BASIC steps in setting a "Cluster Ring" => 10 photos

 This ring was found in my collection of silver samples, and now it's going to be used. YES! I did all of the stone-setting and photo-texting. I didn't copy these photos from anyone else's valuables.

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 The first thing that MUST be done is to clean out ALL OF THE SETTING HOLES. There mustn't be any residual pieces of metal remaining.

 The 'tapered' new hole will blend in with the Pavilion of the stone. A round bur just won't do it!

  Keep this bristle brush near your work area, as there must NEVER be any metal dust getting stuck to your stone when being set.

 I use a tapered steel rod to open up every claw setting. These stones are exactly 0.03 mm in diameter, and the hole should be slightly larger to accommodate the cutting bur.

  I like using these 'bent jaws' of these pliers because my hand can hold them in a horizontal position. When I close the jaws, both of the claws will close together.

  Always straighten the claws at every opportunity.

I use a 90-degree angle '156C' bur create a seat for every claw.

 Every claw must have a bearing (seat) to accommodate where the Girdle Facet will be located.

   ANOTHER 'TIGHTENING' METHOD!

 

  This method works great, but be careful in handling the claws.

One plier jaw should be against the claw, and the other should be placed into the hole on the opposite side.

 This allows that one claw to be 'active' while the other claw is giving steady support.