Today I was finishing up these earrings and wanted to share a technique for setting thicker bezels (.5mm -1mm) which are my favorite kind of bezels ☺️
I am using a Foredom hammer handpick with a modified anvil tip. If you want more info on these I suggest you visit ytips.metalsmithsociety.com and search “hammer handpiece” we have shared a bunch of tips that mention this tool or show it!
I am working under a microscope so I can see where I am hammering and where I am polishing.
While there was minimal hammer marks on my bezel a pumice wheel can be great for cleaning your bezel. I have been practicing this technique for years and while they are generally stone safe (as is the ZAM) I am careful to not hit my stone.
You want to hold your work securely when hammer setting. Thermoloc is what I use and you heat it with a craft gun to soften it, and later remove your work. You can use thermoloc with any vise!
I am going to auction these earrings over at my jewelry page, so be on the look out for that separate post.
Hope this was helpful!! #bezelsetting #hammersetting #SettingStones #SettingCabochons #ForedomTools #grstools
