Types Of Settings For Calibrated Cabochon Stones

Your chosen stone will determine the type of setting you will need to use or make for a piece of jewellery. Cabochons, faceted stones and freeform gemstones will require different settings.

On this page we share with you our favourite settings for cabochon stones, starting with great beginner friendly settings up to more advanced bezel setting techniques.

What is a cabochon stone?

A cabochon is a stone that has been shaped and polished to be a dome shape on the top and is usually flat on the bottom - some even have beautiful faceted tops to add sparkle and interest. Cabochons can come in different shapes and sizes, which is also something to keep in mind when deciding the best setting for the job.

Gemstones that are opaque are usually made into cabochons whereas more transparent gemstones are mainly faceted. The hardness of the stone is also taken into consideration - softer stones are more likely to be scratched so they are better in a cabochon form rather than faceted.

You will also find that cabochons are more likely to have natural inclusions and markings. In faceted form, this would disturb the light and decrease the beauty of the stone.

What makes a calibrated cabochon?

Within the jewellery industry, calibrated cabochons are made to a specific size and shape, which makes them easier to use with standard sized settings.

Shop our full range of cabochon stones here

Shop Flat Plate Settings

At Kernowcraft we have a range of flat plate cabochon settings to choose from! Including ring settings, earstud settings, pendant settings, bangle settings and link settings.

Recommended Glue: Devcon 5 Minute Epoxy

Devcon 5 Minute Epoxy is our favourite glue to use for gluing our gemstone cabochons to flat plate settings. Our top tip is to use sandpaper to roughen the metal surface, before setting to ensure a strong bond. Watch how easy this glue is to use in the video below.

Shop Gallery Wire Settings

Choose from gallery wire pendants, ring settings to link settings so you can make a whole range of beautiful jewellery designs using your favourite gemstone cabochons.

Use A Bezel Rocker To Set

Gallery wire settings couldn't be easier to set! Use this handy tool featured, called a bezel rocker to gently push the claws over the stone. Work from all sides and gently rock back and forth, with downward pressure until the stone is nice and secure. This gives an even and clean setting that looks really professional.

Gallery Pattern Wire

If you would like to push your skills further, you can use patterned gallery wire to create your own cabochon settings from scratch.

This is a great alternative to using bezel strip, which is featured in a project towards the bottom of this page along with tutorials to follow. Use the same techniques used in the projects but with this decorative wire instead!

This project with guest tutor Ellie, shows you a step by step photo guide of how to use sterling silver round wire to create a pendant.

This stunning wire wrapped pendant was created by Elaine our Sales Manager, using a teardrop-shaped stone.

Cabochon Claw Settings

These ready made sterling silver claw settings are a great alternative to your traditional bezel setting, they can be easily soldered onto your designs to create rings, earrings, pendants and brooches. Simply use a pusher to push the claws over the cabochon to hold it securely in place. Choose from our range of shapes and sizes available. As commercially cut stones have a size tolerance you may need to work on the setting prior to fitting your desired stones.

Make Your Own Claw Setting: Follow The Tutorial

Guest tutor, Hannah from Fox & Blue shares with you a step by step tutorial on how to make your own claw setting for a small cabochon stone. This project can be easily adapted and applied to various sized cabochons as well as rough crystal stones too. You may wish to use the standard four claw setting or add extra stability and character with the use of more claws - it's all about getting creative and having fun with it!

Ready Made Bezel Cup Settings

Bezel cups are a great time saver and are particularly suitable for smaller sizes which would be tricky to create yourself. We recommend using bezel cups at the start of your metalsmithing journey, as they are a great way to introduce stone setting into your skillset without the need to solder bezel strip to a metal sheet back plate cut to the shape of your chosen gemstone cabochon. Bezel cups are sold in a range of shapes and sizes, so can be used with most of your favourite cabochons. Don't forget that calibrated stones have a size tolerance, so some adjustments may need to be made when setting your chosen stone - more information can be found below.

Make Your Own Gemstone Ring With A Bezel Cup

Kim shares with you a step by step tutorial on how to make your own gemstone ring using a bezel cup. We recommend watching Kim's video below, which walks you through the project which also includes some great tips along the way.

This project is part of the 12 Months Of Metal video series which can be found on our blog, with lots more brilliant metalsmithing techniques and tutorials to follow.

Fine Silver Bezel Strip

Bezel strip is used for creating bezel settings for cabochon stones and is a great beginner friendly way to get started in stone setting. It's made from fine silver which is slightly softer than sterling silver, making it lovely and flexible to easily rub over the stone.

At Kernowcraft, we offer 2 depths, the 3mm bezel strip is most suitable for smaller stones and wider option is useful for stones with higher domes. If your bezel is too high, you can simply file it down to your desired height.

How To Make Your Bezel Setting Using Metal Sheet

If you want to push your metalsmithing skills to the next level, follow this brilliant tutorial by guest tutor Oonagh on how to create your own bezel setting using metal sheet for a cabochon stone. Whether you use bezel strip or metal sheet for creating your setting is all down to personal preference and the kind of design you're after.

Using metal sheet for the setting will offer a more chunky and bold setting, as well as providing a stronger setting.

This tutorial covers a range of techniques that will help you create more beautiful handmade designs.

Calibrated Stones & Size Tolerance

It's important to know that there is a size tolerance with calibrated stones, which means that even if you choose the correct sized bezel cup for a cabochon it may not always be the perfect fit. This means you may need to adjust your setting. Read our advice page with frequently asked questions on this topic.

How to adjust bezel cups to fit cabochons

As we have discussed, calibrated stones have a size tolerance which means you may have to make adjustments to your settings when stone setting. On this advice page we share with you our favourite tools and techniques for adjusting settings as well as top tips for sourcing stones.

Types Of Settings For Freeform Stones

Types Of Settings For Faceted Stones