Stone Setting, Cabachon

Setting stones is a necessary skill for any jeweler and there are many types of settings.  The two distinct types are because of the different forms on gem stones.  Cabachons have a smooth curved surface, with a flat back.  These are typically bezel set, which means a plain or decorated side wall tightly secures the stone in place.  The back plate is typically cut-out with a decorative feature.  Many semi-precious stones are set in this way, either as a single focal point or grouped with other stones to make a larger statement piece.

Here is my blue stone cabachon pendant, set in sterling silver from a class project.  I used lace to roll print the texture and made a large bail to go over a bead necklace, not pictured here.

The stone should fit snug and is placed in the bezel as the last step.  The bezel is pushed into the stone from opposite sides until there is no more sidewall space to push in.  It will look rippled around the side.  At this point, a burnisher is used to smooth the bezel wall against the stone.  Care should be taken to avoid scratching the stone and metal with the burnisher.

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which I receive a few cents if you make purchases