Soldering with Gems

Hello,

I am new to the list and hope I can get some help. I’m not that
familiar with soldering/torch techniques tho I’ve taken a few
classes.

Two techniques I’d really really like to learn:

Melissa Joy Manning creates these designs using gems and gold or
silver – how does one get the loops soldered closed without damaging
gems? Example of the work I mean here:

The other technique I have seen used by design company tenthousand
things, where it is like a headpin created on both sides of the gem.
Again, how is this acheived without damaging the stones? Example:

Any insight much appreciated – any book to recommend for me to
study to learn some of these types of techniques?

thanks!
peggy li