How to Insert a Stone Into a Bezel
A bezel is a type of jewelry setting designed to hold gemstones in place. Making a bezel is somewhat challenging, as the bezel must fit a stone exactly, and setting the stone can be difficult, as well, because it must also be exact. However, bezels allow for creativity and innovation with jewelry making, and learning how to set a bezel is a worthwhile endeavor for anyone who enjoys working with metal and jewels. You can also purchase a pre-made bezel to make your work easier.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Bezel
- Gemstone
- Dental floss or thread
- Silicone glue
- Bezel rocker
- Burnisher
Instructions
-
-
1
Put the stone into the bezel cup to ensure that it fits exactly and that the top is level. Examine it from all sides when it is sitting on a flat surface. You may want to put a piece of dental floss or thread behind the stone, with the ends on either side of the bezel, in order to remove the stone. If the edge of the bezel is far over the top of the stone, sand down the edge of the bezel.
-
2
Place a small amount of silicone glue into the bottom of the bezel cup, then insert your gem. Wipe away any excess glue and wait for it to dry. This helps hold the gem in place while you work, but may not be suitable for faceted gems or bezels with an open bottom.
-
-
3
Push the top edge of the bezel inward using the bezel rocker, then push in the top edge of the bezel on the opposite side. Continue pushing in the top of the bezel all the way around, always pushing from one side, then the opposite side to avoid creating folds or sharp points in the metal. As you work, make sure that the stone is still level and that it fits snugly into the bezel.
-
4
Polish the entire bezel with the burnisher until it feels smooth.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Try using a vise or something similar to hold the bezel in place while you work.
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
