Hi All! I’m pretty new at stone setting and I need some questions
answered. Here’s what I’m trying to do: I’ve been making sterling
post style earrings on the hydraulic press that I’ve soldered some
tube settings onto in standard round sizes- four and six mm. I’ve got
some regular faceted peridot, some rhodolite and regular garnet and
some lighter stones like apatite and pastel tourmalines I want to
set. What I’m confused about is this: Since these earrings and
stones are to be worn on the lobe of the ear or next to the skin
should they have a closed back so the skin doesn’t show through the
stone? OR will I have a problem with the lighter stones if I do it
this way because the sterling inside the setting will tarnish? Should
the darker garnets be open in the back since the color seems rich
enough that the skin won’t show through and I don’t want them turning
black if the silver tarnishes in there? Conversely, should I be using
some kind of tarnish inhibitor or laquer for the closed back of the
lighter stones? And lastly, if laquer is recommended, is there some
kind of hardware store thing I could use in a pinch? Clear nail
polish? Sorry if this is ridiculous. So to rephrase: When is it
appropriate for a setting to have a closed/open back and why? Thank
you so much!
Regan