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Easy setting, cushion style

By From The Bench Publication | November 11, 2010

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 Though setting a cushion-cut stone is not a difficult task, we thought you’d like to know how we do it at Stuller. And, while some of these steps may seem like “no brainers”, everyone can use reminders from time to time: Don’t you think?

 

So, here we go:

  • First and foremost, measure the stone.  Sure, you can eyeball it, but why not just measure it and be exact instead?
  • Before grabbing your bur, check the overall thickness of the stone as well as it’s girdle size.

TIP#1: If the stone is thin and has little girdle, a 45° bur is recommended. Using a 90° bur, in the case, may cause you to over cut the seat and prove difficult in securing a tight fit for the stone. A 45° bur will cut a much thinner seat and proves to be the better choice for this task. If the stone is thick and has a wide girdle, a 90° bur should be used to cut your seat. A bud bur may be your best choice to open the seat up a little to allow room for the girdle.

  • Check your fit and make sure the stone sits level to see if you need to make further adjustments in your cutting.
  • Remove any flashing caused by your burs.

TIP#2: To achieve a cleaner, more couture look, use light polish inside the bearing area at this point in the process.

  • Now that the stone is ready to be seated in the setting and tightened, it's time to apply pressure to the prongs with your pliers to make contact with the stone and secure a tight fit.
  • Prep the prongs and apply a final polish to the piece and you're done.

 

That's it from our bench to yours. Good luck and good setting!

 


 

[Adapted by From The Bench Publication By Stuller’s own Stone Setting Master Setters 2]