QuestionI need to put a jade stone back into a sterling silver setting....I made the ring in 7th grade and I need to use a glue in addition to the setting...I'm now almost 50 and I can't remember what glue I used back then...Help! I love this ring and want to wear it again.
AnswerMelody, I am older than you and I can't remember what glue I might have used back then, either. : ) However, I sure can tell you the cement I prefer for this sort of setting.
There are two excellent choices, with the best being the one most applicable to the particular job. First, a two part epoxy made for gemstones and metal is the overall choice, even if you have to set it up right to keep the stone in place while the epoxy cures for a couple of hours. The second is a craft cement called E6000. The later cement is one part and sort of globby. It is used mostly in costume items and even in assembly of craft jewelry from found objects. Epoxy needs a decent fit of stone and metal while the gobby cement will fill some gaps and likely show a bit when done.
If you have a decent contact between the jade and the silver, use epoxy. My personal choice is Hughes 330. This cures water clear, not amber like some. Other epoxy will work but the more clear the better and you need a cure time of more than the quickie 5 mins types. Those cure too fast for adjustments or adding more cement if needed and also don't seem to hold as well over time.
To use the epoxy, clean both the silver and the stone with alcohol to remove any traces of oils, fingerprints, etc. Melody, you don't want anything between the cement and the items being joined to assure the longest lasting connection.
Mix the two parts together on a disposable surface like an old baggie or piece of plastic. When you have put the cement on the jewelry, leave the mixing tool(toothpick, etc.) on the unused cement as a guide for cure times.
Depending on the ring and setting, the epoxy may be applied prior to setting the stone with metal or after if it can be fed into tight areas then. To feed cement into hidden areas, warm the ring a bit over a lamp or with a hair drier then take some mixed epoxy and with a toothpick or similar item put a little where you want the cement to flow. When warmed, the stone and metal will almost suck in the cement since it becomes very, very fluid when warmed. Allow all to set for the time needed for the mixing tool to be firmly glued to the mixing surface. This way you can check the cure without disturbing the jewelry.
That should do it! If you have a good crafts store, either cement may be available or they might have a reasonable alternative brand.
God Bless and Peace. Thomas.
