Gold bezel

[theresa]

I am going to take the plunge and order some gold for a bezel.
Can someone advise the best thickness please? 0.5mm?
Thanks

[Dennis]

Gold can be quite hard to rub over, particularly low ct. Also depending on the size of the stone, 0.3 0r 0.4mm would be thick enough.

If you have a mill, then rolling it down from wire, is cheaper and less wasteful. For a guide,

1.0mm round will roll down to 1.5 x 0.4mm
1.5mm round will roll down to 2.0 x 0.5mm
2.0x1.0 rectangular will roll down to 2.2 x 0.5mm

[Patstone]

Is it possible to make brass bezels or is it too hard.

[Dennis]

Is it possible to make brass bezels or is it too hard.

It is quite hard, Pat and hardens quickly when worked, but some brasses appear to be softer than others. You might have to use a punch for setting. Dennis.

[theresa]

Gold can be quite hard to rub over, particularly low ct. Also depending on the size of the stone, 0.3 0r 0.4mm would be thick enough.

If you have a mill, then rolling it down from wire, is cheaper and less wasteful. For a guide,

1.0mm round will roll down to 1.5 x 0.4mm
1.5mm round will roll down to 2.0 x 0.5mm
2.0x1.0 rectangular will roll down to 2.2 x 0.5mm

Thanks Dennis - I'll get some wire and roll it down as you suggest. Probably 18ct

[Dennis]

Good, but roll it slowly and reduce the space very gradually so that the strip stays straight.

If despite your best efforts it ends up curved, you can straighten it by re-annealing, gripping one end in a vice and gently pulling with pliers. Regards, Dennis.

[enigma]

I use 0.3mm if Im using yellow.
If Im using red then you have to buy 0.5 so I roll it down to 0.3 usually depending on the size of stone.
Apart from the time I forgot to adjust the roller and accidentally rolled it down to 0.1 in one go……...

[Dennis]

I use 0.3mm if I'm using yellow. Apart from the time I forgot to adjust the roller and accidentally rolled it down to 0.1 in one go……...

Have you found a use for it Sarah, or is it still there to annoy you?

[enigma]

Its sitting in the drawer looking at me and accusing me of failure Dennis !
I shall probably melt it down at some point when I next melt some red.

[emsterv]

Is it possible to make brass bezels or is it too hard.

I've done it before on a set of citrine earrings. I'd ever worked with brass before so just went for it. I think I used .5mm. Ended up using a punch and hammer but it wasn't exceedingly difficult. Cabs were about 6mm or so I think.