how to set Baguette Facet stones

**philongold** · 07-01-2015, 06:36 AM

Hello again, philongold here again.

I have just bought 5 Baguette cut, facet Tourmalines but am not sure how to set them.

I have a couple of designs in my head for a rings, and I sort-of-know what I would like to do with one of the stones at least - but I don't know the best way to achieve this.

I would like to set the stone down into the metal (I think I will do it in silver to start with) and either do a standard 'Bezel' setting, which I can do easily - or what I would like to have a go at is, something like a gypsy setting, I have also hear this type of setting called a 'rub-over' setting - this is the type of setting I don't really know to do! (although I have heard bezel settings called rub over setting by some).

I can do a gypsy setting using a round stone - that's quite easy because nearly all the work is done using burs. BUT - I recon a rectangular stone is a different thing all together. If I use a bur to cut the hole out for the stone and make one little slip - all my work could be wrecked!

Has anyone got any ideas? OR -maybe I should send the finished ring to a setter and have to done properly - can anyone recommend a good setter?

Cheers everyone.

Phil (philongold@gmail.com)

**ps_bond** · 07-01-2015, 06:53 AM

You've seen this?
Depends on the size of the stones as to whether it's achievable. Channel setting with the long axis of the stone running radially might work.

If you want to flush set fancy stones, the setting will have to be carved with scorpers. Scribe layout lines on the surface, drill what you can and carve a tapered hole progressively, checking fit as you go.

**enigma** · 07-01-2015, 09:41 AM

Could you cast it?

**Gemsetterchris** · 07-01-2015, 10:38 AM

Gypsy set baquette tourmalines sounds like trouble.

Bezel,gypsy,channel are all basically rubover setting, there are after all only 3 main types the others being claw & bead (grain).

Your best bet is to pierce out your rectangles given your past skills..then just cut a bearing for the girdle & drill your corners abit till it fits snug & burnish carefully...or make a really low bezel for it.
Bear in mind the curve if any as Peter pointed out, but I guess you probably know all that anyway.

You could consider a Roman setting, cut around your stone with a graver to form a wall to push over..

**philongold** · 08-01-2015, 07:31 AM

Firstly - MANY thanks to all that have answered my latest question. I didn't think I had any replies as nothing came to my email in-box. I must have forgotten to tick the right box.

Anyway - the stones are very small - around 4 mm x 2 mm.

No I can't cast as I have no casting stuff and I have only ever done a bit of casting ever.

ps_bond - a looked at the CAD you put up. VERY skillful I must say. If I had round stones it would be a lot easier -I just saw these tourmalines and the price was good (I thought) so I bought them.

I think in the end I have only a few choices - 1. cut out an area for the stone to sit in with a drill. gravers or scorpers as Gemsetterchris said or 2. Make a tiny bezel an solder it in place making sure I have cut out enough space for the stone.

Or maybe, I should just send it to gemsetterchris lol.

Cheers guys and keep the info flooding in.

Phil (philongold@gmail.com)

**Gemsetterchris** · 08-01-2015, 07:45 AM

Originally Posted by philongold

Or maybe, I should just send it to gemsetterchris lol.

Phil (philongold@gmail.com)

! Ha ha.

**johnmoto** · 09-01-2015, 01:47 AM

I would scribe around the stone then drill 2 holes top and bottom then out down your corners then cut the box out with a thin sharp flat scorper then look how thick the girth is and choose a ball fraze that thickness not to deep just enough so the stone clips in if you do this correctly you should be able to turn the piece up side down bang it and the stone should stay in there, next step with a thin flat scorper burnish from the inside of the ledge this will cleanly and jently put metal onto the stone no mess no hammering very clean and secure.
Hope this helps

**Gemsetterchris** · 08-01-2015, 10:23 AM

There are a lot of things that are do-able, but that doesn't necessarily mean they are good idea...especially rings..fancy as some look, they are asking for trouble.