Some time ago I was inundated with scores of diamonds to set into earring studs. There would
have been a waste of time to use shellac or other damaging "holding methods". I went to my
favourite 'tool supply house' in Toronto, Canada and noticed a 'pin-vise'. All they had was a
rudimentary metal, thin handle not made for the long hours of holding.
I bought this item removed the steel handle and transferred it with a tapered wooden handle,
(the style that is similar to bedroom mattress legs). Why wood? It is smoother and any
perspiration of my hand would go into the wooden handle, being comfortable is very important.
Now came the top section that was needing greatly detailed modifications. I drilled out two
holes on its top of the jaws, and fitted little soft steel nails to accommodate the holes being
drilled out. I had my jewellery friend to “brass solder” for better security, these two pins into the
holes. I'm not finished yet!
I grooved out little notches in the steel pins to actually hold a little pendant. Tightening the
“adjustable screw” it worked. I found out that over-tightening the screw could leave marks and
disturb the finish of the gold.
So I delicately rounded off the sides of the two grooved pins. I used a sanding disk and even a
Pumice wheel of a "#180 grit". It finally worked, and it has been “my friend” for many years!
I use it for “double gallery" style, earring studs”, plus any unusual shaped pendants & earrings.
I noticed after that the “screw earring pin” does not come in any contact to any part of the
mini-clamp….Gerry Lewy,
I'm hoping that this "little invention" helps you in your Diamond Setting work.
Gerry Lewy always here to help and guide you. "gerrylewy18(at)gmail.com"
