{ "componentChunkName": "component---src-templates-activity-js", "path": "/activity/gemstone-ring-experiment", "result": {"data":{"activity":{"title":"Gemstone ring experiment","description":{"html":"

Starting with rectangular wire for the band, and a prefabricated tube bezel setting, I set off to create a ring one of two ways:

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  1. Attach the band to the sides of the setting; or,
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  2. rest the setting on the band.
    3. \n
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Attaching the band to the sides of the setting required cutting the band around the setting shape, to create a flush connection. The band was then soldered to the bezel, flush with the bottom of the setting. That ring was finished with an 8mm, round white topaz gemstone.

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A second bezel setting was modified to fit over a second identical band. The setting was cut where it intersected the band, to create slots where the bezel could fit over the band. The setting was then soldered to the band and the section of the band inside the bezel was removed to make room for the stone. The ring was finished with an 8mm, round, lab-created sapphire.

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The second method was, by far, the best. However, neither ring turned out particularly well. While it was better to mount the bezel over the band, I made a mistake when I removed the band inside the bezel. I should have either:

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  1. Filed or sanded that part of the band to create a flat surface, lowering the height of the band to accommodate the culet (the point on the bottom of the gemstone); and (or),
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  2. used a setting bur to cut out a space for the culet, leaving the band intact.
    3. \n
"},"deep_dive":{"html":"

My wife wore both rings, and both were uncomfortable. The first method for attaching the setting allowed the setting to rest against her finger, and the culet of the gemstone was poking her finger. The setting wasn't quite deep enough to accommodate the full height of the stone.

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She didn't care for the other ring either. In that case, I think I could have made it more comfortable by rounding off the corners of the band, or the inside of the band in general.

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I learned my lesson: listen to the teacher. Also, don't expect to make the perfect ring on the first try. These rings have landed back on my to-do list. At some point, I'll cut off the settings, salvage the stones and bands, and try again.

"},"links":[{"title":"(White) Topaz information from the International Gem Society","uri":"https://www.gemsociety.org/article/topaz-jewelry-and-gemstone-information/"},{"title":"What are Lab-Grown Sapphires?","uri":"https://www.gemsociety.org/article/lab-grown-sapphires/"}],"relationships":{"media_graphic":[{"media_image":{"alt":"Sterling silver ring with lab-created blue sapphire gemstone","height":768,"title":"","width":1024},"media_caption":"One of two gemstone rings. Two rings were made to try different methods of attaching the band to the setting. This sapphire ring was made notching out the setting, allowing it to fit over the band.","relationships":{"media_image_file":{"file":{"url":"/static/346c5a6f9d390666637345f79edaaa49/gemstone-ring-01.jpg"}}}},{"media_image":{"alt":"Sterling silver rings, one with a lab-created blue sapphire and one with a white topaz","height":768,"title":"","width":1024},"media_caption":"These rings used the same rectangular wire and the same tube bezel settings. The blue sapphire ring was made by notching out the bezel, allowing it to fit over the band. The white topaz ring was made by cutting the ends of the band to fit against the sides of the setting.","relationships":{"media_image_file":{"file":{"url":"/static/338a64cf2331cc93922829cb4ddebde5/gemstone-ring-02.jpg"}}}}]}}},"pageContext":{"slug":"nid_32"}}, "staticQueryHashes": ["2386946073","4176873112","63159454"]}