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Bezel setting

· 1 min read · Techniques

Illustration: Bezel setting

In the bezel setting, a thin strip of metal surrounds the edge of the stone and is burnished inward to hold it. It is very secure and protects the stone's edges.

Steps of the technique: Measure, Make the strip, Solder, Seat, Push, Burnish and polish
Summary of the steps

How it is done #

  1. The outline of the stone is measured and a strip of metal (the bezel) cut.
  2. It is closed, fitted and soldered to a base.
  3. The stone is placed and the rim is pushed and burnished over it.

Variants #

Full bezel (surrounds the entire stone) and partial or half bezel (leaves some areas free).

Ideal for #

Cabochons, soft or fragile stones and everyday jewelry. A bezel hides part of the stone and lets in less light.

Care #

It is very durable. Check that the rim is still tight against the stone.

Step by step #

  1. Measure. Measure the outline of the stone.
  2. Make the strip. Cut a thin metal strip and bend it.
  3. Solder. Close the band and solder it.
  4. Seat. Fit it to the stone and solder to the base.
  5. Push. Close the edge over the stone.
  6. Burnish and polish. With a burnisher, without forcing.

Tools and materials #

Common mistakes #

  • Bezel too high: it hides the stone.
  • Strip too thick: it will not close.
  • Heating with the stone in place.
  • Marking the stone when burnishing.

See also #

This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.