Stone Settings without Prongs
This demo-centered virtual course will focus on two distinct stone setting processes: bead setting and hammer setting on a thick walled tube. Starting with bead setting, the first session will guide students on how to expertly hold and use each unique tool. Next, the instructor will demonstrate the processes for successfully mastering this delicate stone setting technique. This technique is especially useful for including smaller, less expensive stones to act as highlights on nearly any design surface!
The second session will show students how to measure and then fabricate a thick walled tube. The instructor will demonstrate how to cut a seat and hammer set a round faceted stone. This type of setting provides a clean visual frame that makes the stone the focal point, while also providing a secure and structurally sturdy setting that is suitable for daily wear. Learn the ins and outs of creating this exquisite setting--ideal for custom engagement and wedding rings!
Meet the instructor

Jim Dailing became passionate about jewelry in college in 1977 after watching a friend skillfully cut an opal. He knew then that he had found his creative outlet. Jim spent the next 10 years furthering his education and gaining experience in a variety of metalsmithing techniques. His enthusiasm and genuine love of the craft is evident in every piece created.
To see some of Jim's work, please visit his website or Instagram page.
Materials & Tools
The following supplies will be used for course demonstrations and objectives. A suggested item and/or vendor has been provided below for reference. Click the vendor name to be redirected to a page where you can view the item. The quantities needed for each item are listed first. If ordering, please be aware that some items may come in larger quantities than needed for this class. We recommend not opening an item's packaging until the day of the workshop. Student participation during or in-between class sessions is not required - observers are welcome.
Metal/raw materials (students should have/make 2 completed satin finish ring bands if they wish to complete workshop objectives):
- 2 x 14ga, 6mm wide ring bands, with a flat profile - made ahead of time, copper is fine
- 6 x 2.5mm CZ (Rio Grande)
- 1 x 5.0mm CZ (Rio Grande)
- 5mm wide x 15.5mm long piece of 18ga sterling silver sheet - (Rio Grande)
- small amount of easy and hard solder (RioGrande and RioGrande)
A soldering setup:
- 1 x fireproof torch area - steel baking sheet will work (Amazon)
- 1 x Solderite™ pad or fire bricks (Rio Grande)
- 1 x torch - Smith mini or Silversmith (Rio Grande or Rio Grande)
- 1 x #0 or #1 torch tip - if getting Silversmith (Rio Grande)
- 1 x soldering tweezers (Rio Grande)
- 1 x soldering pick (Rio Grande)
- 1 x 3rd arm (Rio Grande)
- 1 x paste flux (Rio Grande)
- 1 x copper tongs - for pickle (Rio Grande)
- pickle - for non-ferrous metals (Rio Grande)
- crock pot or tempered glass container - for pickle (Amazon)
- tempered glass container or sink - for quenching and rinsing
- small brush - for flux
Hand tools:
- 1 x half round file - #2 or #1 cut (RioGrande)
- 1 x basic plier set (RioGrande or RioGrande)
- 1 x jewelers saw (RioGrande)
- 1 x pack saw blades - 2/0 and 4/0 (RioGrande and RioGrande)
- 1 x bench pin (RioGrande)
- 1 x ring clamp or other clamping device (RioGrande)
- 1 x rotary tool - flexshaft or micro-motor (RioGrande)
- 1 x 2.5mm setting bur (RioGrande/RioGrande or OttoFrei)
- 1 x 5.0mm setting bur (RioGrande/RioGrande/RioGrande or OttoFrei)
- 1 x 2.3mm bud bur (RioGrande/RioGrande/RioGrande or OttoFrei)
- 1 x beading tool set (RioGrande or OttoFrei)
- 1 x 5/8" felt buffs - mounted (RioGrande)
- 1 x slotted mandrel - 3/32" shank or paint stirs (RioGrande)
- 1 x center punch (RioGrande or OttoFrei)
- drill bit - #51 or 1.7mm (RioGrande)
- abrasive paper - 220 to 600 grits (Amazon or Amazon)
- magnification - MegaViews, optivisors, 10x loupe, etc.
- good light source
- lubricant - burlife (RioGrande) or beeswax
- tripoli (RioGrande) and red rouge (RioGrande)
- fine point Sharpie marker
- tooth brush
- small amount of sticky wax or beeswax
- 3"-4" x 1/8" rod - for wax
Forming tools:
- 1 x bezel forming block with punch (Rio Grande)
- 1 x chasing hammer (Rio Grande)
- 1 x rawhide or plastic mallet (Rio Grande)
You will need a flat ended punch for hammer setting. The instructor will demo how to make one using a 4" x 1/8"-1/4" piece of tools steel square stock, files, and a torch to heat treat the steel, so you can make your own or purchase one.
Other/miscellaneous items:
- Hard work surface
- Fan and open window - or ventilation system
- Safety glasses
- Pencil, Sharpie, notebook
- Rags/towels