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Thread: Degreasing stones for gluing

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2016
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    158

    Default Degreasing stones for gluing

    I've got some relatively cheap cabochons I would like to glue in to some bezel cups before rubbing over. Can't seem to buy 5mm round cups that are the exact size. They are always 5.5mm so too big. I've got some araldite but need to degrease both before gluing.

    How do you degrease the bottom of the stones? What do you use?

    Thank you


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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
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    It is not that difficult to make your own bezel cups, Suzie and provide yourself with something that fits. Many of us would talk you through it, but ill fitting bezels will always look sub standard.

    However to answer your question, you would not expect to degrease gem stones unless they are heavily contaminated.

    If you really need to degrease you can wash them in liquid detergent solution followed by rinsing and drying.

    However some gem stones have been enhanced with oil and will look milky or show cracks if de-greased.

    Alternatively you can just key the bottoms with a diamond burr, or by rubbing them on a diamond sharpening plate: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3pc-Profes...-/181807124693 Dennis.
    Last edited by Dennis; 09-04-2017 at 02:58 PM.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2016
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    1

    Default

    Use a ultra sonic?


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  4. #4
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    South Australia
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    Default

    ----Metho----

  5. #5
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    Jul 2009
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    Romsey
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    Quote Originally Posted by china View Post
    ----Metho----
    Methylated spirits/denatured alcohol over here I think.
    Not good for a number of stones though.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2016
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    Default

    Perfect. Thanks all.

    Dennis - I make bezel settings for larger stones but as I have a number of 5mm to make, I wanted it to be slightly quicker.

    I'll try meths and see how I get on.


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  7. #7
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    Rashbel has 0.3mm walled tubing for rub down settings (and other sizes too). It could be just right, but if tight could be quickly enlarged on a mandrel.

    http://www.rashbel.co.uk/sterling-si...-3mm-wall.html Dennis.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2016
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    Default

    Perfect. Thanks Dennis. That seems like a better way to go.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Apr 2016
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    Default

    Thanks Peter. I seem to remember someone mentioning surgical spirit for degreasing metal. But i'll go with the meths.

    Thanks again.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Oct 2016
    Posts
    142

    Default

    Can I ask is araldite the recommended glue for jewellery? I have some E6000 for costume jewellery but not tried it on gemstones. Is it possible to un-glue them later?

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