How to Make a Ring Using Stones

Set a polished stone on a ring blank using jeweler's glue.

Rings made at home with small, polished rocks are possible with the use of jewelry findings and glue, both of which can be found at local hobby and craft stores. Small, polished rocks make for an unusual and unique ring that is a one-of-a-kind object. There is much pride taken in finding the rough stones, polishing the surfaces and creating a wearable item. Small polished stones are also found for sale in many retail outlets or from rock hounds who polish their own stones.

Things You'll Need

• Small, polished stone
• Ring blank
• Cross-lock tweezers
• Jeweler's glue
• Ring clamp
• Needle nose pliers
• Masking tape

Instructions

1. Cover the teeth on both sides of a pair of needle nose pliers with two small strips of masking tape. This will prevent the teeth from marking the metal during the stone setting process.

2. Place the ring blank in a ring clamp so the top of the ring is on a level plain. Slide a wedge in the handle of the ring clamp until the ring blank is held securely. (A ring clamp looks like a large clippie clothespin.) The inside surface of the front end of the clamp is covered with a soft fabric to avoid scratching the metal surface of the ring. The handle of the ring clamp uses a wooden wedge placed between the two ends to hold the clamp closed.

3. Pick up the desired polished stone with the cross-lock tweezers. Position the stone on the ring blank's top surface. Readjust the stone until it is in the desired position. Make sure the stone is the right size for the setting, especially if there is a bezel (edge of metal) around the outside of the ring's stone platform. Carefully remove the stone and set it aside so as not to disturb the rotation of the stone.

4. Place a small drop of jeweler's glue on the ring's stone platform. Pick up the desired stone with the cross-lock tweezers. Carefully place the stone on the drop of glue.

5. Hold the ring clamp in your non-dominant hand. Pick up the needle nose pliers and open the nose. Carefully position the front end of the pliers over two opposite sides of the bezel (metal sides) around the stone. Squeeze gently until the bezel is resting snugly against the sides of the stone. Move the needle nose pliers around the entire exterior of the bezel and repeat the process. The stone will not move if this is done correctly. Reposition the pliers and squeeze the bezel until the stone fits securely.

6. Remove the ring from the ring clamp. Sit the ring in an upright position. Allow the jeweler's glue to dry for 24 hours before wearing.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you take the stone with you when purchasing the ring blank to ensure it is the proper size.

• Use only a small drop of jeweler's glue so it will not squish out from under the stone.

• A professionally set stone with prongs and/or a soldered bezel are very difficult to perform at home unless the knowledge and techniques used in silver and gold smithing are known by the artist.