Where will all of the "Beads" be positioned? =>17 photos

 These techniques are not just random digging into metal to hold a stone. There are myriad rules to follow. 

 In this tutorial essay, I will display them in near sequential order.

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 I looked at the initial layout of the Garnets, Blue Sapphire and Diamonds. I first started to plan the entire ring in my mind.

 In this first layout of precious stones, we are looking for a uniformity of colours and sizes.

The second thing 'we' must examine is the 'spacing' of gemstones. This is not a 'guessing game', but a very serious 'plan of attack'.

The four diamonds must not be placed at the corners, but placed further in from the corners. Why is this? I need room for the 'corner beads' and room to cut around the metal. 

              

 I'm using only 3 beads as shown in this photo. These beads are placed that will ensure a good chance of cutting a pattern that will be visually appealing.

  I used my Onglet graver #2 with a rounded point to create these Beads. REMEMBER: THAT THESE BEADS MUST COVER THE GIRDLE OF THE STONE.

 The stone must be in the hole and with NO SPACES ALLOWED.

    WOOPS! Some of these beads are in correctly placed. This is an error on my behalf, but additional labour will cover up these errors. Thankfully! 

 I keep all of my setting tools in close proximity to my setting & working area.

 Always look and check for uniformity of the colour and sizes.                                This is so very critical right now.  

 The top left corner stone is 'too light', and on either side of it are two stones that are 'too dark'. => Always check for uniformity!!!

 The two bigger holes are not correctly placed, therefore the better placements are lightly drilled. These are the holes that will be used.

 In this photo shows EXACTLY WHAT THESE HOLES LOOK LIKE, interesting, eh?

 

  Always drill the hole extra deep & large for the Pavilion of the stone.

  I suggest NOW removing the 'sliver of metal' between any of the stones.

 

  I exchanged all of the stones that were not of equal colour. Now these eight stones look GREAT!

  As you can see why I place the beads just at the corners. That one bead makes the corners more exacting.

 I placed many little 'mini beads' in and around the center stone. 

 Instead of filing the outside of the metal frame, I thought of using my Onglet graver and cutting another thin line.

 Just to hide any misplaced beads, I camouflaged all of them with little round bur indentations.