Amateur faceter Tom Herbst lays out the steps necessary to transform a shapeless lump of rock into a glittering jewel that is unique and valuable. Along the way, he explains not only the "how" but also the "why," and provides helpful tips in dealing with many of the pitfalls that confront the beginning gem cutter.
Gemstone Settings is the most in-depth, technical guide to stone setting. Jewelry makers will enjoy an encyclopedic overview, which features an extensive summary of stone-setting and techniques for creating beautiful gemstone jewelry, from basic bezels and prongs to pave, carre, clusters, and numerous others--including cold joins, precious metal clay, settings for fragile stones, and settings that allow the stones to move. You'll also discover detailed information about stones and metals--including their suitability, gorgeous photos and illustrations for visual support, what makes a design wearable and durable, and detailed information on pre-made versus handmade settings. Step by step, learn how to set your most beloved precious, semiprecious, and organic stones with projects that range from elegant diamond masterpieces to earthy pearl or coral everyday favorites.
This new edition of the classic consumer guide to precious stones and their settings is packed full of color photographs and comprehensive information about gems in a portable format. Written simply and clearly, it answers consumers' questions and informs them of what they will encounter in the marketplace. 186 illustrations.