Wednesday, 20 August 2025

"V-claw"=> SETTING => 21 photos

  This tutorial essay is not for any novice in gemstone setting. These photographs were all taken at my diamond setting bench and not borrowed from the Internet.

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 The tips of these "V" claw tips are not flat, but they are at an angle. I gently 'Bright-Cut' the inside of these tips as best as I can, given the space permitted.


  These are the stones, but they do not match in 'sparkle' as you can see.

 This Bright-Cut is not uniform and can't be accepted.


 Three out of four claws are displayed in this photo. I would trim the outside "V" with a Triangular file #4 grit.

 As you can see that I filed at an angle instead of continuing to cut the claw tip. The filing terminated where the Bright-Cutting finished.

  I used a round bur to create 'double seats'. Why double seats? Each side of the "V" will envelope and hold the two sides of the 'Girdle Facets'.

 It doesn't matter if there are 3 or 4 claws holding the corners of the stone. The issue is that the corners of the pointed stone will be nestled into the claws.

 You can now see how the corners of the pointed stone are now being used.

 I angled the outer claws to make them look more attractive. The technique of 'tightening these claws' will be shown in a few moments.
 
 I cut a faint line on the surface of the "V" shaped top for a reason. The reason is to enable me to 'Brigh-Cut' from a solid claw to a double-edged tip. 
The cutting will start at the outside of the 'vee' claw and terminate at the centre of the 'vee'.


 It is advisable to trim the double-sided claws BEFORE THE STONE IS SET.

 The method of cutting into the metal is with your Onglette graver. But never with a Bud or Round burs. Precision metal cutting is so important.

  You can see how metal the cutting has enhanced the claw tips. These results are what you are aiming for.

  How can you bring the claws together without damaging the stone?

  On 4-claw tips, there are in actuality, 8 sides to deal with. DON'T PUSH OR PULL THE CLAW SIDES TOGETHER.    

 With your pliers that have a serrated edge. These serrated edge gently grips the metal, and the light pressure ensures equal tightening on all 8 sides.

 When all of the 8 sides are brought together, the 4 claws are now holding the stone. The claws should be in a vertical position and not bent out of shape.
  
 The claw drilling must not exceed more than 50% of the thickness of the claw. If the numbers are higher than 60-70% there will be weakness in the security of holding the stone.

  In these diagrams, you can see the burs being used before any stone setting.

  When the stone has been set, then comes the 'trimming'.
 
  I believe that there could be some 'spaces' surrounding the Girdles of the stone. Just as long as the stone is 'secure and sitting tight', there is little to be concerned about.
 After the stone has been set, the gentle filling can proceed.





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