Stone Setting Basics: A Simple Method for the Beginner

[@brunosfinejewelry4057]

I love the idea that you showed us without using fancy expensive tools. - Thank you!

[@Dharlanna]

Craig this is beautiful and you are a great teacher!

[@chrissygreenwood2709]

Thank you such a great video ❤️

[@jimsteers3329]

Mr. Dabler would you be able to answer some questions I have about setting a stone in 4 prong gold setting.

[@malcolmbragg7225]

Good I like the way you explain it’s easy to follow.thanks doc

[@texasgigi3684]

I’m going to watch this over and over, until I can set stones in my sleep! Lol. I need help trying to figure out what size setting, for my stone.

[@craigdabler-thediycastings7511]

Thanks!

[@fayharding1123]

Great tips and tricks. Thanks

[@miraclemike0948]

Thank you for showing the process!

[@dianaalexander3506]

Awesome Video! You make it look so easy. What is the brand of those different pliers you have with the flat or squared tips?

[@craigdabler-thediycastings7511]

Thank you! I took some older well made needle nose pliers and filed the ends flat so they are shorter. These are Vigor Sweden pliers and not easy to find any more. However, I believe Alan Revere has some that Rio Grande sells that may be similar.

[@sylviayahalom8041]

Great explanation! What is the drill you are using?

[@craigdabler-thediycastings7511]

You mean the hand piece? Not sure of the name but it is just a fancier hand piece that fits onto a Foredom. Most all hand pieces will work fine.

[@sylviayahalom8041]

Thank you

[@helenhill9482]

Looks great. When cutting into the prongs with the separating disc, how far did you cut in, as I’ve always been told cut no further than 1/3rd of the prong’s width, but it looked as though you went further.

[@craigdabler-thediycastings7511]

1/3rd is ideal.

[@ismaelpando9059]

I've only worked with bezels and cabs but very much wanting to try and set gems. Is it better to solder the head onto a pendant then set the gem or should I set the gem then solder the head onto the pendant? Also, have you had any luck with easy set type heads? Thanks for your help and enjoyed the video.

[@kseibert60]

Hi Craig, first time watcher and very informative. I mostly facet stones but now I am interesting setting some of my stones. I have some questions: where do get the settings from, pendant and rings? Watching your video you actually don’t need a prong setting pliers, correct? What material is your base block that is showing on the video. Also, you burrs and tools what supplier do you use. I appreciate you feed back. Happy stone setting to you. Klaus

[@DrunkFizzyElf]

Hi, I am a jeweller, blacksmith and engraver. Firstly though the process he uses here is largely correct, there are much easier and safer ways to do it. To start with you will need some way to safely hold your setting, he did mention a few at the start. The burr tools he uses are from Busch and are relatively inexpensive, I would strongly advise against using a separating disc for the initial cut as it is very unsafe and lacks the control you can get with a small (0.6mmish) ball burr. All the tools he uses can be purchased from any good jewellery supplier online, as could the settings, but it's always fun making your own! The jewellers peg, which is the base block I think you are referring to, is made from a good hardwood, usually birch or the like I think. I would also recommend using CZ to start with as they are very cheap stones. If you are planning on setting particularly small stones as well, I would use some form of optics, an optivisor is a good cheap option to start with. Being able to see your work clearly will dramatically improve your work and progress. Though as a lapidarist I am sure you'll have that covered. Have a look at a few other stone setting videos first though before you start. There are many different types of setting to learn and many great instructors and videos on the subject nowadays. Hope this has been of some help, happy setting and happy holidays!

[@CatsArtFashion]

So clear and informative. Thank you!

[@alessandraalmeidasilva8]

I have a pendant for my necklace and it's round like that. The stone spins inside the prong. I wonder if it is okay. Or if it would fall eventually. I just bought it but from second hand. :(

[@maggie7133]

Thanks Craig.....will now try setting my aquamarine in sterling! Much appreciated!

[@charmbella3465]

many thanks great tutorial easy to follow

[@peaceandlove2945]

Hi, can you tell me where to buy the wire heads? Thank you , and thank you for the video.

[@craigdabler-thediycastings7511]

Stuller, Cobb, Rio Grande, RoseCo, etc.

[@waypointman]

Nicely done! Would you recommend annealing the setting first?

[@craigdabler-thediycastings7511]

Thanks! Definitely not. You don't want soft and I doubt it would work harden enough to be safe once you're done.

[@waypointman]

Well thanks for the tip. Ironically enough I hold a bachelor's degree in "jewelelrey and metalsmithing", but the professor was much more of a "fine artist" and very little instruction was ever presented on the basics of stone setting. Now, 30 some years later, I am eagerly pursing some ideas that involve more traditional forms of metalsmithing that were passed over in my education because they were too "craft" oriented. Thanks for the video, I may have more inquiries soon..

[@ShapingSilver]

Very good walk through Craig, thank you. I'll give it a try for ring mk. III. ;-) /Oliver

[@atelje54]

Thanks! What is the dimension of the prongs?

[@craigdabler-thediycastings7511]

I don't understand what you're asking? I used a 14mm 4 prong basket setting which was large enough that people watching could see fairly well.

[@kathihanley4012]

Really helpful. Thank you.

[@daries]

thank you very much.