QuestionWhich glue should I use to bond a bottom hole drilled pearl to the single stem insert on the top portion of the ring? The stem that inserts into the hole of the pearl is too short to permanently keep the pearl safely in place.
AnswerRhonda, I first wish you a wonderful new year and 2009. As for the pearl, here is what I suggest:
Try if possible to make the peg (stem) for the pearl a tighter fit, even if perhaps too short. This may be done by squeezing the end of the peg in the jaws of flat nosed or chain nosed pliers, flattening but widening the peg so it will fit with some tighter contact to the pearl drill hole. That is your judgment having both the pearl and the ring to see.
The best cement is not a quick one for this work. You need a two part epoxy cement and I recommend the 2 hour curing sort, not the five minute kind. The best I have found is Hughes 330, from better crafts suppliers and from rock shops. This one cures water clear. If you have to use another brand be aware the cement will likely look a bit amber when cured. Use use just enough to hold the pearl.
First, clean the pearl and peg with alcohol to remove any signs or traces of oils, including fingerprint. When dry from the alcohol, take the cement and mix equal parts on a disposable surface, like an old plastic ziplock bag or similar plastic surface. With a rod or needle small enough, take some cement and insert into the pearl hole. Do this and gently pull out the needle. Do this until it looks like the hole is full of epoxy. Then, put a little on the ring peg and push the pearl onto the peg. Keep all held securely so nothing moves until the cement cures completely. Left alone, this will take about 2 hours. If placed on a warmed surface (certainly not too hot to touch but enough to feel some heat) or warmed by a light bulb, the cure will be faster. How to know when the cement is cured without moving the pearl? Take the mixing tool and leave it in the leftover cement and put it with the ring. When the tool is cemented strongly to the leftover epoxy the cement in the pearl will also be cured.
There you have it. In my opinion, this is the best way to make the best of a short situation.
Again, God Bless and Peace for 2009. Thomas.
