Fitting bezels to curved surfaces

[ps_bond]

Haven't done any tips in a while, so...

Here's one way of making bezels fit to curved surfaces - such as large cabochons onto cuff bracelets, for example.

When making up the bezel, I tend to install a heftier piece of metal than normal for the bezel shelf. I do this primarily to support the structure of the bezel during the subsequent filing. The shelf needs to support the stone clear of the surface, so make sure there's plenty of depth to it - you can take it away easily, adding it back is trickier.

I invariably file a rough curve into the bottom of the besel at this point.

Using engineer's marking (not layout) blue - or Prussian blue oil paint, it's got a fair few similarities - I put a thin smear across the curved surface, then touch the bezel to it. Where the metals contact, there will be a blue mark left on the bezel. File it away... Repeat this until the entire bottom of the bezel shows blue and you will have a perfect fit.

Then clean it all up. The blue does like to get everywhere!

[MuranoSilver]

Great tip -I've even got Prussian Blue lol
nic x

[mizgeorge]

I use articulating strips from a dental supply company for things like this - the ones they make you bite on to check how a filling fits?

[ps_bond]

I know the ones - there's also Seat Check powder (can't remember the correct dental name for it offhand); it burnishes to a colour change where the contact points are - it's designed for crown fitting IIRC, but works well for stone setting.

I don't think the dentists would be popular using marking blue to check fit though...?

[mizgeorge]

I don't think the dentists would be popular using marking blue to check fit though...?

LOL at the idea though

[Ominicci]

I get Peter's method but not your's George; how do you use the strips? What are they? Does the metal to metal cut straight through it? I don't think I've seen or used these strips at a dentist.