[Jewelry making - Article 00748] - Re: [Orchid] Backing Moonstones

[Don Rogers]

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    Sandra, you can easily "Proof" the stones by painting the backs with
    finger nail polish.  I use black finger nail polish to test opals
    for inlay.  It cleans right off with just a drop of acetone.  You
    could experiment with other colors as well.  That said, you are
    unlikely to get that great blue from a clear moonstone.  That color
    comes from within, not behind the stone. 

    What ever backing you decide to use, should be both water and body
    oil proof, else you will soon have an ugly separation of color and
    stone.  The most likely semi permanent colors will be colored epoxy.
     I would get some dye from some place like Tap Plastics or other
    like shops.  Just remember that there needs to be a thick layer
    under the stone.  If you apply the colored epoxy and then let the
    stone touch the backing, you will get some not very good results in
    the form of a bulls eye where the stone touches the backing.  There
    needs to be at least a mm or so of color backing to prevent bleed
    through.  Make sure the stone is very clean.  A final wipe with
    acetone just prior to setting in the epoxy and make sure you don't
    touch the stone with your fingers in between cleaning and setting. 
    Set the stone in the bezel or prongs and then before the epoxy sets,
    clean any that squeezes out. 

Don



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