Many people interested in gemstones have a stockpile of loose gems that rarely see the light of day.  Their real value and beauty is only expressed when they are set in a fine piece of jewellery.  While custom made jewellery is suitable for very expensive, high value gemstones, it can be difficult to find a good manufacturing jewellery and the work is quite expensive.  A more affordable alternative has been requested by our customers.

We currently carry 2 basic types of blank jewellery settings:  a) Snap-Sure settings and b) Pre-notched cast settings.  See below for more information.

A) SNAP-SURE SETTINGS
This is a revolutionary new idea in gem setting.  It is so simple that it's silly !  Although currently available in only a few sizes and designs, these are the settings for the inexperienced to start on.  Once you have done a few of these, it will give you confidence to step up to the cast settings.  Please note the Snap-Sure settings generally are lighter than the cast settings and are more suitable for smaller stones.

Instructions for Snap-Sure Settings: 

• Just turn the stone face down (point up) on a semi-hard surface that will not scratch the gemstone (eg. magazine, etc). 
• Push the mounting down over the gem until it "snaps in".  Check and make sure the stone is level in the setting - if it is not, a gentle push with your fingernail should straighten it up.
• Check to make sure the prongs are snug against the girdle of the gem - if they are not closed tightly on the gem, use some smooth pliars to press them across the opposing prongs under the gem.  Do not use serrated jaw pliars as these can scratch the silver.
• Remember - gentle is the key as too much pressure can twist your setting or damage a valued gemstone.
• In most cases, adjustments like this are not necessary.  The whole setting process will literally take just a few seconds.
   

B) PRE-NOTCHED CAST SETTINGS
These cast settings are slightly heavier in construction compared to the Snap-Sure settings.  Therefore, these will wear better.  There is no cutting seats or filing prongs necessary as all claws are pre-notched for your convenience.  These castings are also fully finished with just a normal polish necessary after the stone has been set.  Some castings available are only semi-finished and require specialised tools to complete the piece so please remember to check this when comparing prices.

Instructions for Cast Settings

• Place your gem in the setting - this can be done similarly to step 1 above by placing face down and pushing the setting over the gemstone.
• Turn the setting + gemstone over carefully so that the top of the piece faces you.  Level the stone in the setting with your finger
• Use a pair of smooth jawed pliers to gently bend the prong in against the gemstone but do not tighten completely at this stage.  Work in an X pattern to tighten opposite prongs in sequence. 
• Closely inspect that the gemstone is leve and square within the setting as you work.  If the gem is not square, simply close the opposing prong slightly to adjust this.
• Once you are happy with how the gem is sitting, tighten all the prongs to complete the job.  A prong pusher is recommended for this step (see below) but is not essential.
• Remember to be gentle and take your time to avoid damaging the setting and/or the gemstone.  Do not use excess pressure or force.
• For settings with accent stones, be sure to mount these first before doing the main gem.
  

GENERAL INFORMATION

If you have any questions at all - either before purchase or while you are in the middle of setting your stone, just email us and we will try to help.   We can also set any of our gemstones into these settings for you - contact us if you are interested in this service.

Suitable pliers can be found off the shelf in beading supply shops and are easily found on Ebay.  However, you may have something already that can be modified to suit. We just use a simple pair of hobby pliers that have the serrations ground off the jaws (see photo)

Prong pushers are recommended for the final tightening step - pliers can be used for this but a prong pusher is designed for this job.  These are also easily purchased but are very simple to make - just find a screwdriver with a comfortable handle and cut off to convenient length, then just grind the end smooth and flat (see photo).

See our Store Policy page for information on returns, etc.  We do accept returns on any item in original condition but cannot be responsible for any damage done while using these settings.  Please use the instructions above as a guide and be very careful not to damage either the setting or your gemstone.  Slow and steady is the recommended approach.