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Making a Bracelet with Prong Set Stones
by Dale Armstrong
Question:

I want to make a bracelet out of 14x12mm oval faceted gemstones. I want to use prongs, but do not want it bulky. I cannot find snap sets in that size. I have called places and searched the web with no results. Do you have any suggestions?

-Cynthia in Buchanan, Georgia
Instructions
Answer:

Sure, Cynthia, you can make prong settings for your small faceted stones from wire! Using the photo here for an example, instead of making a complete prong-frame (all around each stone), use 24-gauge wire to make two Half Frames, one for each side of the stone (wrap between the prongs with 21g half-round wire).
Dale Armstrong's Making a Bracelet with Prong Set Stones - , Classic Wire Jewelry, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, Design, , Prong set stone
At each end, where the frame meets, use the same 24-gauge square to wrap the frame together, 2 times to show. Now, instead of using the remaining wires to make a bail and embellish (as you would on a pendant) use them to make a connection loop. For strength and durability while keeping all of your settings on the same plane, I would use a purchased Closed Jump Ring between each stone setting. Just remember to insert the ring into the connection loop at the end of a stone setting, before you wrap it closed (the same if you choose to use a purchased clasp such as a lobster claw or trigger style).

For those of you who would like to learn how to make a prong frame for cut stones, DVD 1 of the Advanced DVD series shows exactly how, including the formulas for stones of all sizes!

Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong

Materials

22 Gauge Round Half Hard 1/10 Sterling Silver Filled Wire
H10-22H
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 feet
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $0.59
  • Gold Club Price: $0.45
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22 Gauge Half Round Half Hard 1/10 Sterling Silver Filled Wire
H10-22HRH
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 feet
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $0.34
  • Gold Club Price: $0.25
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24 Gauge Square Half Hard 1/10 Sterling Silver Filled Wire
H10-24SQH
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 feet
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
  • Price: $0.49
  • Gold Club Price: $0.37
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Advanced Series - Part 1
DVD-ADV1
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $49.95
  • Gold Club Price: $37.46
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Tools

Chain Nose Wire Plier
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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3 Step Square Pliers
G2-505
  • G2-505
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $37.95
  • Gold Club Price: $28.46
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Flat Nose Wire Plier
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 Plier
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: $14.97
  • Gold Club Price: $11.23
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  • Category: Classic
  • Technique(s): Wrapping, Design, General Education

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