Man, I really wish I took some progression photos of this but got
all excited while doing this.
Here you have it, a ss ring set with lapis, the entire bezel/setting
was CNC cut from a solid piece of stainless steel stock, leaving a
0.015" (26 ga.) bezel that was hammer set over the stone. The setting
was then soldered onto a ss ring.
Since Im not fortunate enough to have an air driven hammer piece,
this was done by hand with a modified punch to push (hammer) the
bezel over the stone. Held in place with a custom clamp securly
affixed to the table.
http://www.patpruitt.com/Orchid/Lapis%20150.jpg
Looking back, I probably would have made the cavity for the stone a
bit tighter as to reduce the distance the bezel needed to move,
especially around the corners. Some of you are probably saying that a
26 ga. bezel could easily be burnished onto the stone. Well, this is
one of the depatures in working with stainless, burnishing ss at that
thickness is next to impossible unless you have gorilla-like
strength. Id relate it to heavy wall setting.
As always, I am open to any comments, suggenstions, or
questions…so feel free.
P@
PS: Many thanks to Suanne Wade on her recent article in MJSA,
"Strong Suit - working with stainless steel* An amazing article, and
its online for all to see. www.mjsajournal.org