Bezel Wire

Bezel wire, also known as bezel strip is a thin piece of metal, typically sterling silver, pure silver or 9ct / 18ct gold, used to create a bezel setting around a gemstone. This strip is shaped and soldered to form a secure frame that holds the stone in place, ensuring durability and protection.

Using bezel strips in jewellery settings offers several advantages, including providing a secure hold for gemstones, protecting the edges of the stone, and creating a sleek, polished appearance. Bezel settings are also less likely to snag on clothing, making them a practical choice for everyday wear.

Yes, bezel wire can be used with most types of gemstones, including cabochons, faceted stones, and irregularly shaped gems. However, the type and thickness of bezel wire should be chosen based on the hardness and size of the gemstone to ensure a secure and durable setting.

Pre-made bezel settings are ready-made components that are available in standard sizes and shapes, making them convenient for quick jewellery projects. However, they may not always perfectly fit your stones or design specifications. Custom-made bezel strips, on the other hand, allow for complete control over the size, shape, and metal used, enabling you to create a setting tailored specifically to your gemstone and design. Custom bezels offer more flexibility and are ideal for unique, non-standard stones or bespoke jewellery pieces.

To choose the right width of bezel strip for your gemstone, measure the height of the stone from the base to the highest point. The bezel strip should be slightly taller than this measurement to ensure the stone is securely held in place. For thinner stones, a narrow bezel strip is ideal, while thicker stones require a wider strip.

Plain bezel strips have a smooth edge that creates a clean, modern look, while serrated (or sawtooth) bezel strips feature a jagged edge that adds a decorative element to the setting. Serrated strips also provide a stronger grip on the gemstone, making them ideal for securing stones with irregular shapes.

After setting a stone in a bezel strip, use a fine needle file to smooth the edges of the bezel and remove any excess metal. Then, use sand paper, buff sticks or a rotary tool with a polishing attachment to give the bezel a smooth, shiny finish. This step ensures the bezel looks professional and enhances the overall appearance of the jewellery.

Yes, bezel wire is versatile and can be used for making earrings, rings, pendants, and other types of jewellery. The key is to choose the right thickness and width of the bezel wire based on the size and shape of the gemstone being set in the piece.

Att välja rätt storlek på ramlisten är avgörande för att få en professionell finish i ditt smyckeprojekt.

Våra ramar finns i en mängd olika storlekar för att passa olika stendimensioner.

Storleken du väljer bör noga matcha höjden och omkretsen på din ädelsten.

För en åtsittande passform bör remsan vara något högre än stenens höjd, så att tillräckligt med metall kan arbetas över stenen för att hålla den säkert.

För mer betydande ädelstenar eller ett uttalat utseende, överväg tjockare kantprofiler. När du är osäker kan Ore Metals ge expertråd om storlek på ditt unika föremål.

The most commonly used metals for bezel wire include sterling silver, fine silver, and solid gold (9ct and 18ct). These metals are popular due to their malleability, durability, and aesthetic appeal, making them ideal for securely setting gemstones in jewellery.

To create a custom bezel setting with bezel wire, measure and cut the bezel wire to fit snugly around the gemstone. Solder the ends of the wire together to form a continuous loop, then shape the bezel around the stone. Solder the bezel to the jewellery piece, and finally, use a bezel pusher or roller to gently push the wire over the stone’s edges, securing it in place.

Yes, bezel strips can be used to create settings for irregularly shaped stones. To do this, carefully measure and cut the bezel strip to fit the contours of the stone. Shape the strip around the stone, adjusting as needed to ensure a snug fit. The bezel will secure the stone while conforming to its unique shape.

To measure bezel wire for a perfect fit, wrap the wire around the base of the gemstone, ensuring it fits snugly without gaps. Mark the point where the ends meet, then cut the wire slightly longer to allow for fine adjustments. After forming the bezel, check the fit again before soldering.

Essential tools for working with bezel wire include flush cutters, flat-nose pliers, a soldering kit (torch, flux, solder), a bezel pusher or roller, needle files, and polishing tools. These tools help you measure, shape, solder, and finish the bezel setting to achieve a professional result.

To secure a gemstone in a bezel setting without damaging it, use a bezel pusher or roller to gently press the bezel wire over the stone’s edges. Work slowly and evenly around the stone, applying consistent pressure to avoid chipping or scratching the gemstone. For softer stones, consider using a nylon or wooden pusher.

Yes, bezel wire can be used to create double or stacked bezel settings, where two or more bezels are layered to hold multiple stones or create a more intricate design. Ensure each bezel is properly aligned and soldered securely to achieve a professional finish.

Common mistakes when using bezel wire include choosing the wrong thickness or width for the gemstone, overheating the bezel during soldering, and not filing or polishing the bezel after setting the stone. These errors can lead to an insecure setting or a less polished appearance.

To add texture to plain bezel strips, use texture hammers, embossing tools, or engraving techniques before setting the gemstone. Texturing the bezel strip adds visual interest and can enhance the overall design of the jewellery piece.

Mät först omkretsen av din ädelsten och skär av ramremsan till längden. Forma den sedan runt stenen för att se till att den sitter tätt och löd ihop ändarna med lämpligt smyckeslod .

När du har raminställningen är den redo att lödas fast på ditt smycke. Avsluta genom att trycka in ramens kanter över stenen och säkra den på plats. Se våra ramrullar och stensättningsverktyg som är utformade för att hjälpa dig med denna process.

Yes, bezel wire is ideal for creating custom pendant settings. It can be shaped to fit a wide variety of gemstones and provides a secure and elegant way to display stones in pendants. Bezel settings in pendants offer a streamlined look that complements both modern and traditional designs.

Ramremsor är en hörnsten i konsten att tillverka smycken, särskilt uppskattade av kreatörer för sin mångsidighet och elegans.

Dessa remsor är konstruerade för att skapa säkra inställningar för ädelstenar, vilket gör att de kan visas vackert på ringar, hängen och andra värdefulla föremål.

En bezelinställning förstärker inte bara stenens utseende utan ger också skydd, vilket gör den till ett populärt val för både estetiskt tilltalande och hållbarhet i fina smyckesdesign.

For large cabochons, a bezel strip with a thickness of to 0.5mm ( 24 gauge) is ideal. This thickness provides enough strength to securely hold the cabochon in place while still allowing the bezel to be shaped and set smoothly.a

For a minimalist jewellery design, choose a thin, plain bezel strip that complements the simplicity of the piece. Fine silver or sterling silver bezel strips with a width that matches the stone’s height will create a sleek, understated setting that enhances the gemstone’s natural beauty without overpowering it.

Yes, bezel wire can be used with mixed metals in the same piece of jewellery. Combining different metals, such as sterling silver with gold ring bands, or vice versa, can create a striking contrast and add depth to your design. Ensure that the metals are compatible for soldering to achieve a seamless join.

To polish bezel wire after setting a stone, start by gently filing any rough edges with a fine needle file. Then, use polishing papers or a rotary tool with a polishing attachment to buff the bezel to a high shine. Be careful not to over-polish and avoid touching the gemstone to prevent scratches.

To prevent bezel wire from deforming during the setting process, use a bezel pusher or roller with even pressure, working slowly around the stone. Annealing the wire before setting can make it more pliable and less likely to crack or warp. Additionally, ensure the bezel is evenly soldered to the base to provide a stable foundation.

Yes, bezel wire can be used to set stones in hollow jewellery designs, such as rings or pendants with open backs. The bezel securely holds the stone in place while the hollow design reduces weight and allows light to pass through, enhancing the stone’s brilliance.

To create a flush finish with bezel wire, ensure that the bezel is filed and polished evenly after setting the stone. The bezel should sit flush with the stone’s surface, with no gaps or uneven edges. Using a flat file and careful polishing will help achieve a smooth, professional finish.

You can buy high-quality bezel wire for jewellery making from specialised jewellery supply stores, both online and in physical locations. Stores like Ore Metals offer a wide range of bezel wire and other strips in various precious metal alloys. Shopping online gives you the advantage of comparing products, reading customer reviews, and accessing a broader selection of materials.

Fine silver bezel strips offer greater malleability and are easier to work with compared to sterling silver, making them ideal for intricate settings and delicate designs. Fine silver is 99.9% pure, which means it’s softer and more pliable, allowing for smoother bezel settings without the risk of cracking.

To ensure a secure fit when setting faceted stones with bezel wire, choose a bezel strip that is slightly taller than the girdle (widest part) of the stone. Shape the bezel wire around the stone, ensuring it fits snugly. After soldering, gently press the bezel over the stone’s crown (top facets) using a bezel pusher, ensuring even pressure around the entire stone to secure it without causing damage.

Yes, you can combine different types of bezel strips in one jewellery piece to create unique designs. For example, you can use plain bezel strips for a clean, modern look while incorporating serrated or ledge profile bezel strips to add texture and depth to the design. Mixing different metals or profiles can also enhance the overall aesthetic and provide a custom, multi-dimensional appearance.

To repair damaged bezel settings in jewellery, carefully remove the stone from the bezel if necessary. Use a jeweller’s file to smooth out any dents or irregularities in the bezel. If the bezel is cracked or broken, it may need to be re-soldered. Once the bezel is repaired, clean and polish it before resetting the stone. Ensure the stone is securely set by gently pressing the bezel over the stone with a bezel pusher.