Types Of Settings For Faceted Stones

Snaptite Setting

Snaptite settings are one of the easiest settings to use with faceted stones as they only have one simple step for setting, plus no need for tools!

Their pre-notched, tensioned claws simply 'snap' around your chosen stone to hold it in place.

At Kernowcraft, we have a large range available including loose settings ready to solder onto a design, pendant settings and earstud settings so you can create a range of designs easily.

Watch Tutorial On How To Make A Ring With A Snaptite Setting

In Kim's 12 Months of Metal series, available on our blog - she shows you how to solder a loose snaptite setting onto a ring band, set the stone and how to work harden and polish it to a high shine. Filled with great top tips along the way.

Backset Setting

Next up we have backset settings, another beginner-friendly setting that is an effective way to show off the beauty of your chosen stones. They are so easy to use, simply pop in your choice of faceted stone and fold the claws over the back using a pair of tweezers to keep them in place.

Choose from our selection of pendant and earstud settings in sterling silver and 10ct gold.

Our favourite thing about backset settings is that they have an open back, which allows the light to sparkle through the stone!

Wraptite Setting

Wraptite settings offer an elegant way to feature your chosen faceted stone, by encasing the gemstone around its lightweight shaped wire edge. Our range of wraptite settings are for faceted stones and available as pendants and link connectors, for both round and oval gemstones.

You'll just need a pair of round nose pliers for these, just pop your stone into the middle of the setting, and use your pliers to gently squeeze the small loop at the end of the setting, which will cause the setting to hug your stone tightly in place.

To prevent you closing your loop too tight and accidentally closing it, try placing some wire inside before squeezing, this way you will ensure you still have enough room to attach a jump ring to the pendant. You now have a beautifully set stone!

If set correctly this should hold your stone securely, but if you are concerned you could add a very small dab of glue onto the inside of the rim of the metal for absolute security, but be aware that a little will go a long way so apply conservatively so it does not smudge onto the rest of the stone.

Read our tutorial page below for detailed instructions and top tips on using these settings.

Tube Settings

A tube setting is a brilliant technique used to set round faceted stones. Your stone will sit securely in a tube, providing a professional and neat finish to show off your stone in a design - works perfectly for creating a ring or pendant. This is a great project for when you want to take your stone-setting skills to the next level in your metalsmithing journey!

Pre-Notched/Basket Settings

Pre-notched settings, also known as basket settings have claws that have pre-notched indentations where your gemstone will fit which means you won't need to file or cut your own. They are a great introduction to claw settings and want to push yourself further in your metalsmithing journey.

You may need to make adjustments to the settings, but you will likely only need a pair of snipe nose pliers and a pusher to set your chosen stone in place.

Tutor Kim, shows you how to use a pre-made basket setting as well as how to make your own from scratch in the videos below - both part of the 12 Months of Metal video series available on our blog.

Watch How To Make A Ring With Pre-Made Basket Setting

Watch How To Make Your Own Basket Setting

Claw Settings

Claw settings are very similar to pre-notched settings featured above but with claws, which means you will need to trim and file the claws if needed and create your own notches.

This technique gives you the freedom to use slightly different-sized stones and will give you the confidence to make your own from scratch!

Follow our tutorial page with detailed information and guidance below, with all the tools and supplies you need.

Use A Cup Burr To Smoothen Claws

A cup burr is a great little tool that is used for smoothing the ends of wire. This is essential when making earwires as well as rounding claws on settings so they are not sharp. Cup burrs have small teeth inside, which are used to de-burr and grind away wire ends leaving them lovely and smooth. Watch Kim's video tutorial below where she shows you an introduction to using a cup burr.

Learn More Stone Setting Techniques