 We begin this jewelry making project by attaching the gemstones and findings to either side of the watch face so that we will have a loop on either end of the watch face. Step
1: Using 8mm gemstones and the 8mm round silver, bezel
Step 2: Now we need to bend the four tabs in the finding down to hold the gemstone in place. Pick up the finding and gemstone and hold the gemstone in position in the finding with your thumb of your non-dominant hand on the point of the gemstone. Using your bent chain nose pliers, bend first tab 1, then 3 down, followed by 2 then 4. When all four tabs have been bent down, go back to each tab and using your pliers make sure that they are down securely holding the gemstone. Step 3: Now that we have set our gemstones, we need to use wire to attach the gemstones to either side of the watch. First cut two segments of 20 or 22 gauge 1/2 hard wire each about 3 1/2 inches long. For beginners, 22 gauge will be easier to work with. Step 4: Straighten both segments of wire using your
nylon jaw pliers by pulling the wire repeatedly through the jaws of the
pliers.
Step 5: Grasp each of the wire segments in turn about 1
1/4" from the end in your bent chain nose pliers and make a right angle
bend. Slide the long side of the wire into one of the loops on the
end of your watch face. (For this watch we used watch
part number 3229.
When in position with the right angle bend tightly against the watch, bend
the other end of your wire segment 90 degrees so that the wire ends up as
shown at right. You will have a short wire segment and a long wire
segment.
Step 6: Position your watch face, face down on a table or cutting board. Slide your bezel setting with gemstone also face down into position as shown at left. Slide the setting until it is immediately adjacent to your watch face. These instructions continue on the next page. |
finding,
