Love Beauty >> Love Beauty >  >> FAQ >> Fashion >> Costume Jewelry Collecting >> Jewelry, Gems, Minerals

Setting Non-Calibrated Bloodstones: Finding a Skilled Jeweler


Question

http://www.gemselect.c
Hi
I have two lovely non-cal bloodstones; one 4 ct measuring 13.18 x 8.21 x
5.66 mm the other a 2 ct 9.61 x 6.74 x 4,28 mm (see images if they turn
out). I want them set in SS rings; the larger for me and the smaller for my
wife. I prefer bezels to prongs; can you recommend where I might get this
done at a reasonable cost? I know prongs would be cheaper and i could
probably do them myself but the bezels lokk much nicer in MHO. Thanks for
your advice.
Shawn

Answer
Shawn, I have two recommendations as to where to have the ring work done.  How reasonable the cost might be I cannot say, not being there. : )

The stone in the attached image is very pretty.  The body appears just translucent enough to show the red with a little depth to it. In my opinion, that makes for the prettiest bloodstone cabochons.

I checked the sizes to see if any were close enough to standard sizes to perhaps use a standard sized bezel setting. Unfortunately, that is not the case. The bezels will most likely have to be made from scratch or purchased bezels will need to be modified to fit and then soldered as part of the rings.

A jeweler generally has limited resources on sterling  jewelry. Sure, some have access to more than others and that choice would be the local jeweler and not a chain store. You need a business with a bench jeweler working in-house so you can be given a knowledgeable idea of what needs to be done and a reasonable estimate.  A jeweler who does custom work will most likely be willing to do the job. How much it costs depends on whether a ring is made from scratch or if a ring can be bought and modified to hold each stone.

Another resource is a local rock and gem club, starting with a rock shop to locate a local club. Generally, in the clubs are those who do jewelry work and generally work in silver.  A good rock shop may be able to put you in contact with someone who does this work on their own or put you in touch with a club where jewelers may be members.  Locals would need to give you some idea of the sort of work they do before a commitment is made.  I have found that arts/crafts jewelers who work in silver often do fine work and have no problems working in silver, their general metal in the first place.

Shawn, it will take a few phone calls and perhaps a visit or two to find the person to do the work.  Take you time with this and if possible see an example of the sort of work that person can do.  Don't forget to try a local store since some do the work and price may be just as competitive. A local business may offer better recourse should that be needed.

Best wishes. God Bless and Peace.     Thomas.