and "hold" the stone in place after the re-fuse.
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Step 7
Fire as appropriate for the COE glass you chose.
