[danachit]

I'm going to be setting some rather large teardrop pearls with a 14K gold eyelet to attach to some leverback earrings. Found some nice weighty ones from Stuller's.

Prior to making pearl stud earrings, I investigated glue and settled on a two-part epoxy that takes 24 hours to set. If I don't have a glue board around, I'll set the pearls in a little cup of salt to hold them upright.

I've seen jewelers use a drop of super glue....and I've had those super-glued pearls pop off their posts in my own personal use.

What have yall found to be the glue of choice for holding power?

[Caitlin]

I can't answer your questionn, but I have one of my own....I wonder how the drop pearls of old were set in earrings?

[danachit]

Wow..good question!

[DFrey]

Hi Danachit,
I am using a two part epoxy "two ton epoxy" that takes 24hrs to cure . Haven't had anything come apart using it.

Caitlin
Shellac may have been used to attach pearls to metal findings before the use of inorganic glues. I have seen a number of old pieces that used shellac when a glue was called for.

DFrey

[Caitlin]

Hi dfrey
If the product of choice, was shellac and it was discontinued in favor of modern glues, why? Why not continue to use the traditional glues? Or, have traditional glues been completely eclipsed by the modern for good reason?

Hmm, sounds like another good research project. Unless Ashby has already done some research on how they did it in QE-I times......

[Bernadette]

I would never recomend using one of the superglue type products - the epoxies are definately the way to go - except for the 5 minute types which have a tendancy to soften at body temperatures.

The epoxies have an advantage over many other glue types in that they stay flexible - making them less prone to breakage at the glue joint from shocks and mishandling.

Yes, shellac used to be used as a glue in both the jewellery and watch industry (Still is used at the high end in both) - but epoxies have really made their mark as the results are consistent and more easily controlled. (And no beetles are harmed in the making of - as sometimes happens with shellac )