  Setting
Gemstones in Wrap-Tite Type Findings
Wrap-Tite jewelry making findings are essentially concave circles of
sterling silver with a loop at one or both ends. The concave part
of the circle grips and holds the gemstone while the loop or loops allow
you to connect the finding to other elements of your jewelry. You
can view two samples of jewelry made with the Wrap-Tite type findings
left and right. The earrings at left, use a 10mm gemstone and
finding to make a simple earring. The earrings at right use two
4mm, 2 loop findings and gemstones and one 6mm finding and gemstone to
make a dangle type earring. These Wrap-Tite type of findings are
relatively easy to use, but may be slightly more difficult to use than
our Low Wall Bezel findings. For a beginner, we suggest sticking
with the Low Wall Bezel finding. As you become slightly more
advanced, then consider the options that these Wrap-Tite findings
enable. Because these findings aren't as solid as many other
jewelry making findings we like to use them for earrings, but don't
recommend them for bracelets which get a lot more wear and tear.
Our instructions for how to set a gemstone with these findings follow:
There are essentially two simple steps in making jewelry with Wrap Tite
Findings, The first is to press the finding into position on the
gemstone and the second is to squeeze the finding to set the stone in
place.
 There
are two tools used in this process. The first tool is a pair of
round nose pliers with very fine tips. Tips that are about 1mm are
preferred. We used our
WigJig
Round Nose Pliers, Item 4001. The round nose pliers are used
to squeeze the loop in the finding so that the finding wraps tightly
around the gemstone. The second tool used is a piece of 16
gauge wire that we shaped as shown at right. To make this tool,
cut a 2 1/2" segment of 16 gauge wire and file both ends smooth with a
jeweler's file or a nail file. Grasp the wire about 1" from one
end of the wire and make a 90 degree bend. Measure 4mm from this
bend and make a second bend for the 4mm tool and measure 6mm from the
bend and make a second bend for the 6mm tool. (The 4mm and 6mm
tools are made to work with 4mm or 6mm two loop Wrap-Tite findings.
Either of these tools will work with any one loop finding.) This
"U" shaped piece of 16 gauge wire is used to insert into the loop or
loops in the Wrap-Tite finding while you are squeezing the finding in
your round nose pliers to preserve the shape of the loop in the finding.
We will discuss the individual steps in making earrings with the Wrap-Tite
Findings on the following web page.
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