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The steps in making these earrings are almost identical to the steps for using our Snap-fit findings. The difference is that occasionally, these findings will be slightly bent in transport and may not fit perfectly on the first try. One of more of the pegs may need to be bent slightly in our out so that it can perfectly accommodate the gemstone. To set the gemstone, place the stone, upside down on a flat, smooth surface like a cutting board. Place the finding on top of the gemstone as shown below-left. If all four pegs are properly aligned, then slight pressure will cause the gemstone to pop into position, with the edge of the gemstone set in a notch in each of the four pegs holding the stone. If one or more pegs aren't properly aligned, you may need to remove the gemstone, and slightly bend the peg so that it is properly aligned. To bend one of the mounting pegs, grasp the peg with your bent chain nose pliers, while you hold the finding between the thumb and forefinger of your non-dominant hand. After aligning the peg or pegs, position the gemstone face down and place the finding over the gemstone as shown. With light pressure the stone should pop into position. With this type of setting it is very important that each of the four mounting pegs be squeezed and bent slightly inward. Grasp the earring as shown below-center and one at a time, squeeze the mounting pegs so that they bend slightly toward the center of the gemstone. Because the mounting pegs extend only about 3mm beyond the edge of the gemstone, you will be trying to bend only this final 3mm of mounting post. If you look closely at the finished earring below-right, you will be able to see that the final 3mm of each mounting peg is bent about 1-2 mm inward. This way, it is impossible for the gemstone to accidentally slip out of this finding. Using the thumb and fore-finger on your dominant hand, try to spin the gemstone in the setting. If the gemstone is loose and will easily spin, the stone is not set firmly enough and you need to use your pliers some more to bend the mounting posts in. If you can not spin the gemstone in the setting because the metal is holding the stone too tightly to allow this, then the stone is properly set.
When you have completed setting the gemstone in both Castlite earring findings, then add your ear clutch to the back of each earring. This will complete this jewelry making project. Please see page 18 to view how to use our gemstone setting pliers to help with setting gemstones in these Castlite findings. This same approach to setting gemstones can be used for our Castlite Lever Back Earring findings. All the gemstones and findings used for these projects can be found in the "More Bling" department of our WigJig Store. Occasionally, we may be out of stock of one type of finding in gold-filled or sterling silver, but hopefully, we will have that finding in another metal. |
