Bezels

[Sandra]

Hello everyone, I'm busy experimenting with a couple new projects for June's competition. How do most of you create bezels for small (2 or 3mm) round cabochons? I hate trying to fiddle around creating a bezel with silver strip on something so small. Cooksons sells bezel cups but nothing that small. I've seen people use what looks like silver tube, I'm assuming I'd drill about halfway down to create a ridge for the cabochon to rest. Would that be a good alternative?

[Goldsmith]

I would use silver tube. It is useful to have a stock of various size silver tube sizes. If you do have a stock of various sizes then you can slip a piece of smaller diameter tube inside the setting size tube and use it as a stone seat if you want an open back setting, or I have just used a jump ring as a stone seat inside a tube setting if it is for a closed back setting.

James

[caroleallen]

Cooksons also do this style http://www.cooksongold.com/Cast-Ring...rcode-NV1-S229 which I've found to be quite easy to use.

[Sandra]

Ah thanks guys!

[Goldsmith]

I meant to add that a 300mm. length of 4mm.OD x3mm. ID silver tube costs circa £27 and would be enough to cut 50 bezel settings. ready made settings for 3mm. stones cost circa £5 each so do the maths.

James

[caroleallen]

That's true James but sometimes beginners find ready-made settings easier.

[Aurarius]

Sandra, you can get low-priced pre-fabricated 3mm bezel cups here.
Actually, once you've made a few bezel cups yourself from a strip and base-plate, even doing very small ones is not that difficult. As long as you get the length of the strip right and the solder joints are clean and sound, the rest should be plain sailing. If you've soldered the strip and find the fit is a little tight, insert a brass or steel rod into the closed loop and roll it evenly on a bench block; this will stretch the metal and create more room. If you've soldered the strip and find it's too roomy, you'll need to size it down, or cheat and choose a slightly larger stone.

[ShinyLauren]

I would use silver tube. It is useful to have a stock of various size silver tube sizes. If you do have a stock of various sizes then you can slip a piece of smaller diameter tube inside the setting size tube and use it as a stone seat if you want an open back setting, or I have just used a jump ring as a stone seat inside a tube setting if it is for a closed back setting.

James

I also use tube for pretty much every size of round stone, faceted and cabochon. I can never be bothered to make bezels!

[Keia]

Thanks for the lovely comments, it's a good confidence boost =D
Patstone, with the too much heat issue on such tiny bezels I use my old cooks flame on the lowest setting & keep moving it around in circles to keep the heat even on the whole bezel. I made 6 3mm's in one sitting (medium solder) and didn't melt any =)
I think solder paste might be better on these next time though, instead of fiddling with tiny solder pallions.

[Patstone]

My problem was my bench is in the windows facing the sun. It was so nice to sit in the sun doing something I love doing.