[Jewelry making - Article 00240] - Re: [Orchid] Open Back or Not

[Dale Burnett]

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Hi Linda,

    While I am certainly not one of the experts on this list, I will
    venture to answer your question.  Since I have not yet been working
    with faceted stones, I will also limit my answer to bezel setting
    cabochons and leave any discussion of faceted stones to those more
    knowledgeable than I. 

    Whether to leave the back open or closed depends upon a number of
    factors: 

    1.  Transparency or translucency of the stone.  Reflections from the
    closed back behind a transparent or translucent stone can interfere
    with or obscure the characteristics of the stone.  An example would
    be a closed back behind a rutilated quartz crystal cabochon. 
    Reflections could obscure the rutiles and make them less visible. 
    Another example would be a translucent opal.  Reflections from a
    closed back could interfere with the fire of the opal.  However, a
    properly textured and/or patinated background behind such stones can
    also be used to create some interesting effects and enhancements to
    the characteristics of the stone.  For example, a black patination
    behind a translucent opal can be used to make the fire stand out and
    more consistently without concern for what background effect
    different clothing may have.  One note of caution here is that if
    not properly done, this can look as though you are giving a fake
    appearance to the properties of the stone. 

    2.  Weight considerations.  In a larger piece, leaving the back
    closed will add more weight to the piece.  This is generally
    undesirable from a comfort standpoint of the wearer as well as the
    fact that it adds cost to the item, especially when working in
    higher priced metals such as gold.  In smaller pieces, leaving the
    back closed will also add some weight which can be desirable in that
    it can give the piece a more substantial feel. 

    3.  Design considerations.  Sometimes whether to leave the back open
    or closed is best determined by the design and what kind of look you
    want your work to have.  A closed back can give a piece a more
    elegant look, even if the wearer is the only one who will see it. 
    Sometimes you may want the back of the stone visible such as if it
    is a particularly interesting stone.  An example might be a piece I
    did recently with an intarsia cabochon.  I left the back open
    because I wanted people to be able to see that what was visible from
    the front went all the way through the stone (I did not use a
    backing piece for the intarsia).  I found that most people who
    looked at it were surprised by that fact. 

    I hope this gives some helpful insights to you. 

Best Regards,
Dale


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