Setting gemstones can be a complex part of the jewellery making process. So, if you want to set your sights higher and graduate from simple ring and pendant making to more difficult stone set designs, tube setting stones is an excellent place to start.

Learn how to make tube settings for stones in our step by step guide below. Before we begin, let’s get to know tube settings in a little more detail…

What is a tube setting?

It’s as simple as it sounds! A tube setting is an easy way of setting a gemstone, using a small amount of tube for the stone to rest in. As long as you use a suitable sized metal tube to set your gemstone that will fit and support it well, it will leave you with a clean, professional look – whether you’re creating a pendant or ring design.

Tube setting stones: step by step

Tube setting tools you’ll need:

 

Top tip: Make sure that you choose the correct size metal tube for the gemstone you’ll be using. Ideally, you’ll want the outside diameter of the tube to be about 0.5mm wider than the gemstone itself. This will accommodate for the creation of the seat that the gemstone will sit in. Try to opt for metal tube with a wall that is about 1mm thick too. This will make the use of the ball burr a lot easier, creating a neat seat for your gemstone to be placed into.

How to tube set a faceted stone

1. Measure up!

Measure the width (also known as the girdle) of your stone using your calipers. Digital calipers can be handy to make sure you have as accurate a measurement as possible. Whatever the width/girdle of your stone, add 0.5mm to that and you’ll have the ideal width for the metal tube you’ll need to create your tube setting.

Now measure from the height of the stone (also known as the table). Get an accurate read with your calipers by holding the girdle carefully between your thumb and index finger. Got your measurement? Now add another millimetre to that. This will help you make sure you don’t cut too far into the tube when creating the seat for your gemstone.

2. Mark your metal tube

Got your height measurement? Set your calipers at this number, not forgetting that additional millimetre! Now you’re calipers are set to the correct depth you can use them to score a mark all the way around your metal tube, making sure that you keep the calipers firmly in place. This will give you a good guide so that you can cut your tube accurately.

3. Cut your tube to size

At this stage you can use a cutting jig to make sure you cut the tube as straight as you possiblly can. Of course, if you don’t have a cutting jig in your tool kit you can always use your bench peg to stabilise the tube and your jeweller’s saw to get the best cut you can, before tidying up with a flat file so that the end is completely flush. As you cut, keep the saw straight and perpendicular and use a steady back and forth motion to make sure that the line is as straight as possible before moving onto the next stage.

4. Solder the tube onto your design

Now you’re ready to solder! Whatever you’re creating – whether it’s a pendant or a stone set ring – now is the time to bring the two elements together before setting your stone in place. If you’re adding the tube to a surface that is curved, then you may want to shape the tube with a half round needle file so that it sits flush with the element that it is being soldered to. This will aid the soldering process and give you a cleaner, more stable finish.

New to soldering? Check out our simple guide to soldering before you learn how to make tube settings for stones.

5. Drill the seat into the tubing

Before you start drilling it’s important to choose the right burr. Make sure that the burr is the same diameter as the stone you’re setting in place. Start off with a ball burr to get the process moving. Take it slowly to start with as you can overshoot the drilling process – remember, you can always take metal away, but you can’t put it back. And don’t forget to secure your design to your workbench using a clamp to make sure it does not shift.

If you do not drill directly down and centrally into the tube your gemstone seat will be off centre and you will have to start over. That’s why a drill press machine is ideal for this kind of work – it will keep your burr in position and in a straight downward motion that’s ideal for tube setting gemstones. However, if a pendant drill is what you have available in your toolkit, practise drilling in a downward, central position before you move onto your finished piece. This will help you accurately drill into the tube the first time around.

6. Check and drill…Check and drill…

Once you’ve drilled using your round burr, brush away some of the debris and test your stone in the seat. How far off are you? If you have the correct depth at this point you should still have just a little of the gemstone poking up out of the tube setting. Now you can switch to a stone setting burr and continue drilling to create the flat seat for your stone. Remember to take it slowly and to continuously check the level that your stone is sitting in the tube. This will help you to determine when the stone is almost flush with the tube and when you can move onto the next step.

7. Set your gemstone in place with a burnishing tool

The girdle of your gemstone should now be sitting just below the top of your tube setting. This will give you enough room to push the edges of the tube down over the stone to secure it in place. This can be done in a number of ways. Some jewellers will use a hammering setting on their pendant drill, or they will do this by hand using a bezel setting punch, gently tapping it into place. Whichever method you choose, make sure that you keep checking that the stone is sat in the correct position as you work and push the metal into place. This will help you to secure the stone and keep your tube setting neat and tidy.

8. Burnish and polish to finish

Once you’re happy with the tube setting you’ve created you can polish up your piece and, using a burnisher tool, make sure that the setting is smooth. Remove any harsh hammer marks with your burnisher and you’re ready for a final polish.

Tube setting gemstones takes you one step further towards more complex stone setting techniques and designs that will allow you to diversify your collections, and increase your jewellery making skillset. Don’t forget to stock up on all the jewellery tools and gemstones you need to perfect your next stone set designs.

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Author: Cooksongold
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Cooksongold

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