"Setting Stones in Wax!"

 Setting stones in wax is the 'norm' today and for many years into the future. I bought a 220 power digital microscope and used it exclusively for this setting topic. Many years ago wax setting was worked on in secret, what was so important?

 The following group of photographs show exactly how this process holds the stone in place. 

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1) There must be no signs of dirt on the stones, if so, you will have metal casting on top of that stone.

2) Don't bury the stone into the wax, it'll be extremely cost prohibitive to remove them after casting.

3) Examine every wax setting that you perform.

4) Keep your warm fingers off of the wax, as your finger-heat could bend the wax. Put the wax on a wooden dowel.

5) There is absolutely no need to bend over any wax, as the wax doesn't bend.

6) What keeps the stone in place? When the 'wax-pen' warms the stone, the actual weight of the stone will do it's own placing into the wax, allowing the stone to rest in place. DO NOT PUSH THE STONE INTO THE WAX!

7) All you do is to warm the stone, as it just might move around before cooling down!

8) Make sure that none of the stones are sitting crooked, just use a little tool (?) & move the stone!

9) How do you know when the stone IS IN THE WAX? When you can see a liquid forming underneath, that is the melting wax touching the stone, then just quickly remove your heating pen. When it cools, the stone will be locked into place...all this takes is a few seconds!

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