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...
...I was SO excited to go to class this week to finish my ring and set the stone. The finishing included several rounds of sanding and polishing both the interior of the band, the setting and the rest of the ring. Next, I gave it three baths in liver of sulfur to add patina. A good scrubbing with water, a bit of dishsoap and a brass brush brought out some pretty highlights.
After securing it in my ring clamp and gathering my bezel rocker and burnisher, I was ready to set the stone :). I worked around the stone in several stages, slowly bringing the surrounding silver closer and closer until the stone was snug and then I burnished the edge of the setting to smooth it out. A bit more sanding and polishing were required as I made a few little scratched in the silver and unfortunately, that also removed some of my patina on the setting itself. I'll know better next time! 
Even so, I like how it all turned out! Here is the finished ring which I am happily wearing today! I can't wait to make another :) Stay tuned for some new silver earrings I plan to make at Open Studio this week...
