Bezel setting using a clay extruder

If you are lucky enough to own one...if not I recommend the purchase!

Here’s how...

• Using a tube attachment for the extruder extrude a hollow tube and leave to dry
  
  
  



• When dry, using a saw and jewellery bade cut very fine slices (aprox 1/16 inch) – or measure to a thickness slightly deeper than the gem you wish to set
  
  



• Place the cut rings on a flat plastic surface, add a drop of water (not a lot!)  to fill the centre hole to rehydrate the clay making it tacky, leave to sit for a while and soak up

• After the softening has been done flip the piece over so the bottom becomes the top (this should be adequately moist also)

• Now place your gemstone into the centre and push down slighty with a pointed clay shaper  or similar tool to ‘seat’ the gemstone

NB – this should work uniform and clean, if the piece cracks you did not leave it to rehydrate long enough