Which Metal-Pusher, for Which Stone?

 These ‘recommendations’ for suggested metal-pushing came from my 55 years of setting stones.

 I have not gathered these ‘metal-pushing selections’ from any books, nor videos. These diamond setting 'choices' shown here were not found on any other ‘internet sites’. These notes ARE MY NOTES!

The (bracketed notes) are not for some casual reading, but these should be read!!

(Please print this list & paste it somewhere near your bench). I created this list from my past setting experiences for YOU!

This is now yours & please share with your fellow trades-persons!

You can put your own thoughts along side of mine, if needed!

DISCLAIMER:If you find that the selection you made from my list has broken you gemstones, I cannot be held responsible. Greatest of care must be given at all times while setting your gemstones! 

 In this photograph; you can see my 3 steel pushers. There are as well 3 Brass & 2 Copper metal-pushers.

 My choice can be now two-fold; either I make a totally new metal pusher, or modify what I have.

 (I prefer a new series of pushers to be 100% 'untouched', just in case some newer tools are needed at a later time!)

"I do not buy new tools, I just modify with what I may have, at a moments notice!"

Name of Gemstone   Metal Pusher (that may be also used)

Diamond                      Brass, Copper, Steel

Ruby                            Brass, Copper, Steel

Sapphire                      Brass, Copper, Steel

Alexandrite                 Brass, Copper

Topaz                           Brass, Copper 

Spinel                          Brass, Copper

Blue Topaz                  Brass, Copper

Emerald                      Brass, Copper

Andalusite                        (N/A)

Aquamarine                Brass, Copper  
Iolite                                (N/A)

Smokey Quartz           Brass, Copper
Amethyst                     Copper (stones are very fragile)

Tourmaline                 Brass, Copper

Citrine                        Brass, Copper (avoid Steel)
Garnet                        Brass, Copper

Onyx                           Brass, Copper

Tiger-Eye                   Brass, Copper (avoid Steel)

Zircon                        Brass, Copper, (too risky for Steel)
Bloodstone                 Brass, Copper (avoid Steel)

Tanzanite                   Brass, Copper

Peridot                       Brass, Copper, (too risky for Steel)
Moonstone                Brass, Copper (Steel is 100% no-no)

Hematite                  Copper, (Brass is a 'maybe')

Opal                         Copper ONLY! (Keep these stones ‘oiled’)

Lapis Lazuli             Brass, Copper (be very careful)

Turquoise                 Copper (be extremely careful)

Malachite                         N/A

Coral                         Copper (please be extremely careful)

Pearl                         Brass, Copper (never, never with Steel) 
Amber                       Copper ONLY (too darn fragile for Brass)    

 After setting your gemstones, the “Pumice Wheel” cleaning will now commence, why now? Some metal-pushing on the claws will leave a ‘textured’ surface and these cannot remain without your ‘post-setting’ cleaning!

 After your setting & cleaning; the next process is “Tripoli & Rouge” finishing.

Please do not be too aggressive in this polishing process, as your claws/prongs might get ruined.

If you do your own 'post-setting' polishing, please use the greatest of care in this very delicate procedure!