bmw2002
starting to shine!
Member since April 2017
Posts: 34
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Post by bmw2002 on Jan 31, 2018 19:41:32 GMT -5
I have done all my due diligence on this matter, but it would appear to me for those folks setting stones without a backin, that a step bezel may do the trick. I have looked at all the videos outside the forum, but since everyone here spends a great deal of time and care with their stones, I thought that it would be a natural thing to have as much of the stone showing ( I polish the back of my work in most cases.) It would seem that if you want maximum exposure of the stone then this would be something to consider. Probably has, so I am bringing nothing really new to the table. I just wanted to get some of the members experience on using these type bezels, either home-made or commercial say from Rio, etc.
Thanks
Mike
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Post by Pat on Jan 31, 2018 20:24:55 GMT -5
I like stepped bezels. I use them when the stone has two good sides. Can also cut out the majority of a backplate to make a stronger bezel.
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Post by opalpyrexia on Feb 1, 2018 17:18:59 GMT -5
I don't use stepped bezel but I've also cut out areas of backplates to reveal the back of cabs in some pendants when the pattern is interesting. Stepped bezel certainly saves you time and effort compared to sawing, sanding, and polishing a cutout's edge.
One pendant I made with Laguna agate could have had an open back, but clothing or skin would have reduced the brightness and changed the color of some transparent areas of the agate. So I decided to set the agate on top of a layer of reflective mylar on the closed back to simulate light transmission.
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Post by Bluesky78987 on Feb 1, 2018 19:57:59 GMT -5
What they said.
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zekesman
Cave Dweller
Member since May 2016
Posts: 637
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Post by zekesman on Feb 2, 2018 10:56:59 GMT -5
I use it alot. Mostly for pendants, where strength isn't an issue. I use the commercial stuff. Vic
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bmw2002
starting to shine!
Member since April 2017
Posts: 34
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Post by bmw2002 on Feb 9, 2018 1:07:00 GMT -5
Thank you everyone for the responses. What are your thoughts concerning translucent stones and step bezels? Especially when you cut the centers out of thunder eggs. Yes, that makes me weird and crazy, but I do not do specimen stones, only jewelry. I have found some really good material out of thunder eggs, and this could make me somewhat a person who does not respect the stone. Lots of matrix, etc. Boulder opals are are a good example. Messy yes, but worth the clean up. Please note that I agonize how to best cut a stone in any direction. I am not prejudiced in any idea. I always want to learn from everyone.
I do a lot of stone carving, so, that may be the problem. That being said, other than step bezel, or some variation of it, what would you suggest as a stone setting to bring about the most amount of light to enter the stone? I am not a die-hard metal smith, but I do love utmost the nuances of a good stone. Quality Blue chalcydony, with its gradiations from light blue to almost pinkish when the light hits it right, is what I am trying to convey. I would like to suspend that stone in something that worthy! So do we all!! Words do not describe how good nature has provided. Rockjunkie is a prime example of how a good stone can be transitioned into something so beautiful!!!!! She is so gifted!
Please accept my apologies for rambling. I am not expecting many responses. This has been mostly a soliloquy!
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Post by Pat on Feb 9, 2018 10:07:52 GMT -5
Hi, again, and welcome. Use a piece of mirror from kaleidoscopes behind the stone to reflect the light. See some of stoner 's threads. Also use black or blue or whatever complementary colors. They also turn out beautifully. See Bikerrandy 's work.
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