Pearl ring settings - HELP

PLEASE HELP! I have been searching for weeks to find Sterling Silver
and 10 or 14kt settings for undrilled 5-7 mm pearls. I have found
some awesome settings but have been told they are not made for
pearls, does anyone know why? Although I have seen some that clearly
hold gemstones some that I’ve seen look fine to set a pearl. I am at
the end of my ropes where can I get settings for these pearls? I am
looking for a variety of settings i.e.: ring, pendant, filigree,
plain, snap style, etc., with a reasonable price tag. ANY
is truly appreciated.

jan

I have found some awesome settings but have been told they are not
made for pearls, does anyone know why? 

Most pearl settings are made for drilled pearls because, without
cementing the pearl to a post, the pearl isn’t likely to be very
secure. You can try gluing your undrilled pearls into these settings
you’ve found but don’t be surprised when they fall off. You’re better
off drilling them and setting them properly on a post or grinding the
backs flat and bezel-setting them.

Beth

Hey Beth I’ve seen pearls set w/prongs. These have longer prongs than
stones. You have to glue them to. I did not think I was going to get
the pearl out. These where 4 and 6 prong settings. Stuller may have
some. Dare i say Rio Grande I also have a friend that sets alot of
pearls. She does not have email or should i say she doesn’t use it.
If you need anything let me know and i’ll ask her. Best of luck Lynn
@w_lynn_wilson

Another of the problems with undrilled pearls set in claws is that
the pearl will rotate. This can lead to a very quick stripping of the
nacre. It happen very quickly especially when people put on hand cream
while wearing the ring. It lubricates the pearl and it slips around
like a ball bearing.

Tony Konrath
Gold and Stone
www.goldandstone.com
tony@goldandstone.com

Just as a point of clarification, the pearls to be mounted should be
half-drilled (drilled only halfway through), not full-drilled. It’s
obvious to those who work with them regularly, but I felt the need to
clarify.

Sincerely,
JoAnna Kelleher, co-owner
Pearl Exotics Trading Company, LLC
Phoenix, AZ
Phn# 623.845.0998
Fax# 623.845.0917
www.pearlexotics.com

Hi Tony and Joanna, Joanna, my pearls are not 1/2 drilled. I have a
beautiful antique pearl ring that I’ve had for yrs. that is set
undrilled in a platinum/white gold setting. It is loose within the
setting but very secure. I always liked the originality and
uniqueness of my ring as compared to pearls that are glued and 1/2
drilled. The pearl is unharmed and as it does roll in the setting, I
love it that way and it has not hurt the pearl whatsoever. Just
wanted to share my experience. I am still looking for settings to
hold an undrilled loose pearl. To those who have written to me
giving sources I might be able to try Thank you and MUCH
appreciation!!! I am looking into some of them.

jan

    Just as a point of clarification, the pearls to be mounted
should be half-drilled (drilled only halfway through), 

If you have a drill press, or even if you use a Dremel or similar
handpiece, first drill a hole in a piece of scrap wood, then make
the hole conical with a countersink bit. You’ll find it easier to
hold the pearl in this whilst you drill. The drill will get blunt
rather quickly, as you are drilling a variety of limestone. A tungsten
carbide drill or a diamond drill will work well. Fine diamond drills
are surprisingly cheap. Just don’t use a very high speed. Have a
light hand on the drill, lubricate with drops of water, and lift the
drill bit frequently to clean out dust, otherwise the drill may jam.

Cheers now,
John Burgess; @John_Burgess2 of Mapua Nelson NZ

There are special pearl drilling bits, called spades, that are more
flat than twist bit, unlike conventional drill bits. Might be worth
the investment…

Dave
Dave Sebaste

You can also get pearl drill needles (drill bits) from Alpha Supply
Company. We use a pearl drill ourselves (which we also purchased from
them and which was very pricey), but I think you can use the pearl
drill needles in a flex-shaft or other drill.

The advantage of the pearl drill is that the part that holds the
pearl automatically centers it and allows you to rotate it 180 degrees
so that you can drill the other side. Let me know if you need their
contact info.

Sincerely,

JoAnna Kelleher, co-owner
Pearl Exotics Trading Company, LLC
Phoenix, AZ
Phn# 623.845.0998
Fax# 623.845.0917
www.pearlexotics.com