Bezel cup preference

[Silver Spinner]

Could i have some advice please on the best bezel cups to work with Sterling or Fine? Thanks Paul.

[Dennis]

Ha, well most of us make our own bezel cups for cabochons, because they fit better than ready-mades.

You can use 0.4 to about 0.8mm strip cut from sheet according to the effect you want to create and usually they will be 1.5-2.5mm wide, depending on the height of the stone.

Once the bezel is a snug fit we usually add a back plate and trim off the surplus. Sometimes it is better to drill a hole in the centre of it to reduce weight, accommodate a convex back, or simply to let more light through.

Professionals and those with hammer handpieces generally use sterling for all of it. Personally, I prefer fine silver for the bezel strip, because it is less difficult to adapt well. The act of setting work-hardens it and I have had no problems with damage or loosening in the long term. Dennis.

[LydiaNiz]

This may be handy (something I did a while back)
http://www.cooksongold.com/blog/jewe...autiful-bezels