Bezel gauge for cabachon

What is the most common gauge sterling used for setting a cabochon?
Is 28 ga too thin?

Thanks, Richard Milazzo
MilazzosJewelryDesigns.com

Richard, I think it depends on the size of the stone, both around and
height. Say a 22x30 size stone, 28 ga is fine maybe even up to 30x40
size whether free form or not. But over that and you are going to
loose strength. Go for 26ga at least. Or, you may want to go prong or
even a combination of bezel and prong where the prongs are soldered
on outside the bezel. When doing a large stone you might even want to
do a sterling bezel. A bit tougher to bring down but stronger. Lots
of wriggle room here.

Cheers from Don in SOFL

Is 28 ga too thin? 

That’s mostly what I use.

RC

It depends on several factors. here are a few off of the top of my
head. How deep is the girdle of your stone, How deep is your stone,
what is the stone size, how heavy is your stone, potential wear on
the bezel (Earrings, Pendant, Pin Ring, etc), does that gauge look
better then a thicker gauge for the jewelry design, ease of stone
removal and replacement for future repairs, ease of setting around
other design elements on the jewelry piece?

That being said, I probably use 28 gauge about 50 to 60 percent of
the time when I am working with silver designs. rarely thinner but
many times thicker, mostly for rings where the bezel will be exposed
to wear. Also when the thickness of the bezel is an important design
element of the piece.

Gerald Livings

What is the most common gauge sterling used for setting a
cabochon? Is 28 ga too thin? 

Richard, 28 gauge is a good middle of the road thickness. It really
depends on the stone size and design. As well… you are figuring on
using fine silver…right?? If not be certain to anneal the living
tar out of the sterling… and, hope as well you or your customer
never needs to remove the stone. I anneal the fine bezel as well.
The softer you start out with, the easier the chore. Using sterling
as a bezel is much more difficult…and you are more apt to damage
the stone, depending on what it is. The sterling will harden and get
“springy” (is that a word?) as you form it to the stone with the
bezel closing tools.

Hope this helps. Dan.
DeArmond Tool
dearmondtool.com

28G fine is sufficient for pendants, earrings and the like, but too
thin to securely hold a cab in a ring for the long term. 26G is much
better or even a hair thicker if you’re rolling your own. Hauser and
Miller supplies bezel wire in 26G, and will provide it in varying
heights upon request.