- Joined
- May 1, 2014
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Made up a bezel setting and set that cabbed garnet in it. I'm prepared to accept the fact that it looks a bit crude but I was more or less happy given that it was my very first attempt. The stone is only about 7mm in diameter and was incredibly fiddly - I probably should have chosen something larger for a first go. I couldn't believe how tiny the dots of solder you use are, difficult to position because they stick to the flux. Also had three goes at soldering the bale one, which has put a melt mark in the front of it.
Took the garnet off the dop earlier and polished up the back as highly as it would polish - what a world of difference that made! The stone was previously so dark that it needed strong backlighting to show that it was transparent red, not black. With the back polished the dome and back create a magnifying lens and mirror effect, quite dramatically lightening the dark stone.
On Friday I will take in a much bigger cab to try and make a setting for. For the few small ones I have, I'm gonna cheat at the moment - bought some blank silver pendants and earrings on the weekend, that'll be easier
Have to learn it all though, not just cut stones and buy pre-made settings - it's sad to see that it's a bit of a dying art and I hope that someday I will be good enough to do it justice. Practice, practice, practice.........
Took the garnet off the dop earlier and polished up the back as highly as it would polish - what a world of difference that made! The stone was previously so dark that it needed strong backlighting to show that it was transparent red, not black. With the back polished the dome and back create a magnifying lens and mirror effect, quite dramatically lightening the dark stone.
On Friday I will take in a much bigger cab to try and make a setting for. For the few small ones I have, I'm gonna cheat at the moment - bought some blank silver pendants and earrings on the weekend, that'll be easier
Have to learn it all though, not just cut stones and buy pre-made settings - it's sad to see that it's a bit of a dying art and I hope that someday I will be good enough to do it justice. Practice, practice, practice.........