Web Based Tutorials for using Stones with Metal Clay
This page has links to websites that have valuable information, tutorials and projects about using stones with metal clay.
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Basic Stone Information
Beading Forum - Birthstones, Starstones and Daystones
Useful list of birthstones, starstones and daystones so you can choose a stone for the perfect gift.
Beading Forum - Gemstone Profiles
Find out the colours and properties of gemstones with this simple information page.
Delphi - stone setting basics
A short but useful tutorial on setting stones in metal clay.
Fire Mountain Gems
US based supplier of Art Clay and stones. This is a short information page covering laboratory grown, synthetic and natural stones and also cubic zirconium (CZ).
Metal Clay UK - Gemstone firing guide
Useful firing information for gemstones in place.
TaoGems - Custom Lapidiary - Design your own Cabochons
This useful Squidoo Lens features some great information about custom design of cabochons for your work. If you can't find the right cab for a special project, you might like to consider designing your own cab and getting it custom made by this company.
Teeda - Guide to Gemology
Great resource for information about gems. Includes cutting and polishing gems, gemstone characteristics and caring for your gemstones.
Projects
Deb Fitz - lentil pendant with recessed bezel set cabochon
Very comprehensive and easy to follow tutorial showing how to make a pair of lentil bead earrings with bezel set cabochons.
Deb Fitz - Freeform Bezel Setting for a Designer Cab
This tutorial for advanced metal clay users shows you how to set a large cabochon using a recessed bezel. Comprehensive and easy to follow instructions with full colour pictures.
Deb Fitz - stone donut pendant with gem set bail
Tutorial showing how to make a metal clay pendant which incorporates a stone donut bead. Includes a bezel cup set stone.
Deb Fitz - shell pendant with a bezel set stone
Tutorial showing how to make a shell pendant from a mould with a hidden bail and set with a stone.
Deb Fitz - book of Kells pendant with bezel set stone
Tutorial showing how to make a heavily textured pendant with an unusual bail and a bezel set stone.
Deb Fitz - box pendant with a bezel cup set cabochon
This great tutorial shows how to make a hollow form using polymer clay as a support during the forming stage. As a bonus, you get to see how Deb makes her polymer clay form. She also shows how to set a bezel cup into the piece. A very useful tutorial for the more advanced metal clay user.
Delphi - Birth Stone Pendant
Using CZ's to make a pendant.
eHow - How to Prong Set Gemstones and Glass in Metal Clay
Gelt Designs tutorial is a great step by step guide to prong setting.
eHow - How to Make a Metal Clay Bezel
This tutorial from Geld Designs shows how to make a metal clay bezel to set a stone after firing.
Holly Gage - making prong settings for things that can't be fired in place
Fantastically detailed tutorial with great pictures. Holly shows how to set a piece of her wonderful titanium using a prong setting. The finished piece is beautiful on both sides, showing the importance of good finishing on the back and front of a design.
Holly Gage - tube bezels
Easy to follow tutorial showing how to make simple bezels using metal clay tube.
Kimiko Ure - Gem Set Flower Ring
Nice simple project from Making Jewellery Magazine. This tutorial shows how to use metal clay to make a flower ring and set a stone in the middle.
Margaret Schindel - Squidoo Lens on setting gemstones in metal clay
A very comprehensive information page about setting stones. Contains lots of tips and hints.
Rio Grande - Bezel Setting a Cabochon
Step by step instructions for how to set a cabochon. Complete supply list.
Sabine Alienor - Bronze Clay Tutorial in French and English
This tutorial shows how to make a prong setting for a stone in Bronze Clay. The technique is equally suitable for use with silver clay.
