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.
All links open in a new window.
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).
Holly Gage - Tube Bezel Tutorial
This fabulous tutorial shows you how to make tube bezels for setting stones. The bezels are very clean and accurate. Another winner from Holly!
Metal Clay UK - Gemstone firing guide
Useful firing information for gemstones in place.
Mohs Scale of Hardness
As a jewelry maker, knowing the hardness of the gemstones you're working with will help you to design and create more successful jewelry pieces. This useful resource from Art Jewelry Magazine also has a pdf download link for the scale chart.
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
Delphi - Birth Stone Pendant
Using CZ's to make a pendant.
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.
Margaret Schindel - Squidoo Lens on setting gemstones in metal clay
A very comprehensive information page about setting stones. Contains lots of tips and hints.
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.
