Gluing and Fittings

[BeadersSecret]

Thanks Jeremy for pointing out the angle when gluing, I also do this.

Here's a photo of a tray I use when gluing which I find invaluable in supporting the pearls during gluing - Its a Gem sorting tray.


The green "stuff" is not poster tack or plasticine it is a finger mark removal product used in the watch industry (No marks or residue left behind)

katban, I had\have the same issue - the best is to develop a good relationship with a bench jeweller who can make\adjust fittings to your needs. The fittings in the background where made for me in yellow gold, with 1mm posts which are invaluable when working on South Sea or other pearls in larger sizes. There's no easy\consistent answer when buying "off-the-shelf" fittings

 

[CathyKeshi]

Thank you all for the great information in this thread!

 

[JerseyPearl]

Bernadette, I use pearl sorting cards (the cardboard kind with sticky spots to hold pearls) and dry my earrings the same way. I find the cards are great because who cares if glue splats on them! Stuller has a line of pearl findings they market for south seas pearls, which have much longer pegs.

 

[BeadersSecret]

JerseyPearl thank you for the information.

 

[pattye]

Excellent ideas, everyone!

I've even used a bowl of (dry) rice when gluing long briolettes, because I can stick them down into the rice to hold upright.