This week we learned how to make a bezel setting for a stone (or other cabachon), a skill I've wanted to learn for ages! I also have a new appreciation for the time and attention required to get this just right :) Originally, I intended to use a small larimar stone I have but decided set this larger lapis lazuli as it is about twice the size -- this seemed like a good idea for a beginner such as myself and I was right! :) I chose my fine silver bezel wire and wrapped the stone to mark the length required. I trimmed the seam for a snug fit to solder which is already completed in photo 3. I struggled with the soldering of this seam, first causing it to flow right BESIDE the seam -- good grief. My second attempt failed because I didn't have my torch temperature high enough which resulted in a second cleaning and a bit of a panic that the bezel would no longer fit the stone. Third time proved successful and you can see it still fit -- YAY!
Next, I cut my base plate from 20 gauge sterling sheet metal and this is as far as I got in the process. At Open Studio on Friday, I'm going to finish the setting and solder it to the silver band I made earlier. It will be ready to set the stone and finish at next Wednesday's class! I have a second ring band and that larimar stone I mentioned -- my goal is to have that ring also completed before the end of this course. I've enjoyed it so much, I signed up for a second class later April :) Stay tuned for the finished lapis ring next week...
is Larimar! I was introduced to this beauty just this year when talking to a friend who had visited the Dominican Republic. She had purchased a pair of handmade earrings made with larimar beads while on vacation. The aqua color is amazing!
At class today, I chose to work on my second ring and see if I could set this gorgeous larimar stone that I had for my first one. It is much smaller than the lapis and I felt up to the challenge :) It worked out really well -- all my solder flowed the first time (YAY!!!). I had time to saw and file the baseplate, leaving just a tiny lip around the bezel. 
Using this easy dental floss trick, I can see the stone fits. At Open Studio, I'll set the stone and finish sanding and polishing. The ring band was made at my first class so that was good to go, but I have to say, I created the setting in about half the time of the first -- that's good :)
This is the Jewelry and Pottery Studio at Hui -- a charming building with lots of windows, fresh air and gorgeous ocean views! It was a great day!
This week we learned how to make a bezel setting for a stone (or other cabachon), a skill I've wanted to learn for ages! I also have a new appreciation for the time and attention required to get this just right :) Originally, I intended to use a small larimar stone I have but decided set this larger lapis lazuli as it is about twice the size -- this seemed like a good idea for a beginner such as myself and I was right! :) I chose my fine silver bezel wire and wrapped the stone to mark the length required. I trimmed the seam for a snug fit to solder which is already completed in photo 3. I struggled with the soldering of this seam, first causing it to flow right BESIDE the seam -- good grief. My second attempt failed because I didn't have my torch temperature high enough which resulted in a second cleaning and a bit of a panic that the bezel would no longer fit the stone. Third time proved successful and you can see it still fit -- YAY!
