Prevent Scratches on Cabochons
by Dale Armstrong
Question:

How do I prevent scratches on my cabs when I adjust the top wire on pendants and rings, such as the Pharaohs Ring?

-Pamela in Roblin, Manitoba, Canada
Instructions
Answer:

Hello Pamela, there are three basic guidelines that can prevent scratches on your cabs while locking them into a frame or setting.
Dale Armstrong's Prevent Scratches on Cabochons - , Stones, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, Pharaohs Ring
1. Never use a twisted wire as the wire to pull over the top of a cabochon.
2. Be sure you have used enough wires for a cabochon frame, because having to reach down with a tool and pull a wire up and then bend it over a cabochon can scratch the cab
3. Practice your cabochon ring and pendant frames using stones with a Mohs hardness of 6 or more, such as quartz, jasper, and agate. When you are more confident with your tool techniques, then move on to softer stones such as malachite.
Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong

Materials

21 Gauge Square Half Hard .925 Sterling Silver Wire
H8-21SQH
  • Lesson Quantity: 5.00 feet
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 5FT
  • Price: $11.80
  • Gold Club Price: $8.85
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20 Gauge Half Round Half Hard .925 Sterling Silver Wire
H8-20HRH
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.50 feet
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 5FT
  • Price: $7.09
  • Gold Club Price: $5.32
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18x13mm Snow Quartz Oval Cabochon - Pack of 1
E7-247E
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $1.04
  • Gold Club Price: $0.78
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Tools

Ring Series - Part 2
DVD-RINGS2
  • DVD-RINGS2
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $39.95
  • Gold Club Price: $29.96
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Chain Nose Wire Pliers
G2-508
  • G2-508
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $32.95
  • Gold Club Price: $24.71
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Flat Nose Wire Pliers
G2-506
  • G2-506
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $32.95
  • Gold Club Price: $24.71
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Round Nose Wire Pliers
G2-507
  • G2-507
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $32.95
  • Gold Club Price: $24.71
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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
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Stainless Steel Ring Mandrel Sizes 1-15
G7-2
  • G7-2
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $32.95
  • Gold Club Price: $24.71
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  • Category: Stones
  • Technique(s): Wrapping