If you have followed me for a while, you know that I don't I really don't set facetted stones and if DO use stones it is a cabochon.
Personally I don't like having a big bling stone hanging out there in a prong setting just to show it off. Yes my wedding/anniversary ring has a big sapphire but that is because it is a wonderful set stone in a very art deco style setting.
I have been asked to make some jewelry just to show off a stone and I won't do it. It is not my aesthetic and I must admit I avoided learning how to set a facetted stone so I could avoid the work.
Until recently.
I now feel that some of my chasing & repousse designs could be enhanced with a few small set stones - tube set stones to be exact. And over the past few months I have been looking at the best way to learn tube setting.
I know, I know you're thinking "now she learns this?? why it is so simple". Yeah, there are lots of YouTube videos and other on line resources but I always have lots of questions and think of situations where something else might be needed; thus working with someone on this is best for me.
And so when Deb Jemmott sent an email about an open studio day with her, I jumped at the chance to learn it from her. And yesterday was that day.
When I arrived Deb had everything I would need at the bench where I would sit (being left handed I usually sit at the left side of a two person workbench). There was 3, 3.5 and 4 mm CZ's, brass sheet, brass tubing, setting burrs, drill bits, and setting punches. We walked through the process and also discussed how to set the stones when working with a cuff that has repousse; especially when the stone is set in an area of repousse. Then it was time to DO!
I set 6 sample stones - two of each size and making the setting from plain tubing. And then I set two more 3 mm stones in some silver for a pair of earrings for me using pre-made settings.
Overall the day was a success with only the first stone a bit cock-eyed. Here are just a few pictures of my learning piece and the earrings.
Personally I don't like having a big bling stone hanging out there in a prong setting just to show it off. Yes my wedding/anniversary ring has a big sapphire but that is because it is a wonderful set stone in a very art deco style setting.
I have been asked to make some jewelry just to show off a stone and I won't do it. It is not my aesthetic and I must admit I avoided learning how to set a facetted stone so I could avoid the work.
Until recently.
I now feel that some of my chasing & repousse designs could be enhanced with a few small set stones - tube set stones to be exact. And over the past few months I have been looking at the best way to learn tube setting.
I know, I know you're thinking "now she learns this?? why it is so simple". Yeah, there are lots of YouTube videos and other on line resources but I always have lots of questions and think of situations where something else might be needed; thus working with someone on this is best for me.
And so when Deb Jemmott sent an email about an open studio day with her, I jumped at the chance to learn it from her. And yesterday was that day.
When I arrived Deb had everything I would need at the bench where I would sit (being left handed I usually sit at the left side of a two person workbench). There was 3, 3.5 and 4 mm CZ's, brass sheet, brass tubing, setting burrs, drill bits, and setting punches. We walked through the process and also discussed how to set the stones when working with a cuff that has repousse; especially when the stone is set in an area of repousse. Then it was time to DO!
I set 6 sample stones - two of each size and making the setting from plain tubing. And then I set two more 3 mm stones in some silver for a pair of earrings for me using pre-made settings.
Overall the day was a success with only the first stone a bit cock-eyed. Here are just a few pictures of my learning piece and the earrings.
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