Here is a tip for utilizing a collet block to file a setting from @paulcoyne - “This tip is useful when making bezel settings. It can be tough to file the top of a bezel setting accurately, I use my bezel block as a filing guide place the setting in... more
Here is a tip for determining the length of bezel wire you need for your stone! In this example I’m using a gorgeous American Mined™ BlueBird Turquoise™ 10 x 8mm Oval Cabochon from @riogrande Stone height will always vary on hand-cut stones, and for... more
Here is a bezel tip from @quiettimejewelry - “An easy little tip that may help other makers. I sketch my stones out so I can orient where the bezel is joined. That way I know which way to solder it onto the backplate, and also how the stone will be... more
Here is a tutorial on attaching chain to a bezel from @estona_sieraden. - “This is such a useful way to attach a bezel centerpiece to a piece if chain. A real shortcut to attach the ring and chain in one go, on both sides. First you measure the exact... more
Here is a technique for making an open back bezel from @earnestlyobijewellery - “I bought some lovely dendritic agate slices but didn’t want the back to be covered – I loved the idea of light being able to shine through! First I created my bezel, then... more
Here are two bezel setting tips from @shinyobjectsmichele “I use a couple repurposed tools that are essential to me. One is a blackhead extractor tool that I use to set stones that are close together. When I can’t properly access the bezel with my... more
Here are some bezel setting tips from @spiritmountainsilver - “During the stone setting process a lot can go wrong… especially with a square cut stone. The corners tend to be very fragile and one wrong slip or too much pressure and welp, you’ve got a... more
Here are two bezel setting tips from @shinyobjectsmichele “I use a couple repurposed tools that are essential to me. One is a blackhead extractor tool that I use to set stones that are close together. When I can’t properly access the bezel with my... more
Sharing this helpful visual guide to bezels from @lucywalkerjewellery - “There's no denying it's easier to set thinner gauge bezels, however how thick you choose is entirely up to you, the thickest bezel I ever set was using 1.3mm sterling silver... more
Here is a fabulous tip from @fairbankandperry if you are making a stepped bezel - “For smaller stones, like this 6x4mm citrine, we often make both the seat and the outer bezel from one tall piece of bezel strip. Once the bezel is made, it is cut... more
Here is a method for stretching that bezel that is just a little too tight 😬 from @dancingbluestone - “I pry the pre-shaped bezel over the tip of a metal stamp and hammer out with a plastic mallet. I use a roll and stretch technique (on a thick piece... more
Here is a fabulous step by step of getting your bezel wire seam PERFECT 🥰 from @kaypeajewelry - “To get a perfect fit when making a bezel I start out by squaring one end of the bezel wire off by filing it down in my miter jig. Then I tightly form it... more
Here is a tip for cleaning up your bezels from @lucywalkerjewellery - “Using a pumice wheel to clean up the edge of a bezel setting. If you want a crisp looking bezel, it’s really important NOT to run the wheel like a drunk monkey all over the surface... more
Here is a tip when working with multiple bezels at once from @mineralandmine - “When working on a number of bezels or designs at once, get yourself organized to prevent mistakes! I learned this awesome planning technique from my metalsmithing classes... more
For this week’s #tooltalktuesday I created a quick demo of the Whaley Precision Bezel Cutting 90 Degree Shears I got from @ottofrei1930 they are essentially solder shears that have been modified so that you can quickly cut your bezels with a nice 90... more
Here is a tip to make your own decorative bezel from @makeitwithkim - “Do you want to make your bezels fancy? While you can buy pre-made fancy bezel strip, in many countries it's not that easy to get hold of. But you can make your own! Most bezel... more
Here is a tip for a too tight bezel from @lucywalkerjewellery - “Another great way to stretch bezels that are a little small. Use round and flat pliers (not round and round) and gently squeeze all the way around your bezel - flip the bezel over and... more
Here is a tip for sanding backplates from @jtower_jewelry - “Here is my process for making the back plate flush without killing your hands: 1. Saw around the piece close to the bezel (not shown in my photo) 2. Using my mini 3” bench grinder from... more
Here is a bezel wire storage tip from @blueskyblackbird - “A creative hack to keep your bezel wire in place and untangled while you are using it to wrap stones. Take your used floss container, pop out or cut the metal tab, remove the flip lid and now... more
Here is a bezel forming tip from @hammeredheartjewelryco - “Tip to start a bezel... I use forming pliers to make a curve in the bezel wire. I fit that curve around the curve on the stone to get it started. This really makes it easier for me to wrap... more
