How to Determine the Correct Height of a Bezel
When making a wire-woven bezel - the 'frame' that is used to hold a gemstone - one of the most frustrating parts of the project is the determination of how 'high' to make the weave. This is further complicated by the type of bezel you plan to make.
Let's explore just how to determine the right height of the bezel for the stone you're working with.
Let's explore just how to determine the right height of the bezel for the stone you're working with.
A woven, "netted" bezel wraps around the stone edges.
It comes just under the bottom edge and slightly over the top.
This holds the stone securely.
This open-style bezel lets light pass through the sides. It enhances brilliance.
Use it for clear or translucent stones.
It comes just under the bottom edge and slightly over the top.
This holds the stone securely.
This open-style bezel lets light pass through the sides. It enhances brilliance.
Use it for clear or translucent stones.
An 'edge-wrapped' bezel is fitted similarly, but it's top and bottom edges may not necessarily require you to extend the wire under the bottom edge, or over the top edge.
This style of bezel is mainly decorative.
The wires on the front and back of the gemstone serve as the actual holders, securing the stone in place and protecting it from being pushed out.
These holding wires can also be an integral part of the design.
Some designs are simple and understated, while others make a bold, striking statement.
The wires on the front and back of the gemstone serve as the actual holders, securing the stone in place and protecting it from being pushed out.
These holding wires can also be an integral part of the design.
Some designs are simple and understated, while others make a bold, striking statement.
How DO you measure the height?
This style of bezel is mainly decorative. The wires on the front and back of the gemstone serve as the actual holders, securing the stone in place and protecting it from being pushed out.
These holding wires can also be an integral part of the design. Some designs are simple and understated, while others make a bold, striking statement.
These holding wires can also be an integral part of the design. Some designs are simple and understated, while others make a bold, striking statement.
With a marking pen near at hand, carefully lay a ruler, or something you could substitute (preferably clear), on top of the stone.
Hole the ruler as level as possible. Mark the wire at the bottom edge of the ruler.
Hole the ruler as level as possible. Mark the wire at the bottom edge of the ruler.
Remove the cabochon and observe the height of the mark left behind.
I used a fine-point Sharpie, which produces a slightly wider line.
The top of the mark corresponds to the highest point of the stone.
Since the bezel should only slightly overlap the edge, use the lower edge of the mark to determine your measurement.
I used a fine-point Sharpie, which produces a slightly wider line.
The top of the mark corresponds to the highest point of the stone.
Since the bezel should only slightly overlap the edge, use the lower edge of the mark to determine your measurement.
Measure from the top of the flat wire to the bottom edge of the mark. The stone rests on the wire. Use millimeters for precision.
Use a ruler that starts at zero. If yours doesn't, untape and hold the wire while measuring.
This gives your bezel height.
You're ready to start weaving!
See "Three Ways to Keep Your Weave Railroad Straight" for consistent measurements.
Suggestions for new article topics welcome.
Use a ruler that starts at zero. If yours doesn't, untape and hold the wire while measuring.
This gives your bezel height.
You're ready to start weaving!
See "Three Ways to Keep Your Weave Railroad Straight" for consistent measurements.
Suggestions for new article topics welcome.
Materials
20 Gauge Round Dead Soft Copper Wire
H11-20D
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
- Price: $0.49
- Gold Club Price: $0.37
26 Gauge Round Dead Soft Copper Wire
H11-26D
- Lesson Quantity: 10.00 feet
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 10FT
- Price: $1.23
- Gold Club Price: $0.93
Tools
6 Inch Metal Ruler - in Inches And Centimeters
G7-7
- G7-7
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $2.97
- Gold Club Price: $2.23
C.H.P Milano Italian Flush Cutter, 5 1/2 Inches
PLR-487.00
- PLR-487.00
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $16.97
- Gold Club Price: $12.73
Supply Detail
loading...
Change Metal:
This Article requires:
Purchase quantity:
Price: $
Gold Club Price: $
Purchase quantity:
Price: $
Gold Club Price: $
- Category: Contemporary
- Technique(s): Weaving
Linda Gale
Other Articles by Linda Gale
creating a tutorial
How to Copy, Save, and Compact Tutorials
Three Ways to Keep Weaving Railroad Straight
Permanent Marker - the Tool You Love to Hate
How to Create a Print-out from a Video Tutorial
Create an 'Instant Memory Jogger' for Weaves, Techniques and Tips
An Unusual Wire Weave
Necklaces - How to Choose the Correct Length
The premier place for all your jewelry making needs. The best in wire, tools, cabochons, gemstone beads and more. As well as a superior resource for educational support to help build your jewelry making skills and techniques.
Connect With Us
® 2007 - 2026 Wirejewelry.com Powered by ClaimTheWeb Cart