[Jewelry making - Article 00229] - Re: [Orchid] Proud pearls on rings escaping

[Judy Willingham]

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Hello Paul Watson

    I'm sure someone will comment that pearls are fragile enough that
    they should not be worn as an everyday ring.  However, you asked
    about alternatives for mounting pearls on rings.  I have two
    suggestions. 

    This is a nearly glue-less way to mount pearls on posts, although I
    always use epoxy as well.  The post should be a snug fit and
    slightly shorter than the hole drilled in the pearl. Cut a slot in
    the top of the post and insert a wedge of (the post's) metal into
    the top of the slot.  Put the pearl onto the post; the wedge will be
    forced down into the slot as you  press the pearl down on the post. 
    The wedge spreads the sides of the slot so that they expand against
    the sides of the hole.  This method does not allow for later removal
    of the pearl - the metal must be drilled out. 

    Another, less permanent mounting with epoxy is to rough up and kink
    the post a bit so that it is not smooth or straight.  When the epoxy
    sets,  the post is sort of "keystoned" in place and doesn't slide
    out.  It can be removed by heating the metal a bit to soften the
    epoxy, allowing the post to be withdrawn. 

    A mounting that protects the pearl is a good idea.  Some decorative
    metal that rises around the sides of the pearl will take the worst
    of the abuse, and  loosening becomes less likely. 

    Hope this helps.  Judy in Kansas, where after two days of
    winterstorm, the sun is shining brightly - get out the sunglasses. 


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