Here I have drilled the holes using a 2.1mm Ball burr. This picture was taken on my bench so the lighting is a bit miff. But I am setting .03ct diamonds into 18ct gold.The flat tri-angle in the middle of the holes will not be enough to spread over the three stones.
So then I take a .75mm flat engraver and dig in from the three sides to form three little pillars. Difficult to photograph. But now I have enough metal to form a spread with my beading tool. ( no 9, by the way.)
But first I level my stones and use an ongolette no 4 to raise a bead on the opposite side of the stone. This is to prevent the three stones from sinking in the middle when the ball is formed. ( This is just test stuff, remember. I am not trying to win competitions……)
Then I use my No. 9 beading tool and form the three little pillars into a ball.
Bingo, there is enough metal now to spread the ball comfortably over all three stone and they form a perfect ball.
So this is the method I have worked out, and it seems to work.
Not saying it is the correct one, but hey, I would love to see, not hear, of a better one from one of the pro setters on Orchid.
I said see, not hear.
Keyboard goldsmithing is easy.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I think this is lovely… I can see lots of ways you could use this…. wish I had the skill!
Thanks for taking the time make this demo. It is instructive.
Jan
Thanks for sharing, Hans.
And I love your comment “Keyboard goldsmithing is easy”.
Best regards
Niels
Very nice.
So, the stones don’t set in a tight seat, as in one a setting bur would make?
Yeh, I know the thread you’re talking about. It makes me laugh when I see jewelers who want respect so bad that they feel the way to get it is to tear someone else down. Maybe not laugh, but it is a little like watching a train wreck to read through some of the posts.
Keep up the great work, Hans. You’re a mast, and you don’t have to get dirty to prove it. Just show us your beautiful works. That speaks way louder than a keyboard
)
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