This lesson will show you how to fabricate your own custom setting for any shape cabachon.

Items Needed:
Stone
Sheet metal
Bezel wire of same or similar material
Torch
Jewelers saw
Flat and half round needle nose pliers
Nippers (ask anyone, that's an acceptable term)
Files, needle fils or larger hand files - it all depends on the size of the piece you are making
Sanding sticks
Bezel roller

Step 1: Measure Bezel Wire to Stone

There is probably some wonderful math equation that will give you the exact length you need for every stone you want to set. But for me, I simply:
-wrap the wire around the stone
-cut where it looks right
-shape the bezel to hold at the right position for the stone
-make adjustments as neccessary

Step 2: Solder Bezel Closed

Once you solder the bezel, double check the stone to the bezel. Again make any needed adjustments.

Step 3: Solder Bezel to Back Plate

Use an over sized piece of metal for the back plate. It's possible that I use a much larger back plate than necessary but it makes it a lot easier to hold the piece while you cut away the excess.

Step 4: Remove Extra Metal and Sand

This is the grunt work so put on some good music and go with it!!

I love sanding disks for this part but if you prefer hand tools, start with your coarsest file and go to your finest. Then continue with sandpaper in the same order. I usually go as far as 2/0 sandpaper before polishing.

Step 5: Set Stone

It's pretty simple. This tool is called a bezel roller. Use it to push the bezel against the stone and rock it back and forth to ensure a consistent bezel contact all the way around the stone.