Fine Jewellery Techniques (JEW4035)

16/02/2018 - Bezel Set Ring

I've made dozens of bezel set rings in my time, so when Katy suggested we HNDers could use an unusual shaped cabochon, I chose a rectangular labradorite, as I've always had trouble with corners.
I also chose to do this freeform fire agate that I've been dying to set for ages.
I cheated slightly by making my bezels from fine silver (as I'm a weakling who stands no chance of being able to push over 0.7mm sterling).
As predicted I had trouble with the corners of the rectangular bezel and I filed down so much of it trying to even it out, that I marked the stone and made the bezel too short. However the stone is secure and it doesn't look too bad after polishing.
I couldn’t decide which side of the fire agate should be the top, and which should be hidden from view forever in the a bezel.  So I cut out a hole in the bottom of the bezel, and made an “open-top” ring (there must be a proper name for this) so the bottom side of the stone could be seen when not being worn.
I put some beaded wire round the bezel for extra interest, but buffed off far too much from the underside.  Still, I'm very happy with this ring and shall be keeping it for myself :-)