This method of protecting a stone while polishing is pure genius, thank you so much @fione_harvey - “3M Scotch- Blue Painter's Tape is a must and go to for me. I use it to protect stone(s) when cleaning the surrounding metal after setting. I usually cut the tape big enough to cover the surface of the stone. Next I cut slits along the sides. After that I rub the tape flush onto the stone using my nail or sometimes the back my tweezer. Once that is done I use a sharpened solder pick or the point of the dividers(any sharp point will do really) to scrib along the lip of the setting (where the stone meets the metal) making sure to press along the metal and not the stone. This will allow for the perfect coverage of the stone and the removal of the excess tape. It sounds like a long process but this is all done in under a minute. But one the stone is covered you can pretty much go to town cleaning your piece via filing, sanding and polishing.” #metalsmithsociety #jewelrydesigner #benchjeweler #jewelrytip #stonesetting #stonesettingtips #jewelrymaking @3m