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How to Set a Stone Using a Simple Bead Setting Process

How to Set a Stone Using a Simple Bead Setting Process

“Sometimes ya just gotta bling things up a bit”. There are plenty of times when I have a piece of jewelry and it just needs a little something to make it “pop”. I have shown in the past how I set stones in different settings and channels, but today I will demonstrate how to bead set a round stone flush, into a flat surface.

Simple Bead Setting Header

Today I am starting with a flat topped ring that I have finished with 600 Sandpaper on my Sanding Stick, and the surface is completely flat. I found a 2mm stone I am going to set in the center. Layout is an important part of setting, so I take time to find the center of the space I am working on. What I did was measure the total width, and divide by 2. I set my Dividers at this at this measurement, and lightly scribe a mark from each side. I do the same with the height of the piece, so when I am done laying this out, I have a lightly scribed cross in the very center of the space I am working. I try to make the scribed cross smaller than the stone I am using so I will remove it when cutting the seat for the stone.

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 Now that I have the center found, I use my sharp scribe to make a small “divot” where the very center is, or where the lightly scribed lines intersect. This will make it easier for my drill bit or ball bur to drill and not “wander” while I drill a hole. I decide to drill the hole with a ball bur using my Foredom, first with a 0.7mm Ball Bur, then with a 1.4mm Ball Bur. I use the smaller bit first as a pilot hole to make the larger bit drill easier. I like to use a “through-hole” under my stones about 70% of the stone size, which allows more light to get to the stone and make it shine a bit more brilliantly.

Simple Bead Setting (5) Simple Bead Setting (6)

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Next I cut the seat for the stone I am using. I am using a 2.0mm Setting Bur to drill into the hole and make the seat for the stone. Drill the seat deep enough so the whole girdle, or side edge of the stone, is below the surface. Continually check the stone while you are drilling to make sure it is deep enough, but not too deep. You want to be able to see just a little metal over the top of the girdle.

Simple Bead Setting (9) Simple Bead Setting (10)

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Once the seat is cut, use a straight edge to lightly make a mark to locate the corners of the setting, at 45 degree angles, to follow the shape of the surface I am setting on. I line up my straight edge from corner to corner and make a small mark. I do the same for the other side as well.

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Place the stone into the seat and make sure it is completely flat in the bottom of the setting. I am using a #52 Round Graver to “raise a bead” from the flat area on the outside of the stone. I am cutting into the surface from the direction of the scribed layout lines at 45 degree angles. Start with one raised prong or bead, then move to the opposite side and do the same. How I make these beads is start with my graver about 1-1.5mm away from the stone and dig into the metal lightly with the graver, pushing the excess metal towards the stone, making sure to stop before you get to the stone itself. I hope that makes sense.

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Once you have all 4 beads raised, use your Beading Tool to make the bead into a prong to hold the stone in place. Find a beading toot that is just a little larger than the metal you are making into a bead. Use firm pressure to move the metal over the stone, but not too much to break off the prong.

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Now that the stone is set, you can finish the area around the stone as you wish, either leaving it with a brushed finish for contrast, or polish to a high luster.

Have fun trying this type of setting, get used to it and get creative, because there are many uses for this type of setting, and it is the building blocks to pave’ setting.

There ya go, a little setting action to make your week exciting.

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That’s all I got!

Have an awesome day and go Bling your world!

Doug

“What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness?“

29 thoughts on “How to Set a Stone Using a Simple Bead Setting Process”

  1. Christy

    You make things look easy because you are succinct in your explanations. I didn’t think I could do this without a scope, but now I’m tempted to try. Thanks!

  3. Lynne

    Thanks, Doug. This was as always a great lesson, very clear. I so appreciate your taking the time to put these together! Additionally, the links you include to places to acquire the parts or tools are quite helpful.

  5. Maureen Kasischke

    Love this article. I have been wondering how to do this. I would love to print this article out but can’t figure out how to get my computer to do this. I will keep trying. Thanks for a great article.

  7. Debbie

    Thank you for this tutorial. This and flush settings are on my bucket list to do. I am just afraid to start. This might be the motivation that I need.
    Debbie

  11. Dana Evans

    Thanks, Doug! I don’t have any gravers. What is a good set of various sizes to start with? Also, I’ve seen this done with more of a star patterning around the stone- in that case are there more beads, or is it just a decorative look/engraving after the stone’s been flush-set?

    1. JewelryMonk

      Dana, I like to use a number of gravers. I did a post about gravers here https://www.jewelrymonk.com/gravers and here is where I suggest you start:
      Gravers
      #2 Onglette
      #42 Flat
      #52 Round
      #3 Knife
      This should get you started and used to how they work, after you get used to them, you can cater to the type of work you are doing and get more.
      Hope this helps.
      Also, I have used 3-4-5-6-8 prongs, it is all up to your style and what you want.
      Take care
      Doug

  13. Marion

    Thanks Doug!!!

    Love your tutorials! This one is ironically timely…just got some new drill bits and stones to try my hand at setting! I’m now even more excited to get going!!! Your generosity in sharing your expertise is greatly appreciated!!! Best to you!!!

    1. JewelryMonk

      You are welcome Marion, I am excited for you as well and can’t wait to hear what you do with your new tools. Thanks for the kind words as well, it is comments like yours that keeps me doing what I am doing.
      Doug

  15. Lisa Anderson

    I’m ready to start moving beyond basic bezels, so thanks for this and for sharing your list of starter tools!

  19. Jill Griffin

    Hi Doug,

    I’ve been wanting to learn flush setting for a while. I’ve been on Pinterest for about a year but just discovered the wealth of tutorials. I am excited to try this technique. I have a flex shaft and most of the bits so why not? I agree with many others- your tutorial is very clear, photos are great and there’s not a lot of fluff to get lost in. Thanks for sharing. I’ll let you know how it turns out.

    Best,
    Jill

    1. JewelryMonk

      Thank you Jill, I look forward to seeing what you come up with. I do try to keep my tutorials short, concise, and simple to follow with clear instructions and images.
      Good luck and do please share.
      Doug

  23. Bryan

    Thank you so much for this Doug!

    Really appreciate that you took the time and effort to put this together for us here to learn.
    Kudos to you and now i am excited to try it myself!! 🙂

  25. Rebecca

    I gave this a shot and it worked! Thank you so much! I work with metal clay so I can set many stones very easily before firing. But many other stones can’t take the heat of the kiln so they must be set after. This method is secure and looks really beautiful.

    What I can’t find is any kind of tutorial on how to sharpen a round graver. I read that they don’t need to be heeled but nothing specific about how to do it. I’ve also read that you should use an Arkansas stone. Thats about all I know and I’m scared to irreparably damage the graver by doing it wrong. Can you help me oh wise one?

    1. Doug Napier

      Rebecca, Thanks for the comments and I am glad to hear that you were successful in setting your stones.
      Here is a link to a post that might help. Although this is for a flat graver, the concept is pretty much the same. LINK
      Hope this helps as well.
      Doug

  29. Sally Magdaleno

    Thanks so much for these instructions! I’ll practice on copper sheet first, I guess, and CZs. Can you direct me to a good set of instructions for finishing and polishing? I’ve seen all kinds of instructions using different polishing compounds, leather, etc. , and I’m a little confused. I’d especially like to know a good way to get a mirror finish on silver. Thank you so much.

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