There are many ways to set gemstones, from the understated, minimalist design to more innovative and elaborate solutions. Here, we will explore 14 Creative Gem Settings in Metal Clay, and the common thread will be setting Fire in Place Gemstones and Cultured Opals in the greenware stage of working with Metal Clay. Most of the instructions will be for clays that shrink up to 18%, and I will also share tips for those high shrinkage clays.
We’ll cover the basics and well beyond to create several new and exciting bezels for accent or focal gems:
- Seat gems properly
- Have nice clean settings with no cracks
- Void gem hazing
- Carve your own unique bezels with several think-outside-the-box ideas
- Properly polish and finish your bezel
Materials List:
- Metal Clay of your choice - pay attention to match clay type and shrinkage with the right technique.
- Fire in Place Gems or
- Cultured Opals
- Conical file
- Triangle file
- Circle Cutters
- Gem bur (same size as the round faceted stone)
- 2-part molding compound
- Pencil
Basic Tool Kit:
- Acrylic Snake Roller
- Plastic Wrap
- #2 brush
- Exacto® knife
- Playing cards
- Non-stick work surface
- Conical shaper tool
Finishing Tools
- 3M Polishing Papers
- Healing Sponge
- Rotary Tool
- Goggles
- Dusk mask
- Eve® Rubber Knife Edge Polishing Wheel for Silver Fine (Blue) Extra Fine (Pink)
- Bench Pin
Creative Gem Setting In Metal Clay
$18.00Price
