Setting A Cast Bezel With A Hammer & A Nail

Recommended Tools & Supplies:
Safety Glasses (w/ magnification);
Masonry Nails;
Foredom Flex Shaft Kit;
Mizzy Wheels;
Screw Mandrels;
Chasing Hammer;
Engravers Block;
Selvet Cloth;
Prong Pusher/Bezel Rocker;
Needle Files;
Diamond Coated Burs;
Barrette File (4 Cut, 6");
Half Round File (0 Cut, 6"); and,
File Handle (Screw-On)
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Bezel setting was one of the earliest stone setting techniques developed by mankind. Over time, the process has been made easier thanks to developments in metallurgy and tool making. But on occasion you might run into a situation where you might have trouble moving metal to surround a stone. In this video, Professor John Ahr of the Online Jewelry Academy demonstrates how to use a hammer and a modified masonry nail to push a thick, cast sterling silver bezel onto a cabochon stone.
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[@stepha4999]

Hi! I find that trying to figure out which silicon wheel is which (for the polishing process) is almost impossible. I have all of these little accessories for my flex shaft and no idea which ones do what. They never seem to come with a clear explanation, and usually no kind of guide at all. Help!

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

The OJA has a number of videos in its playlist that might help. You'll find the complete playlist at: www.onlinejewelryacademy.com The videos are organized by category for your convenience. Many are included in our "Bench Tips and Tricks" section. Good luck with your creative pursuits. Thanks for your support! : )

[@YarHarFD]

I have bezels that I set over magnets for large clasps that are over 1mm thick. If y'all think hammering a cab bezel with a nail is heavy you should try setting a giant magnet! Sounds like someone is putting a roof together in my shop

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

That’s so funny. Thanks for sharing. 😀

[@mamaddoesdinner4977]

I have had a triangle scraper for Arvella years and didn't know what it was for! Thanks Sir!

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Glad I could give you that bit of knowledge. Thanks for your support! : )

[@MacherlaPrabhakar]

Great video, thank you brother

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Glad you liked the video. Thanks for watching! 😀

[@RolliePollieoohhh]

Sheldon from The Big bang Theory, anyone?

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

I believe that you meant to post your comment on the "Fun With Flags" channel. Bazinga!

[@flyingcheff]

John, it looks great but I still see an edge that isn't so smooth (the part exactly next to the stone). This is a very hard to access area when refining with wheels, even so-called "stone-safe" wheels. Aren't those usually pumice in silicone or rubber? I'd like to see you show us the trick that professional stone setters use: bright cutting the inside edge with a graver. I have also used sandpaper wheels (600 grit), and silicone wheels and even fine # needle files to round the very top edge of the bezel BEFORE even putting the stone in. Even after all that, sometimes it still has an edge that is not perfect against the stone. HELP! And thanks so much. This is an excellent video; it highlights the need to really refine and do a good job (no laziness allowed - if you're gonna sell a piece!).

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

The easiest way to avoid having to polish the top edge of a bezel is to file the top of the bezel at an angle before you push the bezel to the stone. You can't use gravers and mechanized finishing tool with every stone. This trick will help you to make your work look presentable for potential customers in no time. Thanks for your support! : )

[@przybyla420]

Always deburr and remove scratches too deep to easily burnish from this area prior to dropping the stone in. Then, as long as all goes well and your bezel and it’s bevel is even, there is no need to chisel.

[@pijnto]

Another great video shows what you can do without fancy tools. now that I have one I really love my hammer hand piece

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Yes, a hammer hand piece is great. But, for those on a budget the nail and hammer work just fine. Thanks for your support! : )

[@larrymoremckenzie3029]

How about filing it down before you push the bezel in ?

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Feel free to experiment. You might find a better solution that works well for you. 😀

[@shoptwoblooms]

Thank you, this is the jam I get into with rings is the bezel strip gets to stiff and I just rely on the bezel pusher or try to use my hammer piece in my flex shaft. I'm going to make this nail tool and give it a try.

[@TinaTastic3]

Great video! Is hammer setting safe for softer stones like turquoise or opal?

[@flyingcheff]

as usual - great!

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Glad you enjoyed the video. With practice you should be able to safely set a softer stone. You're really only gently tapping the bezel into place. Don't be surprised if it take you several times around the stone to move the bezel in place. Good luck with your creative pursuits. Thanks for your support! : )

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Thanks Gabby!

[@ronsfi]

Thanks Professor. Why must all silver castings be SS instead of fine? Thank you.

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

You could cast fine silver items. But the soft metal would quickly scratch, deform and possibly stretch. 😺

[@flyingcheff]

HI, love the new merchandise! There is no info on what they are made of, it just says "blend". Are the T-shirts 100% cotton or "blend" or....? What is the "blend" on the hoodie (my favorite)? I want to order ASAP but need that important info. Thanks so much.

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Hmmm. I'm not sure what the "blend" is exactly. I'll have to look into it and get back to you. But, I'm glad that you like the merchandise. Thanks for your support! : )

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Hi Gabby, Don and I did a little research on the T-shirts and hoodies. Basically, the T-shirts are: Hanes Tagless Tee Relaxed Unisex Material: 5.2 oz, 15 colors are 100% Preshrunk Comfortsoft Cotton. Wash Info: Machine Wash Cold, Tumble Dry Low. Tag-free neck label for ultimate comfort (not reflected in photo). Made In; Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Honduras. Sizing offered: S-5XL And the hoodie is: Gildan 8oz Heavy Blend Hoodie Relaxed Unisex Hoodie 50% cotton, 50% polyester. Machine Wash Warm, Tumble Dry Low. Sizing Offered: S - 5XL The countdown you see posted reflects when the next shipment will be released. It will automatically reset for the next shipment. Thanks for your support! : )

[@baubash]

15:11 i really wanna see how you polish this "hole" on the bezel wall :) you need to grow some metal and you be lucky if stone is fireproof like onyx.

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

If you have access to a laser welder, you can literally fill the hole with silver and then refine the surface as usual. : )

[@baubash]

@@OnlineJewelryAcademy Yes but how much juwelier have this future on hes workshop? :) i have just a dreem about "one time"...

[@mikicro1983]

Well, a lot of ideas come on my mind. Good job!!

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Glad you liked the video. Thanks for watching! 😀

[@itanga3676]

It good idea...i like it🥰

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Thank you! Cheers! 😀

[@ingridye9509]

very helpful, thank you

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for your support! : )

[@tammygurl64]

Hi, this was an excellent demonstration. I'm new to all this but I bought a variety pack of needle files (I think that's what they are) a while back to have on hand if I ever needed them and there's triangle file in the pack. As I was filing a ring today, I was wondering what specific purpose the triangle file had.🤔 Now I know! LOL! Thanks for sharing your expertise! Have a great day! 😊

[@silenttraveler2710]

*Your Awesome Professor...* Thanks for another bunch of great tips. Xoxo

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for your continued support! : )

[@kassiman5307]

*AS ALWAYS ONE MORE GREAT AND INTERESTING VIDEO ..... LOVE THAT ...!*

[@prasanjitghosh8236]

kassi man

[@OnlineJewelryAcademy]

Glad you are enjoying the videos. Thanks for your support! : )