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Simmo
16-06-2019, 09:59 PM
Hi, so I’m attempting my first gold setting with diamonds.
The diamonds I have are exactly 3.5mm so I ordered the 15pt double gallery earring settings from Cookson as it states they can take a 3.40mm Stone.
My issue is when I drop the 3.5mm stone in it doesn’t even touch the prongs when sat, like the stone is too small.
I’ve only recently got into stone setting and it doesn’t seem too technical, am I missing something here with the size though?
if it states the setting takes a 3.4mm Stone is it standard that you should have to grind the seat down some untill the stone fits?
It could be possible that my 3.5mm stone would fit if I grind the seat right down to nearly nothing as the space gets tighter the further down you go. I don’t want to go so far down that I end up with no double gallery though. :/

Dennis
16-06-2019, 10:28 PM
This is a recurring problem with bought in settings. I don't use them myself, but a way out is to buy the setting first and keep a selection of CZs to try in.
That way you can determine what size diamonds to order. Dennis.

china
17-06-2019, 12:20 AM
As said above, manufactured settings are made to a price and tolerance no two are ever the same, the best solution is to make your own

Simmo
17-06-2019, 05:20 AM
Oh...that’s a bummer. It should state on the info if there’s a tolerance (like it does for some other things) if that’s the case.
I’d like to learn to make them myself but unfortunately I don’t have the time to.
Will have to see if I can make it work then.
Thanks for the replies guys.

enigma
17-06-2019, 08:29 AM
Agree with the above but also to say that yes, you do always have to adjust the setting for the individual stone too.
The most annoying one I bought was an 18ct white setting for a 5mm stone that was WAY too small and impossible to fit no matter what you did.
Mostly I just make my own now.

Dennis
17-06-2019, 12:37 PM
In addition, I would recommend that if you can find the same in silver, you experiment with that to explore the possibilities, before committing to gold. Dennis.

enigma
17-06-2019, 02:40 PM
One thing to note if you do as Dennis suggests is that the claws are much longer on the silver ones allowing more margin for setting.

Simmo
17-06-2019, 05:43 PM
I made some silver earrings with cheap emeralds first, they came out ok and the size was fine.
Unfortunately I made the absolutely silly mistake of starting to notch the 9ct setting BEFORE dropping the diamond in to see how the sizing was (got a bit too excited).
I like a challenge so I’ll try and make it work, it’s not looking too bad I think. I’ll try and upload a detailed photo when finished.
Here’s a question...what do you use to polish up the metal?
I used red ruche but I leaves residue in all the little corners and didn’t really work on the side of the seat very well, prongs came up fine.
Thanks for the replies and info.

ps_bond
17-06-2019, 08:01 PM
Needle files & silicone wheels if I've understood correctly what you're asking.

Simmo
17-06-2019, 08:09 PM
I’ve never used the silicone wheels before, just mops with various polishing compounds. Do they leave any residue?
I’ve been using a grade 4 knife edge needle to clean it up too.

Simmo
17-06-2019, 08:32 PM
12029
12030
12031

So I managed to close it in ok.
In the finishing though...I couldn’t seem to get the sides on the prongs, may try some of these silicone wheels.

Simmo
17-06-2019, 08:34 PM
Sorry about the picture clarity, they didn’t seem to upload as clear pictures

Dennis
17-06-2019, 08:51 PM
Not easy to see, but if you have residues of polishing compound, they will brush away with an old toothbrush in hot water and washing up liquid. Dennis.

Simmo
19-06-2019, 04:00 PM
Thanks for the info. Hot soapy water worked a treat Dennis, thanks!

Gemsetterchris
22-08-2019, 06:26 AM
Stones & mounts that don't quite match up is unfortunately quite a normal problem to be dealt with.
Aside from tweaking settings or developing unorthodox methods, the answer is to either make your own or then select stones once you have the mount in hand.
Stones sold in mm are rarely exact & it's just a ballpark number unless you are lucky to have a supplier with understanding & time to sift through a large parcel..There is also the problem of jewellery makers having different ideas as to what is an ideal fit.

Dennis
22-08-2019, 09:16 AM
Hi Chris, welcome back. Dennis.

Gemsetterchris
22-08-2019, 10:18 AM
Thanks Dennis, must be a while since I popped in last.
Shame tapatalk went downhill.