QuestionQUESTION: Hi Can you tell me the correct way to use stone setting punches please. I'm not sure if I should twist the punches over the top of the tube and stone or push down. Any advise would be appreciated.
Thanks
Sam
ANSWER: hello Sam I am having trouble with your question..
you working with silver or gold... are you just trying to stamp in the
.925 in silver... or ^ number in gold?
By tube you talking about a ring...if you're talking about a ring and you're trying to put it on the inside bottom, there are punches available that have a U bend in them so you will be applying the pressure straight down..
Let me know if I can help..I'm really not a goldsmith that would be the person to check with..
Regards Rolfe
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi Rolfe
Thanks for the prompt reply but I haven't been very clear in my question. I have bought a set of stone setting punches to bezel set either cabochon or facetted stones. I've used silver tube and taken a little out of the inside using a burr so my stone sits just inside the tube and I should be able to use the punches to (don't know why anyone would name them punches) rub the silver over the stone to keep it in place but I'm not getting a very good finish and didn't know if there is a certain technique to using the punches.
I've been searching for ages online trying to find the correct way to use them and of course they come with no instructions.
Hope you can help.
Thanks for your time.
Regards Sam
Answeryou need to ask a silversmith or a goldsmith..
the other thing you can do is find out the phone number for Rio Grande
catalog... located in Santa Fe Mexico... if you call and ask for an expert on that subject in April when on the phone for you.. you should be able to find them by googling
good luck Rolfe
