Iolite Jewellery Making - using snaptite settings
Ranked #4,374 in Fashion & Beauty, #69,983 overall
Making Iolite Jewellery
This lens focuses on making a piece of jewellery using Snaptite settings (a type of prong seting) and Iolite gemstones.
The techniques described can be reused for other gems, but for this series I am focusing on one technique per stone, and providing links on where to find supplies and stone to get started with amateur jewellery making.
The techniques described can be reused for other gems, but for this series I am focusing on one technique per stone, and providing links on where to find supplies and stone to get started with amateur jewellery making.
Finding an Iolite to set
Finding a gemstone
As always go for a cheaper low quality or lab created stone for your first attempt. It takes the pressure off if you damage it, and snaptite settings may scratch the stone if you aren't used to them.
eBay is a useful first step.
Other sources of Loose iolite
Buy on Amazon
Amazon.com also offer a range of loose iolite gemstones for setting. For users in the UK, Amazon.co.uk's equivalent range can be viewed at this link:
Find a Snaptite setting
What to set your gem in
For this lens we will be using Snaptite settings. These are a brand of Prong setting ssupplied ready to use. Designed to allow amateurs to set gems and make jewellery easily, the range includes earrings, pendants and more designed to take a range of shapes and sizes of stones.
A silver or plated setting is probably a good place to start, since they are cheaper and can be obtained in bulk giving you a few spare in case of accidents.
I tend to find earrings easier to set since the post gives you something to hold onto while you work!
A silver or plated setting is probably a good place to start, since they are cheaper and can be obtained in bulk giving you a few spare in case of accidents.
I tend to find earrings easier to set since the post gives you something to hold onto while you work!
Tools
Fine-nosed tweezers
Snaptite settings are designed to be very simple - just press the stone in and it's ready to wear. However, I found I did use one tool when working with snaptite settings: A pair of fine nosed tweezers, which I picked up from my local craft shop.
These were useful when the prongs for the gem setting had been slightly distorted during transit, but also when the stone went in crookedly. It didn't happen often, but when it did it was useful to have a tool that could fit beneath the stone while holding the top to lever it into a better position.
These were useful when the prongs for the gem setting had been slightly distorted during transit, but also when the stone went in crookedly. It didn't happen often, but when it did it was useful to have a tool that could fit beneath the stone while holding the top to lever it into a better position.
Making Iolite Jewellery
Snaptite settings are designed so that you can simply snap the stone into place and the pressure from the prongs will hold it there. Unique jewellery, ready to wear in one click.
In practice, there's a knack to it. The method I have found works is:
It can take a bit of a push, but the prongs should click into place. If you have chosen a facted stone with a rear side that tapers this will help guide the progns and is easier for a first attempt.
If you have chosen earrings, then repeated the process for the next one.
If one of the stones has gone in crookedly, or a prong has failed to snap back a pair of tweezers with a long fine nose is ideal for nudging it into position. Where a prong appears bent, a pair of pliers can be used to bend it into the right position, althought you have to be careful as the bent prong or the pliers can scratch the stone.
In practice, there's a knack to it. The method I have found works is:
- Put the stone face down on a flat surface. Make sure the surface is flat and clean as you don't want to scratch it.
- Put the setting over the stone
- Carefully press down, keeping pressure equal in all directions
It can take a bit of a push, but the prongs should click into place. If you have chosen a facted stone with a rear side that tapers this will help guide the progns and is easier for a first attempt.
If you have chosen earrings, then repeated the process for the next one.
If one of the stones has gone in crookedly, or a prong has failed to snap back a pair of tweezers with a long fine nose is ideal for nudging it into position. Where a prong appears bent, a pair of pliers can be used to bend it into the right position, althought you have to be careful as the bent prong or the pliers can scratch the stone.
A video demonstration
Making a snaptite ring
This is the best video demo I have found, which really highlights how easy snaptite (or snap set) settings are to use.
However, one word of caution: I would not suggest puuting the stone down like that on a surface unless you don't mind damagin the surface - gemstones can be quite hard and have sharp edges. I usually used an old notebook on top of the surface I was going to put the stone on. It prevents damage to the surface or the stone.
However, one word of caution: I would not suggest puuting the stone down like that on a surface unless you don't mind damagin the surface - gemstones can be quite hard and have sharp edges. I usually used an old notebook on top of the surface I was going to put the stone on. It prevents damage to the surface or the stone.
powered by Youtube
Ready made Iolite Jewllery
Buy it online
If you would prefer to find a range of jewellery ready-made using Iolites, please try this lens
More ways to make jewellery
Easy ways to set gems
There are other simple ways to set gems for different looks and styles. The lens below details several of them, including links to other tutorials.
Like this lens?
Rate or Digg it here
If you would like to rate this lens then you can do it here (Squidoo members only). If you want to join squidoo to rate lenses, or write some of your own click here.
or
This module only appears with actual data when viewed on a live lens. The favorite and lensroll options will appear on a live lens if the viewer is a member of Squidoo and logged in.
About the lensmaster
Tirial&Error Lensography
Snaptite was the second lens I did since after prong jewellery it was the type I made most often. Easy to use (as long as you make sure the stones don't fire off in odd directions) it is a very simple way to get started making jewellery.
by tirial
tirial
Aviation, IT, History, Gaming, I'm interested in just about anything! I made the Squidoo Top 100 Club in June 2009. My first novel, "Fire Season, is now... more »
- 268 featured lenses
- Winner of 12 trophies!
- Top lens » Free Online Hatching Games - Virtual Pet Sims
Feeling creative?
Create a Lens!
Explore related pages
- Iolite Jewellery - the Water Sapphire Iolite Jewellery - the Water Sapphire
- Topaz jewellery Topaz jewellery
- Garnet Jewellery (or Garnet Jewelry) Garnet Jewellery (or Garnet Jewelry)
- Iolite Jewellery Making - using snaptite settings Iolite Jewellery Making - using snaptite settings
- Topaz Jewellery Making with a backset setting Topaz Jewellery Making with a backset setting
- Fire Season by VH Folland Fire Season by VH Folland
Iolite earrings
14k White or Yellow Gold 8mm Iolite Trillion Cut Stud Earrings
Amazon Price: (as of 02/23/2012)
Iolite necklace
14k White or Yellow Gold 8mm Trillion Iolite Pendant
Amazon Price: (as of 02/23/2012)
Making your own jewelry
Jewelry Making With Nena - Basic Jewelry Making Techniques
Amazon Price: $29.95 (as of 02/23/2012)
