Project Multiples - Calibrated Cabochons

by Judy Larson

You can save a lot of time if you produce a bunch of pieces at one time. If you're using cabochons that are not all exactly the same, here's a great tip for adjustments while working.

Instructions

Each fall, my husband and I go on a couples getaway so the guys can golf and the women can make jewelry. I don't feel comfortable using torches in a hotel/motel setting so try to make as many parts ahead as possible. This also saves time, as we are only together for two days and we like to make lots of things to give as gifts to family members.

At our last getaway, one of the projects I brought for them was a Northwoods Cuff with a cabochon focal. I pulled together a variety of cabochons from my stash for the women to choose from. They were all purchased as calibrated 18x13mm stones, meaning they should all be the same size. The differences are very slight, but they are not all 18x13mm, the ovals are not all the same shape, and the stone heights are different on all of them. These differences are not a problem if you know this could happen and plan accordingly.

Judy Larson's Project Multiples - Calibrated Cabochons - , Stones, , mass production with cabochons

After measuring and finding the largest cabochon, I set it aside to use for measurements. I was then able to cut the bezel wire and the twisted wire the same length for all the cabochons. Thinner stones can be raised by soldering wire scraps on the bottom of the bezel. The hole in the bezel backplate makes it easy to remove the stone after checking the height. Only the one stone I set aside fit tightly. All the others were very easy to remove.

These are the finished focal pieces ready to be attached to a cuff base. I drilled a hole (not seen) through the focal base piece inside the cabochon setting so everyone could see how their stone would look and still be able to easily remove it. If the chosen cabochon was to be raised, it was simple to cut a piece of wire, shape it, and set it in the bezel.

The focal element was shaped and riveted to the shaped cuff base before setting and securing the cabochon in place.

Materials

30x40mm Oval Cabochons Pk24 - 8 Stones

E1-369

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $86.40
Gold Club Price: $64.80

Out of Stock

40X30mm Oval Gemstone Cabochon Mix - Pack of 10

E1-900

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $25.97
Gold Club Price: $19.48

Out of Stock

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Tools

Basic Soldering Kit

G15-4

G15-4
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $58.95
Gold Club Price: $44.21

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Category: Stones
Technique(s): General Education

Reviews

Judy Larson

My philosophy has always been "I will never live long enough to learn everything I want to learn, go everywhere I want to go and see everything I want to see!" So, what I make and how I create it is always changing and evolving. I was born shortly after WWII to parents who grew up during the Depression. They always had a "we can do it, we can make it" attitude which rubbed off on my two younger brothers and me. My brothers are amazing and can make and do ANYTHING! When I was a little girl, my mother gave me an old carved cigar box, which I cherish, filled with pop beads, wooden beads and yarn for stringing. That was the beginning of my jewelry making journey.

On a visit to the Grand Canyon when I was a young woman, I was fortunate enough to help a Native American silversmith sand cast my first silver bracelet and bezel set a large turquoise nugget on top. I was in love, hook, line and sinker! While working full time and having a family here in northern Minnesota, my artistic endeavors slowed down but never stopped. I am an artist, scrapbooker, seamstress, woodworker and jewelry artisan. Now that I am retired, I am able to indulge in all my hobbies. However, there just never seems to be enough time in the day to do it all, but I try!

I have been teaching community education beginner and intermediate jewelry making classes since my retirement. Many of my students have been bitten so hard by the jewelry making bug that they say I have turned them into monsters-they just can't get enough. Making jewelry, seeing something take shape from small bits and pieces, is so rewarding that I hope it brings out the "monster" in you, too!

Project Multiples - Calibrated Cabochons

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