opal earrings

[Faith]

Hey,
Thanks so much for the advice and encouragement all - Sarah I particularly like the idea of rose gold, I hadn't considered that at all as I've never worked in gold. Well it won't be my next project, while not way expensive it's too nice to set as an experiment, id like to feel practiced at whatever I do. And I find it quite motivating having things to look forward to setting

Thanks again all,

Faith

Ps - Sarah, look forward to seeing your bracelet when you get the time

[china]

Faith just put idea in your head something similar to this

[Faith]

Ooo thanks Bob, sorry I didn't spot your post straight away. That's lovely, is it yours? Is the backing a bit like a bezel setting but then with claws to actually hold the stone? Actually is the back open or closed too? I suppose you could do either couldn't you.

Great inspiration though I've saved the link

Faith

[enigma]

You will be fine when you do it Faith, you are very diligent

[china]

Faith, back is open as this piece has nice colour on the back as well, yes it is just like a bezel, except there is no extra allowance to rub the bezel over as the claws secure the stone
make it up the same as a bezel then pierce out the back, if you are really feeling creative you could pierce the back with a design, then solder on the claws, with opal complete as much finishing/ polishing before setting the stone, less chance of damage to the stone. Similar can be made just using heavy gauge wire to make the frame/bezel.

[enigma]

With my earrings I made the bezels from strip with an open back then soldered 0.8mm wire inside at the base to hold the stones.
Partly to allow the most light in but also to save on gold.

[Faith]

Thanks Bob and Sarah,

I'd often mused about how settings like that were made, both good approaches depending on metal and how open you want the back to be I actually have a couple of other stones in my stash that this kind of setting would be great for, so while I have my eye on my very next project already I'll definitely try this soon

Thanks again both
Faith

[J Allison]

Im surprised you didnt break the opal using a hammer handpiece

[china]

You can set opal with a hammer hand piece I have done many times