How to Flush Set a Stone Into a Bead

Most time, I can’t leave well enough alone. I did this silver and copper ring quite a while back, and it was sitting in my peripheral vision just begging for a little something special. I had an extra created ruby laying around as well, so the next thing I know, I am drilling and setting.

Here is the silver and twisted copper ring that was minding its own business before I “zeroed-in” and targeted it as the next project in line. I have a 2mm Created Ruby that is just the right size to accent this bead I put on this ring.

First, I add a “divot” for a pilot mark to start drilling into the bead, so the drill doesn’t slip and so I can be sure to start in the center of the bead. I usually drill a hole approximately 70% of the stone size for a “through hole”. In this cast, I am using a 1.4mm Ball Bur to drill the hole, but you can also use a Drill Bit. I drill all the way through to allow light to brighten the stone. The hole also helps during the stone fitting process, so you can press the stone out from behind. I also use Pro-Cut Bur Lubricant to help the bur drill better.

Next I cut a seat using a 2mm High Speed Setting Bur. I cut the depth of the seat so that when the stone is seated, the metal over the stone is about as thick as the girdle of the stone. This metal over the stone will be used to set the stone (I hope this makes sense) I use a soft piece of Wax on an old bur to grab and move the stone.

Once the seat is cut properly, set the stone down in the seat and use a Prong Pusher to form the excess metal that is above the stone over the edge of the stone. Use even pressure all the way around the stone until the metal is holding the stone in place. What I do next is use an old bur that is rounded to a point and polished. I use the point to burnish the inside edge of the metal. This makes the metal even and shiny. After I am satisfied with the inside edge, I use a Soft Rubber Wheel and polish the setting to finish.

There you have it, this isn’t “bead-setting”, it is “setting into a bead”….. a little twist to “jazz” up an old piece of jewelry I had laying around and giving it new life.
I hope this gives you new ideas and a new way to set stones. Get some stones and play around with them, that is how you learn.
Thanks as always for stopping by.
Now go make someone smile today!
Doug