How to Put a Gemstone in a Setting
With the right tools, putting a gemstone in a setting is a quick project that can be done at home. After all, it's always exhilarating to respond to a compliment with some variation of "Thank you, I made this myself!" Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Put the gemstone upside down on the flat surface.
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Gently put the setting on top of the gemstone.
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Hold the gemstone with a finger from one hand and hold the setting between your thumb and your index finger with the other hand. Flip both over so that you are looking directly at the gemstone.
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With the setting still in one hand, use your fingers to make the gemstone fit perfectly into the setting. You may need to push down gently on the gemstone.
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Once the gemstone looks perfect in the setting, use the needle-nose pliers to wrap the prongs over the gemstone.
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Look carefully at the gemstone and setting; attempt to wiggle the gemstone with your fingers. If the stone looks loose or if it wiggles in the setting, tighten the prongs with the needle-nose pliers.
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Tips & Warnings
You can use needle-nose pliers in place of a prong pusher, but prong pushers are the correct tool to use. They can be found at craft stores and are usually very inexpensive.
The more space you have in which to work, the better. Should the gemstone fall anytime during this process, you want it to fall on your workspace rather than on the floor, in a pile of papers, in the laundry or anywhere it will be difficult to find. Whenever possible, avoid using adhesives because dirt can stick to the glue and cause the jewelry to turn black. Furthermore, if you make a mistake and need to remove the adhesive, you will have to use an acetone-based remover. Acetone, like bleach, toothpaste, or ammonia can cause gemstones to pit and will make metal surfaces dull.
Resources
- Photo Credit www.jewelryschool.net
