Daily Wire Tip Sept. 27: Gallery Wire or Bezel Wire?

By on September 26, 2011
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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip for
September 27, 2011

Question:

Please explain the difference between bezel wire and gallery wire and the uses for each. I understand bezel wire is used to surround a cab, but I’m not sure of gallery wire.

-Rosemarie in Westminster, Maryland

Answer:

Hello Rosemarie, short and sweet: gallery wire is just a marketing name for fancy bezel wire. Ok, now I know your next question would be, “What is bezel wire?” In the jewelry industry, a bezel is a setting that holds a stone or cabochon onto the base of the jewelry item. Usually, a bezel is crafted of a plain or ornate wire. A silver or gold smith plans the shape and size of the bezel, making a frame (or collar) that goes around the stone being set. Next, the wire frame is soldered to a base or backing, and then the stone is placed into the frame. If needed, the sides of the frame (made of bezel or gallery wire) are pushed onto the sides of the stone or cabochon to prevent sharp edges and to add to the design, based on the style of bezel or gallery wire the artist chose to work with. For more information, please see What is Gallery Wire.

Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong

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