Burnisher Making for Gypsy or Flush Settings

In my last post, I showed how to Gypsy or Flush set a stone in a earring project I built. Today I will show, step by step, how I make the burnisher I use to set these stones….. and like last time, there is a Bonus Video attached to this lesson.

Whenever I come across a bur that has outlived it’s intended use, broken or dull, I always keep it around for another use. That is what I am going to use today, an old ball bur that is chipped and dull. I cut the burr off, depending on the size of the burnisher I want so the end is between 0.9mm and 1.3mm. This one is about 1.0mm at the point where I cut it. I cut it off with a Separating Disc in my Foredom Machine.

Next I smooth the end area where the cut was made with a Snap-On Disc in my Foredom, and I put a little rounded concave shape to it, not much, but just a little so the end is not completely flat.

I also add an angle to the shape of the bur end using the same Snap-On Disc. This is the area that will make contact with the metal and hold the stone into place. I make this at about 45-60 degrees or so. You can experiment with the angle which works best for you.

After sanding with the Snap-On Disc, I place the burnishing bur in my Foredom and spin and rub the area across a piece of 600 Grit Sandpaper. This takes out the scratches and smooths the burnishing area. I do this to both the side angle I made, and the end, making sure to keep a little rounded shape at the end.

After the burnisher is sanded smooth, I polish the burnisher with a piece of paper loaded with Yellow Rouge. I rub the Yellow Rouge across the paper, and with the paper on a flat surface, I like to use glass or plexiglass, rotate the burnisher again in the Foredom and rub and work the burnisher until it is polished and shiny. Do this to both the side area and the end and be sure to make sure there are no sharp edges on the burnisher.

Once the burnisher is polished nicely, give it a test drive. I place my burnishers in a Pin Vise, to make them easier to work with. I make many of these in different sizes and angles for different projects. Get some practice pieces and set some stones and have fun. There is a stone setting tutorial in my lost post, or at JewelryMonk.com/gypsy.

BONUS: Here is a short video I made to help explain the process:

CLICK HERE

For a FREE Video on how this setting is done, Check out this video from the last post:

CLICK HERE

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Now…… Go Make Something Shiny!

Doug